Ever since former Washington Wizards center Jason Collins came out as gay earlier this week, many have called Collins’ courageous and groundbreaking move a decision that has eradicated sports as the last bastion of homophobia. Although Collins’ openness about his life has garnered praise and support from celebs, athletes and presidents alike, it’s also attracted that anger of many others. It’s recently been revealed that Collins has received death threats over his revelation.
According to TMZ, homophobic threats against Collins began appearing on Twitter shortly after he made his big announcement in Sports Illustrated.
Some of the threats included such vitriol as
“Yous a dead f****t talkn on tv Boy.”
“Listening to Jason Collins describe his gayness as ‘beautiful’ makes me wanna puke. And kill him.”
“Jason collins comes out the closet! Kill that b***tttchhhh!!!”
“First jason collins say he gay.. Now he on espn w lipgloss on kill him now !!!”
“Jason Collins should get the death penalty lol how u a 7 foot gay dude lol the west is crazy smh”
Unfortunately, the it doesn’t end there. According to fan site Ultimate Rockets, The Westboro Baptist Church, which is infamous for protesting everything from games, concerts to funerals, the church protested last night outside of the Chesapeake Energy Arena game for the Rockets and Thunder Game 5 first-round playoff matchup.
The independent church also plans to picket outside of the Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets game at Chicago’s United Center tonight, May 2.
“Now has-been pervert Jason Collins has ‘come out’ admitting he’s a proud f*g,” church officials wrote in the release. “Lift up your voice against this awful sin; use the platform God gave you to warn your fellow man to flee destruction.”
The church also blasted several NBA figures that have shown support for Collins, such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Clearly, there are still a number of bastions of homophobia that need to be eradicated for equality and acceptance to be fully realized. Thankfully, Collins’ effort will help to usher in that much-needed change and he has his loving brother, Jarron, and many other allies who are willing to help stop homophobia as well.
Unfortunately, Collins isn’t the only one who’s experienced hate after coming out of the closet. Check out some other out stars that have experienced homophobia below. – nicholas robinson
