Our own Congressman Joe Kennedy is being credited with inspiring NBA center Jason Collins to become the the nation’s first openly gay professional basketball player.
I’m seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn’t even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I’d been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, “Me, too.”
If JK3 does nothing the rest of his life, he will have accomplished more than most by inspiring J Collins for coming out and hopefully ignite a real discussion about this. Good for bot JC and JK3.
Tom, do you really believe what you just said? You’d be happy if Kennedy never does anything else? What’s the big accomplishment?
I actually find it amusing that Collins is considered a veteran while Kennedy is still a rookie.
Different sport
The inspiration was indeed passive, but if that’s one of the things that helped him come out, then great
Jason Collins deserves a tremendous amount credit for his courage. Frankly, I think the Post article crediting Joe Kennedy was nonsense. I read another article today in which Collins credited Lance Bass, from the band NSYNC. There’s no doubt Collins sought and received advice from a number of friends and associates. But it’s Collins alone who deserves the credit. Wake me when “JK3” does anything nearly as significant as Jason Collins did yesterday. I still haven’t forgotten how he opposed the medical marijuana initiative that passed overwhelmingly in Massachusetts.