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Thanks to these prominent athletes who are gay, the sports world is becoming more and more accepting of homosexual players. Whether these famous Olympians, tennis greats, and basketball players came out after they retired, or revealed their sexuality during their sports careers, they’ve paved the way for major LGTB sports progress.
Who is the most famous gay athlete? Football star Michael Sam made headlines in 2014 when he became the first openly gay athlete to be drafted into the NFL. But he definitely wasn’t the first homosexual athlete to find success. Olympic diver Greg Louganis is openly gay. He came out publicly in 1995 on The Oprah Show. And tennis star Billie Jean King was the first female athlete to publicly come out way back in 1981.
NBA player Jason Collins came out as gay in an interview with Sports Illustrated magazine in 2013. He was the first active athlete to come out as gay in any of the major American sports. His announcement provoked mixed reactions from his fellow players and the media.
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WNBA player Sheryl Swoopes announced that she was gay in 2005. She stated, "it doesn't change who I am. I can't help who I fall in love with. No one can." In 2011, she revealed that she was currently dating a man and believed that being gay was a choice.
Age: 52
Nationality: United States of America
Birthplace: Texas, USA, Brownfield
Teams: Houston Comets, United States women's national basketball team, Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball
NBA player Jason Collins came out as gay in an interview with Sports Illustrated magazine in 2013. He is the first active athlete to come out as gay in any of the major American sports. His announcement provoked mixed reactions from his fellow players and the media.
Age: 44
Nationality: United States of America
Birthplace: Northridge, Los Angeles, California
Teams: Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets
American soccer player Abby Wambach is openly gay. She said, "I can't speak for other people, but for me, I feel like gone are the days that you need to come out of a closet. I never felt like I was in a closet. I never did. I always felt comfortable with who I am and the decisions I made."
