Jason Collins
I had a happy childhood in the suburbs of L.A. My parents instilled in us an appreciation of history, art and, most important, Motown. Jarron and I weren't allowed to listen to rap until we were 12. After our birthday I dashed to Target and bought DJ Quik's album 'Quik Is the Name.' I memorized every line.Collection: Birthday
During that 2011 offseason, as the debate around 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and DOMA was heating up on social media, I had to pull out every last ounce of self-control to keep myself from retweeting something in support of marriage equality.Collection: Equality
I love puzzles, challenges, the feeling that you get when you have an obstacle and go through adversity, finding the strength to go on.Collection: Strength
I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh.
Every time you go to a new team, every time, it's like going to a new job. You have to go to your coworkers and tell them your story. 'Hey, are you married? Do you have kids?' I got tired of telling a lie. I really got tired of that.
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.
The best part of when you reveal your authentic self publicly is that it will allow those people around you, whether it's your teammates or people who you thought were friends, you will see their true colors come out. Some people who you might have thought would not be supporters end up being some of your biggest supporters.
I'm a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall.
The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. 'I've known you were gay for years,' she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin.
No matter your religion or what your political views are, I think there's one thing we can all agree on. Most human beings are not meant to be alone. I know I'm not.
When I came into the NBA from Stanford, I had already decided what type of player I would be. I wanted to be the best player and teammate I could be, but not attract too much attention or make too much noise. I didn't want people to start asking questions about my personal life.
Of course, life is not a Disney movie. Life is messy. There were some people in my family who made gay jokes and used inappropriate language while I was growing up. Coming out to some people was more challenging than others, but in the end, I was amazed by how much my sexuality didn't matter.
I have been stopped by the police many times in my life.
The fact is, people in some communities have been conditioned to instantly feel safe when they see a police car. Others see one and instantly feel anxiety.
It's healthy to have differing opinions in a democracy, but we have to respect each other and challenge ourselves to do better - to be better.
For many young people growing up in minority communities, there is a sense that their lives are disposable. As athletes, we have a platform to let those kids know that their lives are important. That their lives matter to us.
When I think about March Madness '98, the first thing that comes to mind is Mark 'Mad Dog' Madsen's unorthodox dance moves.
It's always a terrible feeling knowing that you're about to go home from the NCAA Tournament.
I know some people will roll their eyes at this, but it's not like you can totally put academics on pause during March Madness (well, maybe at some schools). At Stanford, you had to handle your business.
Let me tell you about 'Mad Dog' Madsen. He was like the Soccer Dad of the Stanford Men's Basketball Team.
That's how I conduct myself - just being professional.
I am a fan of the Colts and Andrew Luck.
I've never sought the spotlight. Though I'm coming out to the world, I intend to guard my privacy.
I've been booed before. There have been times when I've wanted to boo myself. But a lot of ill feelings can be cured by winning.
I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones.
My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time. I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.
So, my role on an NBA basketball team was the defensive stopper, was to be the most physical player on the team. I love that role. I love contact. I love hitting.
After a game is over, having my boyfriend wait for me in the family room, just like everyone else's loved one and not having to hide that. That feeling is so awesome. Incredible feeling. Absolutely incredible feeling.
You know, I mentor a few younger athletes.
I hope that every player makes a decision that leads to their own happiness, whatever happiness that is in life.
I am really good at playing it straight.
From my teammates, I'm expecting support because that's what I would do for my teammates.
When you keep telling yourself a lie, at some point you buy your own cover story, like a CIA spy or something.
When I first came back and I was playing with the Nets, yes, there was a lot of media attention. But after about two weeks, all those stories about being the first gay athlete went away and it became about, 'Wait, how are the Brooklyn Nets doing?' The same goes for Robbie Roberts, who won an MLS Cup.
I've met many people who have come up to me and told me how my story has impacted them.
As professional athletes, we're used to inspiring the next generation, people who are younger than us.
My parents worked for Travelers Insurance.
Having a twin, you always have to share.
I don't blend in.
There were a couple years when I never went on a date. I would stay at home watching TV with my German shepherd, and when people asked what I was doing, I would make up something. So, yeah, I was lonely.
I have had a moment where, well actually a couple moments, where people in the realm of sports have confided in me.
It's nice to have a positive impact on someone's else's life, and I feel like with my actions that I've had a positive impact on someone's else's life.
I've grown so much as an individual, I've come across so many great people, great organizations, heard so many great stories, inspiring stories.
I've definitely had people come up to me and say that they came out because they saw or read my story.
Deep down, on a human level, I think everyone knows that it is better to live an authentic life.
I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame - all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward.
I think it's up to the rest of us to try to create that environment where those closeted athletes out there know that when they do choose to step forward, that they will be supported and championed, and continue to play the sport, continue to evolve, and not feel that they have to hide who they are.
I'm black and I'm gay.
I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want.
I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding.