We are living in a new world. This week, NBA player Jason Collins has come out, becoming the first openly gay active player on an American sports team. Many players have come out after retiring, but none have come out as gay while actively playing a sport -- and enduring the locker room.
Most of the feedback since Collins' news has been supportive and congratulatory; however, with the positive also comes the inevitable negative and stupidity. Former and current players as well sports representatives have spoken out on twitter about being uncomfortable with a gay man in a locker room. A few players have written dissenting tweets then erased them -- one player saying "it's a shame I have to apologize for my TRUE feelings."
What is a shame is that the stigma of the uncontrollable homosexual is still present. Because guess what -- Collins was gay before coming out. He was in the locker room with men who were dressing and undressing in front of him and there were no issues. Nothing has changed! He's still the same person.
The argument of "he's gay, my loins are no longer safe" is such a ridiculous thought. As with straight people, gay people don't see random folk on the street and become overwhelmed with desire and have a loss of all self control. If changing under a robe or in a stall makes you feel more comfortable, then by all means, have at it, but don't do it out of safety and concern for yourself. Do it out of basic public decency.
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