Just because Jason Collins is the first openly gay athlete in professional North American team sports doesn't mean he's standing alone. Within hours of the NBA vet's historic announcement, famous faces from the White House to Hollywood (and seemingly everywhere in between) began declaring their support for his bold move.
As Chris Culliver's anti-gay remarks earlier this year reminded us, homophobia still runs rampant in professional sports — an arena that has been resistant to accepting gay players among its ranks.
Celebrities took to Twitter to sound off and cheer on Collins, and while many of his supporters feel a personal tie with him because they are gay themselves, there are others who simply admire his courage. Their reasons for voicing support varies, but one underlying message remains the same: This is a moment to be celebrated.
Bravo, @jasoncollins34! Thanks for stepping up. For standing tall. And at 7 feet, that's saying a lot.
Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 29, 2013
Thank you Jason Collins – for being the first one – knocking down doors !!! Rosie O'Donnell (@Rosie) April 29, 2013
.@nba center @jasoncollins34 is the 1st out player on a US major league team. I'm overwhelmed by your bravery, Jason, & sending so much love
Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 29, 2013
. Props!@jasoncollins34 ó andyroddick (@andyroddick) April 29, 2013
Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU
Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2013
Well done Jason Collins- you are a brave man. And a big man at that:) 1981 was the year for me- 2013 is the year for you:) ó Martina Navratilova (@Martina) April 29, 2013
Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA. bit.ly/ZLei9F
Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 29, 2013
I'm proud to call Jason Collins a friend. wjcf.co/154piCi ó Bill Clinton (@billclinton) April 29, 2013
Being real & authentic is very powerful. Well done Jason Collins for having the courage to take a monumental step forward. #LiveReal
Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 29, 2013
Amazing story! Thanks brave @jasoncollins34: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." bit.ly/12J9el5 Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) April 29, 2013
Congrats, Jason Collins, and thank you!
Diablo Cody (@diablocody) April 29, 2013
Same! RT @diablocody: Congrats, Jason Collins, and thank you! ó Katy Perry (@katyperry) April 29, 2013
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