Jason Collins opened a door. Many LGBTQ athletes still don’t feel safe walking through it more than a decade later
Jason Collins opened a door. Many LGBTQ athletes still don’t feel safe walking through it more than a decade later
Jason Collins opened a door Many – The passing of Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has sparked a wave of reflections on his impact and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ athletes in professional sports. At 47, Collins had been battling stage 4 glioblastoma, a relentless and often fatal form of brain cancer, for eight months before his death on May 12, 2026, as announced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. His journey from breaking barriers to enduring the weight of public scrutiny and personal struggle has left an indelible mark on the sports world, yet the path he cleared remains uneven for many who follow in his footsteps.
Collins’ landmark decision to come out as gay in 2013 was a pivotal moment in the history of American athletics. As a standout player in the NBA, he became the first active athlete in any of the four major men’s professional leagues—NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL—to publicly acknowledge his sexuality. This act of courage not only reshaped the narrative around LGBTQ representation in sports but also inspired a generation of athletes to consider revealing their true selves. Despite his trailblazing status, Collins’ legacy is one of resilience, as he continued to advocate for inclusivity long after his initial announcement.
Following his death, the sports community has flooded with tributes from league leaders, activists, and fellow athletes. Collin Martin, a Major League Soccer player, highlighted Collins’ role as a pioneer, stating, “without him, I don’t know if the rest of us that came out after him, if it would have been as easy.” Chris Mosier, an eight-time Team USA competitor and the first known transgender man to compete internationally for the United States, called Collins “a big brother” and remembered his warmth and support. “His smile not only lit up a room, it stayed with your soul long after you left his presence,” Mosier wrote on Instagram, capturing the essence of Collins’ influence beyond the court.
A Legacy of Visibility and Vulnerability
Collins’ openness about his identity extended beyond his public announcement. In December 2025, he shared details about his treatment and the unwavering support from his husband, Brunson Green, and their family on Instagram. This candidness helped demystify the struggles of LGBTQ athletes, offering a glimpse into the personal sacrifices required to be authentic. Yet, even after a decade of progress, Collins remains the only active NBA player to publicly identify as gay, underscoring the persistence of barriers in men’s sports.
The sports world today continues to navigate the complexities of LGBTQ inclusion, particularly for athletes competing in men’s leagues or those who are transgender. While Collins’ advocacy laid the groundwork for acceptance, the journey is far from complete. Hudson Taylor, a former collegiate wrestler and founder of Athlete Ally, emphasized the lingering challenges athletes face. “For a closeted athlete, there is a calculation going on between the risk of coming out and the reward of being your authentic self,” Taylor explained to CNN. “The risk is maybe I won’t get my contract renewed. Maybe I’ll get fewer sponsorships. Maybe my family is kind of homophobic, and they won’t love me as much.”
Taylor, who collaborated with Collins on several NBA initiatives, noted how the league’s efforts to promote inclusivity have evolved. They led training sessions for new players and were instrumental in discussions that prompted the NBA to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from North Carolina due to the state’s controversial HB2 “bathroom bill.” Still, Taylor argues that institutional support alone is not enough to ensure athletes feel secure in their identities. “Conversations around LGBTQ inclusion are shaped not only by league policies but also by deeper questions about faith, family, and how to navigate locker room dynamics with an out teammate,” he added.
Collins’ unique ability to blend humor with empathy made him a powerful advocate. “One of Jason’s strengths has always been to educate with a sense of humor and grace,” Taylor said. “He really just did a beautiful job helping guide them [players] through those really hard, challenging conversations.” This approach helped create a safer space for dialogue, yet the fear of backlash still lingers. “Coaches, owners, and sponsors could do more to say, ‘It’s okay. I love you. I accept you. I got your back,’” Taylor stressed, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.
Charles Barkley, a revered figure in basketball, echoed these sentiments the night after Collins’ death. “Anybody who thinks we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid,” Barkley remarked. “But there is such animosity toward the gay community, and that’s what’s really unfortunate.” His comments resonated with many, including Taylor, who sees Collins’ legacy as a beacon of progress. “I’ve been really moved to see how much support Jason has gotten since his passing,” Taylor said. “But homophobia exists every single day. And every day we don’t address it is a day we allow that perceived risk to stay greater than the reward.”
A Continuing Fight for Acceptance
Ashland Johnson, a policy attorney and founder of The Inclusion Playbook, agrees that the balance between risk and reward remains a critical factor for athletes. After working with organizations like Athlete Ally and the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, Johnson now advises leagues, sports governing bodies, and educational institutions to foster more inclusive environments. She recalls Collins as a figure of joy, humility, and unyielding dedication. “He was the big,” she said, a nod to his role as a unifying force in the sports community.
Collins’ passing has reignited conversations about the ongoing struggles of LGBTQ athletes. While the NBA has taken steps to embrace diversity, the broader sports landscape still grapples with prejudice. For instance, transgender athletes often face additional scrutiny, with some questioning whether their participation aligns with traditional notions of masculinity. Collins’ example, however, provided a model of how visibility can challenge these perceptions. By stepping into the spotlight, he demonstrated that being true to oneself does not diminish athletic excellence—it enhances it.
As the sports world moves forward, the question remains: how can we honor Collins’ legacy while addressing the lingering barriers? His story is a reminder that progress is not linear, and that even in the face of growing acceptance, the fight for equality continues. The journey he began is now a shared responsibility, requiring collective action from leagues, coaches, and fans to ensure that all athletes feel safe to walk through the door he opened.
In the years since Collins came out, the NBA has made significant strides in LGBTQ inclusion. Yet, the road ahead is long. His life and career exemplify the courage needed to challenge stereotypes and the importance of sustained support. As Hudson Taylor noted, “Jason’s voice was helpful here. It’s not just about being the first—it’s about creating a space where others can follow without fear.” The hope is that his legacy will inspire not just pride, but also a deeper commitment to inclusivity in every corner of the sports world.
