Speaking at the Democratic National Convention Monday night, history-making athlete Jason Collins didn’t hold back in his endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
Collins became the first active male U.S. athlete in a major professional sport to come out as gay in 2013. The 37-year-old NBA veteran, who retired from pro-basketball in 2014, told DNC attendees at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center that Bill and Hillary Clinton were among those who were aware of his sexuality before he opened up about it in an interview with Sports Illustrated.
“My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time,” he said. “I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.”
He said he came out privately to the Clintons before the Sports Illustrated interview hit newsstands because “I knew that they would accept me for who I was, and they would help pave a path for others to do the same.”
Pointing to Hillary Clinton’s history of supporting the LGBT community, he added, “[The Clintons] knew that my sexual orientation made no difference in my ability to play basketball, just as someone’s gender makes no difference in his or her ability to lead our nation.”
Before the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, he concluded: “This November, we must elect Hillary Clinton as our next president.”
Collins was introduced by his twin brother, Jarron, who also praised Clinton while taking aim at the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.
“The president is a role model to millions of children,” Jarron Collins said. “How do you tell your kids not to be a bully if their president is one?”
Great to see you living authentically and still speaking your mind, Jason!
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