“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay”
Imagine you’re in the oven, baking. Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know — I baked for 33 years.
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So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) April 29, 2013
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President Obama spoke by phone to Jason Collins @jasoncollins34 after his announcement. Obama offered support/congratulations on courage.
— Major Garrett(@MajorCBS) April 29, 2013
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Thanks, @jasoncollins34, for your bravery and honesty. OFA supporters everywhere stand with you today.
— OFA (@OFA) April 29, 2013
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“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/… J.Collins b/c 1rst openly gay athlete
— The lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) April 29, 2013
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He only told his twin brother a year ago
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Stanford AD on Collins: “I am proud to hear that Jason, one of our Stanfod sons, has taken a leadership role”
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I’m proud to call Jason Collins a friend. wjcf.co/154piCi
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) April 29, 2013
*****
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How the story came to be: SI only learned of this 6 days ago….There was a deeply moving note of graciousness too. To the pioneers before him, such as the tennis champion Martina Navratilova and the retired NBA journeyman John Amaechi, and to such straight advocates of gay rights as Ayanbadejo and Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, he told Lidz, “The words thank you aren’t enough.”
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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:)
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) April 29, 2013
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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
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Congratulations to Jason – society couldn’t hope for a more eloquent & positive role model: buff.ly/10OvOMd
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) April 29, 2013
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Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo have been the most outspoken proponents of gay marriage in the NFL, if not in all of sports. This fall, they found themselves on the right side of gay-marriage referendums in their respective states, Minnesota and Maryland, whereupon both Kluwe and Ayanbadejo proudly claimed victory.
Full article and PDF of brief submitted to the SCOTUS
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By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage
— Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) April 29, 2013
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Big kudos to @jasoncollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability. sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/… #salute
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) April 29, 2013
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*****
Joe Kennedy was J. Collins roommate at Stanford: For as long as I’ve known Jason Collins he has been defined by three things: his passion for the sport he loves, his unwavering integrity, and the biggest heart you will ever find. Without question or hesitation, he gives everything he’s got to those of us lucky enough to be in his life. I’m proud to stand with him today and proud to call him a friend.
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How Rep. Joe Kennedy III Helped Jason Collins Decide to Come Out slate.com/blogs/weigel/2… via @daveweigel
— Ruth Starkman (@ruthstarkman) April 29, 2013
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If you are wondering about other sports….the NFL is changing too.
Fomer NFL commissioner honored by PFLAG w/ his gay son
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Rookies Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Coby Fleener and others join retired veterans Jevon Kearse, Ahman Green and Eddie George in supporting gay football players. Full Story
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The stunning news that NBA center Jason Collins has come out as openly gay — and the reception it has received today – is only the latest sign of how fast societal barriers and prejudices are crumbling in the face of an astonishingly rapid cultural evolution when it comes to the civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans.
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Another reason Jason Collins news is so huge: More gays will pursue careers in professional team sports: washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-lin…
— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) April 29, 2013
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Matthew Shepard’s parents were touched by Jason Collins’ decision to wear number 98 – NBA News | FOX Sports on MSN msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/jaso…
— CarolMae (@CarolMaeWY) April 29, 2013
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H/t Bobfr
54 prominent people on Twitter standing in support of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player thkpr.gs/10o2BA9
— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) April 29, 2013
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We salute you, @jasoncollins34 for your courage and leadership. Any time you want to throw out a first pitch at Fenway Park, let us know.
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 29, 2013
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Jason Collins posted this message to all those that have reached out
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All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I’m not walking it alone
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) April 29, 2013
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Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me thru email, texts, calls, tweets, letters, and every other form of communication. #support
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) April 29, 2013
The Obama Diary 
Great news about the support.
GE everyone.
Congrats criquet on # 1 🙂
Thanks so much hf. Really enjoy and glean much information from your posts
Thank you criquet for your kind words.
I do hope the press will just leave this young man alone. Let him live his life. Let him breathe.
Great news about the support for Jason Collins.( I should have posted).!!!
It is undeniable at this point to deny the impact of PBO coming out in favor of gay marriage/equality during the presidential campaign. His bold (and politically risky) assertion did much to influence the mood and tone of the gay rights debate. A shining example of Presidential LEADERSHIP moving the country toward a more perfect union.
Yet Bill Clinton gets rewarded with the GLAAD award. A sobering reminder that this country still has a ways to go in fighting overall bigotry.
Great point Hopefruit2. The legend of Bill Clinton has far outstripped his actual presidency in terms of advancing a “liberal/progressive” agenda. Akin to the emoprogs love for Ron Paul, some refuse to give due credit to PBO and will twist themselves into pretzels to have a white man to promote as the liberal/progressive standard bearer. Short of waking up white tomorrow, PBO can never do enough to gain the support of some in the progressive coalition.
Very true.
Ms Chips, You are a fine, caring human being. I am totally honored to know you….via….the Blog. Great Post. Thank you.
You’re completely lovely Nena, but reluctant as I am to pass the credit to anyone for this superb post …. it was done by LovelyPlains.
But thank you still!
LovelyPlains. This is your best Post, ever. What a sincere Tribute? Very informative. Great Job. Thank You.
FDR said that the Only Thing to fear is Fear itself. Bob Marley sang: Get Up, Stand Up. Stand Up for your rights. Jason Collins Got Up. Stood Up for Humanity. Equality. His Rights and Rights of all who dared to grueling be a Center in NBA for 12 yrs. A task that very few are able to do. It took Courage. It took integrity. He Stood as tall and Taller than he was, is and will ever be.
R E S P E C T.
So To Jason Collins. You stood Up.
Here’s Bob Marley for You:
And for the Respect Jason Collins Deserves:
Here’s Aretha Franklin’s R E S P E C T
High praise Nena, TY. Got to share some credit w/ Chips…she fine tuned this puppy for me.
Now see, that’s like Daniel Day-Lewis sharing credit for his Lincoln Oscar with the guy who served hot dogs on the set.
I added two – and two only – newer tweets to your draft, LP – so enough of this credit-sharing!
Loved it LP, a beautiful tribute to the man.
Daniel Day-Lewis = < Stephen Speilberg…just sayin!
You’re both wonderful! Great post, LP!
Bravo to Jason for having the courage to come out, and it’s heartwarming that he is receiving support & encouragement from the NBA, our President, and from so many ordinary citizens who never knew him!
South Carolina 1st House District Debate
Former Governor Mark Sanford (R) and Elizabeth Colbert Busch (D) participate in their first debate for the 1st Congressional district seat in South Carolina. The debate focuses on federal spending, immigration, gun legislation and other key issues.
This is being livestreamed on CSPAN at 7:02PM ET 🙂
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/event/217869
Also carried live on CSPAN one TV
And I had planned on having a semi-productive evening….. thanks for nothing Hopefruit!
You’re most welcome Chips! Glad I could be of help. 🙂 My evening is about as productive as yours I’m afraid 🙂
Grrrrrr …….
What a cute lil’ creature! 🙂 Don’t mind being scolded by him/her.
He is cute Hopefruit, I’d like to bring him home too but no room after the bison moved in.
Bison?!?!
Were these amk’s runaway pets?! You have such a big heart for taking them in. Good luck with feeding, bathing, keeping them off the furniture and out of the kitchen & bedroom, etc. Bravo.
Jovie’s fault completely for posting this, Hopefruit –
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/04/29/jack-meets-the-president/#comment-707746
Thinking …that from her past statements…she may try to be a bigger PBO basher than Sandford…I understand the theory of why she should be supported…but I have real trouble with her positions….
Yes, from what I’m hearing, she could be a real pain if she makes it to congress – another taxpayer-funded Pain.In.The.Arse that PBO and most of America doesn’t need right now.
unless she is trying to pull a Bait N Switch
That’s also a possibility.
Serious question: how soon before Westboro starts picketing NBA games?
They’re probably getting the travel bus ready now, unfortunately.
I used to be a huge Jason Kidd fan when he was with the Nets. I remember watching Collins. Good for him. He can be an advocate and leader.
So this is exactly the America I’ve been longing for… the one that opens doors… and minds. Well done Mr. Collins. PS- I knew POTUS would call him.. its his style, all class & heart.
Hello to Ms Chips and TOD, great post LP!! Just checking in briefly, very busy lately. Love to all.
Afternoon/evening TODobots! How are things going in the village and the larger ‘congress’ world? I am completely lost, and am actually hovering between 60% and 100% grouchy. 😦 Found out today that my return-to-TODvillage-fulltime-dream has been thwarted again.) Instead of returning this Thursday as was negotiated it seems that the person I’m subbing for will now be off until next week Wednesday. AND there is no guarantee
she’ll be able to return then, thereby throwing me into the land of uncertainty. For goodness sakes, I might even miss another of Chips’ wedding dress fitting! 🙄 🙄 Since today was day 11 of her absence they now have to officially post the job (yay!) for a replacement (union rules), and I am truly hoping a qualified person steps out of the woodwork. Of course, failing that, I’m going to feel ‘guilty’ if I don’t continue. I was asked today to submit my resume once the job is posted but I don’t really want to – wasn’t feeling bold enough tho to say that they are putting a crimp in my TOD life, so only said that I thought it was funny to be now asked for a resume since I’ve been doing the job for over two weeks and I’d need to ‘do’ one. So, hence my 60-100% grouchiness. Of course, by the time I’ve read a few posts and comments I’m sure I’ll be by normal cheerful self….until tomorrow. 😉
“….. wasn’t feeling bold enough tho to say that they are putting a crimp in my TOD life”
😆 What have we done to you VC!!!!!
Given me a wonderful hangout that these everyday guys are trying to dismantle? 😉 😉
Hi there! Have you been trying on any outfits in my absence, or are we still a go with the blue b/maids’ outfits?
Still in 23 minds VC, leaning a little towards this one now:
Hon, if you lean too far with this one you’ll surely fall over. Plus, in all honesty it really doesn’t bring out the warmth that’s in you. Better the balloon-y one, than this.
Well, thank you for your honesty, I think. Next option, a flowery one:
Thoughts?
I’mIt’s ….. prettyspeechless.😆 😆 😆 😆 So you love it!!!!
Um…well… ah… I’ll get back to ya,
Charlie. Phew!You’re overwhelmed, I can see that. Very understandable 😎
😆 😆
Nice! That’s gonna make the wedding page in the NYT Sunday paper fer sure! 😀
Ah, thank you Alice! Do you prefer it to the flowery one? Really need to decide soon, Japa and Mr Dotster won’t wait forever.
the top one, definately. Look at that lady who’s wearing it. She’s got the attitude. coolsville. With that crazy thing on her head. 😎
I may have to run a poll soon Alice, a lot of divided opinion on my choices. Japa and Mr Dotster, needless to say, won’t be allowed vote.
Did you see my post earlier where I announced that I’m studying up on getting ordained online so I can perform the three-some wedding ceremony?
Woah, missed that Donna! Us being friends and all, will you do it at a reasonable price??
Free of charge because I wouldn’t miss this for anything!!!
Count your blessings, VC! 🙂
/tone of resignation/ I know, Theo. I know. I AM blessed. Given the job situation generally, I try really hard not to gripe in the village, but I so miss the daily back and forth here. It’s not the same (for me) repeatedly coming in late, but I do hear you. 😀
🙂
Some more domestic items….
Contact your local reps…..this will take a bite out of Citizens United if enough pressure is put on the S.E.C.
A very innovative way to get guns of the streets…look into this, see if this floats your boat.
Thanks LP those were interesting! and thank you for the post! What a bold and courageous gentleman.
also… Well done LP, this is lovely, thank you.
Does anyone watch Finding Your Roots? Only saw the one with Wanda Sykes and John Legend last night, amazing family stories. Wanda’s reaction to news her ancestors were slave *owners* was freaking hilarious. Video here, but US-only I think:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/finding-your-roots/video/john-legend-and-wanda-sykes/
No, but I’d like to. What channel? I missed it last year. Watched Who do you think you are? When it was on. I just had my DNA done by Ancestory.com. Anxiously waiting results. Talk about a time eater!
It’s on PBS Carol, I had it recorded and only got around to watching it last night.
Thanks, I can watch in future!
Yes PBS, and it’s hosted by Skip “Beer Summit” Gates. PBO’s good friend.
Thanks! Do you watch it?
I’ve seen a few, I think it comes on Fridays after PBS newshour….dont quote me on that.
Are you interested in Geneology?
I haven’t watched this season but I think it’s really interesting! I’ll have to catch up!
Love these programs Alice, the BBC’s ‘Who do think you are?’ too – hooked!
His courage and strength…are telling….
uh-oh
Read that the other day, was gobsmacked. Is that the only way she thinks she can win in SC, by bashing the ACA, etc?
She also said she’s proud that SC is a right-to-work state. Said govt was wrong to intervene with Boeing. Just wow. A Democrat being for right-to-work.
Good grief, I was wishing her well Proud, not so sure I care now.
Not happy with her at all. But we sure can’t afford for that snake Sanford to win.
That’s true, but sometimes it just feels like ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’!
Wow. I am not watching. That would be very nutty.
oh no, seriously? yowza.
she’s not the problem. stay focused on republicans and the media. they are the enemy, not a democrat trying to win in a state that could possibly elect a former gov who travelled to argentina to be with his mistress on taxpayer dime and then lie about just a few years ago. focus, focus, focus on the real problem. do not let the media divide and conquer us on “wedge issues” they develop specifically to do that.
How nice of President Obama to call Jason Collins, and for the First Lady to tweet her kind words to Mr. Collins.
ohh good find Chips.. been waiting to see this. I love the “Getting OLD in the White House” sooo funny.
And….
‘Style: Saying No To Mom Jeans’
😆
oops I missed that.. I tell ya, the folks in this administration have an awesome sense of humor.. collectively 😉 comes from the top.
They’re a hoot, sherijr!
😆 😆 😆
Finally The Magazine Cover is at TOD, 😉
Some international news……
Some interesting movement on the Green front……. NYC wants all cabs to be electric in the near future.
There is already a car being made that is forbidden in the US. It’s called the ZEN(zero emissions-no noise). I’ll see if I can find something on it.
Would like to see some literature on that yardarm…
Just posted a UTube link. Vehicle is made in Quebec.
got it thanks!
Here it is.
Fixed it for ya Yardarm!
Didn’t GoBrooklyn say she was having an operation tomorrow? Anyone know what time?
Just double-checked her comment from this morning sherijr, you’re right:
“Tomorrow is the next and hopefully final surgery for my spine so send all your love, shout outs, good lucks, ‘hood signs, prayers. Whatever it is you do. I’m really gonna need it.”
Love and prayers.
thank you Chips 🙂
He sure did rock that WHCD. That reminds me, I think I will go and watch the video again. 🙂
Own up COS, how many times have you watched it already? Me? Oh, about 863 times.
Chips, you all would think that I am crazy if I owned up to the number of times I had fell over laughing. 🙂
Well…….
Love this.
Ooooooooooooooooh, cutest things ever!!!
Hope, didn’t see that you posted this. I just did, too.
That’s okay africa – don’t mind duplicating the good news!
Fantastic news!!!!!
Hmmmm
Bravo to Jason for breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I wish it didn’t have to be like this but I do surely admire his courage.
HOLY SHIT ON A STICK! What’s WRONG with these people???????????????????????????
http://www.examiner.com/article/pennsylvania-judge-sentenced-to-28-years-prison-for-selling-teens-to-prisons
Disgraced Pennsylvania judge Mark Ciavarella Jr has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for conspiring with private prisons to sentence juvenile offenders to maximum sentences for bribes and kickbacks which totaled millions of dollars. He was also ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution.
In the private prison industry the more time an inmate spends in a facility, the more of a profit is reaped from the state. Ciavearella was a figurehead in a conspiracy in the state of Pennsylvania which saw thousands of young men and women unjustly punished and penalized in the name of corporate profit.
Good news for those worried about implementation of the ACA
New post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/04/29/this-and-that-66/
Great thread LP. Thank you!
((((( Courage to you Jason as you travel on your journey, and my arms of love and respect are lovingly extended to you. Enjoy the freedom of your life with love and the freedom that everyone should be able to enjoy on this earth.)))))HZ
Great post, LovelyPlains! It’s so heartwarming to see how the country, despite the tea baggers and all those afflicted with the ODS, has progressed in the 4+ years of the Obama’s presidency. Jason Collins is a courageous young man and deserves praise for standing up. But in my humble opinion President Obama and Vice-President Biden must also be commended for their courage in taking a stand and changing the atmosphere so that gay Americans are not treated differently.
Again it’s great to see you back, LovelyPlains, having Chipsticks’ back with yet another of your fabulous posts. Even more gratifying is to hear that your Daddy is back home and on the mend. Good luck on your papers and exams!
TY Nathkatun, you have been so supportive these past few weeks. I really appreciate it!