Jason Collins became one of the most talked about NBA players of the year when he announced in April, in a Sports Illustrated feature, that he is gay. While the moment was historic and groundbreaking for the world of sports, Collins personal coming out moments with his family were a lot less dramatic. His brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, explains that when his slightly older twin brother came out to him, it was a lot less momentous and a lot more comical.
During a recent interview with the Huffington Post, Jarron explained that he and his brother have a “light” and “jovial” relationship. So when Collins told Jarron that he wanted to have a serious conversation about something, Jarron knew that something was up – he just had no clue that his brother would tell him that he’s gay.
“When he put the bass in his voice saying, ‘I need you to sit down,’ I was like, what’s going on?” Jarron said of Collins. “Jarron, I’m gay,” which left the younger twin in a bit of shock and, as he puts it, prompted him to ask some really “dumb” questions about his brother’s homosexuality.
“When he told me it was definitely a surprise, so I had questions for him — some of the dumbest questions you could possibly ask someone who has just come out to you, like, ‘Are you sure?’”
Despite his initial shock – Jarron quickly made it clear that he loved him unconditionally, and showed his love and support for his brother to the world.
“At the end of the day, this is what matters: He’s my brother, he’s a great guy, and I want him to be happy. I’ll love him and I’ll support him and, if necessary, I’ll protect him,” said Jarron to Sports Illustrated.
We’re glad to see that Jarron chose to support his brother and simply embrace him, unconditionally, both at home and in the public spotlight. Hopefully, Jarron’s story will inspire others to accept and love not only the LGBT people in their families but those that they also come across in life.
Thankfully, Jarron isn’t alone in his accepting stance. Check out some other celebrities who embrace their LGBT relatives below. – nicholas robinson
