WASHINGTON, D.C. — NBA star Jason Collins, the first player to come out as gay while playing in a major American professional men’s sports league, has died from brain cancer, his family announced Tuesday.
When Collins came out as gay in 2013, more than a decade into his career, he became the first player to come out in one of the four major sports leagues in the U.S., counting the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL.
“To call Jason Collins a groundbreaking figure for our community is simply inadequate. We truly lost a giant today,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson.
“He came out as gay – while still playing – at a time when men’s athletes simply did not do that. But as he powerfully demonstrated in his final years in the league and his post-NBA career, stepping forward as he did boldly changed the conversation. He was and will always be a legend for the LGBTQ+ community, and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing at the young age of 47. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will keep fighting on in his honor until the day everyone can be who they are on their terms.
”The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.