“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it is a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~ first active NBA professional to publicly announce he’s same gender loving
DEDICATION:
This post entry is published in posthumous appreciation, gratitude and as a tribute to Jason Paul Collins (2 December 1978 – 12 May 2026). May he rest in peace for all eternity.
“The door Jason Collins widely opened can never be shut again!” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
My thoughts:
Proverbial words of wisdom offered in a simple statement of fact by a man who had ability, skills and talent in his professional career. Essentially, a very basic truth: honesty is the best policy. The truth, especially about what and who we really are, may be criticized by others, but it can never be disproved. Honesty empowers and enables us.
I own who I am. I am same gender loving. I am gay. I am queer. I am a homosexual. I acknowledge and admit to being all of those labels. I know who I am. I know the truth.
My knowledge of the truth about myself empowers me to try to be the very best man that I can possibly hope to be. This knowledge also enables me to determine freedom and truth rather than restriction and dishonesty.
The Late Jason Collins:
Jason Collins became the very first male professional basketball player to “come out” (announce) his sexual orientation while active in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His acknowledgement inspired a same gender loving (SGL) version of the NBA logo, shown below:
A colourful emblem that represents us being us! Not appreciated by everyone who’s a fan of the NBA but it definitely offers some “food for thought!”
Jason and his identical twin brother, Jarron, were born and grew up in Los Angeles, California. Jarron also played in the NBA.
His first professional team was Houston, Texas Rockets. He played throughout the USA including the New Jersey Nets, The Washington Wizards and his final season with the Brooklyn, New York Nets.
Prior to Jason’s coming out, he played in twelve (12) consecutive seasons in the NBA and impressed not only his fans but also his fellow professional athletes. Throughout his life he was dedicated to helping others in any way possible.
Jason came out as same gender loving on 29 April 2013 in Sports Illustrated magazine cover story. In May 2025, he married film producer Brunson Green.
On 11 September 2025, the NBA announced that Jason Collins was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. On 11 December 2025, Jason revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma. He died at home on 12 May 2026.
On 22 June 2026, it was announced that Jason would be posthumously awarded with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his impact on GLBTQ+ visibility in professional sports at the 2026 ESPYS in July. The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is given to a professional sportsperson who has made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they value.
In announcing this honour, the NBA included that the award would be received by his twin brother, Jarron. Jarron’s confirmation added: “It is profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on my brother’s behalf, celebrating a legacy of visibility, strength and love that will endure forever.”
Naked hugs!
Aaron and Roger/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2026!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 