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 – On May 12, 2026, the sports world was stunned by the news of Jason Collins’ passing, delivered by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. The 47-year-old had been fighting stage 4 glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, for eight months. His family shared that he had openly discussed his treatment and the unwavering support from his husband, Brunson Green, and their family on Instagram in December. Collins, a trailblazer in the LGBTQ community, left an indelible mark on the world of sports with his groundbreaking decision to come out as gay in 2013.
A Pioneering Moment in Sports History
In 2013, Collins etched his name into history by publicly declaring his sexuality, becoming the first active player in the NBA—and indeed, in any of the four major men’s professional sports leagues in the United States—to do so. His revelation was a turning point, sparking conversations about inclusivity and challenging long-standing norms in athletics. At the time, his announcement was met with both celebration and skepticism, as the sports industry grappled with the implications of having a gay athlete in the spotlight.
Collins’ journey was not just personal but also emblematic of a broader shift. His presence in the NBA served as a beacon for LGBTQ athletes, inspiring others to step forward and embrace their identities. Yet, even as his legacy grew, the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in sports persisted. A decade after his historic coming out, the sports world still wrestles with the balance between institutional support and the lingering fears athletes have about being open.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Connection
Following Collins’ death, tributes flooded in from across the sports landscape. Collin Martin, a Major League Soccer player, highlighted his impact, stating to USA Today that “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 U.S., remembered Collins as “a big brother,” emphasizing his role as a mentor and confidant.
“Beyond being a great athlete and a ‘first,’ he was a dear friend, husband, brother and son. His smile not only lit up a room, it stayed with your soul long after you left his presence.”
Mosier’s words reflect the depth of Collins’ influence, not just as a trailblazer but as a personal figure who connected with others through empathy and humor. His ability to navigate the complexities of being openly gay in a predominantly male sport made him a unique role model, one who could bridge the gap between athletes and advocates.
Still Seeking Safety in a Changing Landscape
Despite the progress made since 2013, the sports world remains a mixed environment for LGBTQ athletes. Hudson Taylor, a former collegiate wrestler and founder of Athlete Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusivity, noted that Collins’ advocacy was pivotal in shaping discussions around LGBTQ representation. Taylor worked closely with Collins on initiatives like Pride Nights, which aimed to celebrate diversity within the NBA.
“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 also pointed out that while the NBA has shown consistent support for the LGBTQ community, this support does not always equate to athletes feeling fully safe to be open. Conversations about inclusion, he said, are influenced not only by league policies but also by cultural attitudes toward faith, family, and even the dynamics of shared spaces like locker rooms or showers.
The Role of Institutional Support
In the aftermath of Collins’ passing, Charles Barkley took to the public stage to reflect on his impact. “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.”
Barkley’s comments resonated with Taylor, who sees Collins’ influence as a critical component in the ongoing fight for inclusivity. “One of Jason’s strengths has always been to educate with a sense of humor and grace. He really just did a beautiful job helping guide them [players] through those really hard, challenging conversations,” Taylor said.
Yet, Taylor emphasized that more needs to be done. Coaches, owners, and sponsors, he argued, should actively affirm athletes’ identities, saying, “It’s okay. I love you. I accept you. I got your back.” Even as Collins’ legacy continues to inspire, the fear of backlash remains a significant barrier for many LGBTQ athletes, especially those in men’s sports or transgender individuals.
A Continuing Battle for Acceptance
Ashland Johnson, a policy attorney and founder of The Inclusion Playbook, echoes Taylor’s sentiments. She noted that athletes still weigh the risks and rewards of coming out, a process that involves navigating personal, professional, and societal pressures. After collaborating with Athlete Ally and the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, Johnson now advises sports leagues and schools to foster inclusive environments.
“The conversation around LGBTQ inclusion isn’t just about policy; it’s about creating spaces where athletes can thrive without fear,” Johnson explained. “Jason’s voice was instrumental in making that possible, but the work isn’t done.”
Collins’ death serves as both a somber reminder and a call to action. While his pioneering spirit paved the way for greater acceptance, the sports world continues to confront deep-seated biases. The legacy of his courage is undeniable, but the journey toward full equality remains ongoing. As the industry evolves, the hope is that the door Collins opened will be more than just a symbol—it will be a pathway for all LGBTQ athletes to walk through with confidence and safety.
In the days following Collins’ passing, his family and friends reflected on his enduring impact. Though he is no longer with us, his story remains a testament to the power of visibility and the importance of advocacy. The NBA, and the broader sports community, must continue to honor his legacy by ensuring that the next generation of LGBTQ athletes can step into the spotlight without fear.