The Democratic National Committee has announced on their decision to have NBA veteran Jason Collins as their headline for their annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender gala.
The DNC also announced that first lady Michelle Obama will also be in attendance on May 29th in New York. Tickets for the event are starting at $1,250 per person and will exceed as high as $32,400 per couple to chair the event.
Collins importance at the event comes a week after becoming the first active player in any of the four U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay. President Barack Obama called Collins the same day to congratulate him and tell him he was proud of his courage.
The 34-year old Wizards center revealed that he never intended to break the barrier but wasn't going to hide who he was any longer, in a recent Sports Illustrated interview.
Here's an excerpt:
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
"My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons."
The issue that features Collins interview is available on newsstands as of today, May 6, 2013.
Related Articles:
NBA News And Rumors: The Future Is Looking Grim In Boston, Will Rivers, Pierce And Garnett Be Forced Into Going Their Separate Ways? (Video)
NBA News And Rumors: Derrick Rose Still Not Ruling Out A Return During The Postseason
Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Pau Gasol To Stay In Hollywood?
NBA News And Rumors: Phil Jackson Is Now The Leading Candidate To Become Nets New Coach
