These 5 Women Came Out Long Before Jason Collins

[ismnotwasm]

(Note; I in NO way want to reduce the impact of Jason Collins, but it's very telling how homophobia in sports has lead to him being the first professional male to come out, while most haven't heard of, or care about these women)

While NBA player Jason Collins' "coming out" party is just beginning — and make no mistake, this is huge for the NBA and male professional sports everywhere — several female professional athletes have already publicly embraced their sexuality. The WNBA, UFC, Women's Professional Soccer, and many more women's leagues with "major" male counterparts have welcomed out LGBT athletes for years, though they have not garnered the same magnitude of respect as males.

The reasoning seems simple enough — NBA or NFL athletes, for example, face much more backlash from millions of fans (and players) who simply assume that there's no way the "tough" and "masculine" guys they watch on TV are gay. Women athletes, on the other hand, don't get as much publicity in anything they do, much less coming out as LGBT.

Here are 5 openly LGBT current professional women athletes you might (or might not) know:

1. Brittney Griner

The Baylor basketball phenom known for her height and her dunks acknowledged in a series of interviews following her #1 WNBA draft pick that she is a lesbian. (Seimone Augustus and Ann Wauters are also current/recent openly lesbian WNBA players.) Griner has spoken about being bullied, both growing up and even as she gained popularity at Baylor. But she said she has always been open about her sexuality, and in doing so is a perfect role model for young athletes of any gender who are uncomfortable about coming out.

http://www.policymic.com/articles/38577/these-5-women-came-out-long-before-jason-collins

[StrayKat]

1. I think it's more than the obscurity of women's sports.

I think there is an widespread assumption that elite female athletes are more likely than not to be lesbian anyway.

I'm surprised Sheryl Swoopes isn't on the list. Although she stopped playing 2 years ago, she still coaches, and came out while she was still playing and before anyone mentioned in the article.

[ismnotwasm]

3. I have to agree

What I find problematic is how difficult it is for male professional athletes to come out, because of gender perception. As if Gay males can't be 'masculine enough' to play professional sports, while for women its practically a default designation,whether true or false.

Actually strong women in any progression are often accused of being Gay--like there's something wrong with it. It's homophobic of course, but Gay women aren't seen as threatening, perhaps, in part because their sexuality has been co-opted by porn.

[StrayKat]

7. You gave me food for thought.

I agree with the first paragraph, but I'll have to think about that last paragraph.

Actually strong women in any progression are often accused of being Gay--like there's something wrong with it. It's homophobic of course, but Gay women aren't seen as threatening. . .

When I read this I first thought of Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey who have both had gay rumors floated about them and are both perceived as threatening. Janet Reno is another who comes to mind.

. . .in part because their sexuality has been co-opted by porn.

Is this bad or good? Has porn somehow had a hidden benefit in this case? Or would it be better if women were seen as threatening?

[ismnotwasm]

11. What I mean is that pornography designated for lesbians

Is purchased most often by the 18 to 34 male demographic. (If I recall correctly) Subsuming another's sexuality, in any way reduces threat. So calling a women 'lesbian' is a way of both insulting her and reducing her power, because in part, lesbian imagery has been co-opted by straight males.

This is hopefully changing. I'm one of those who believes that Gay rights are in sister and brotherhood with women's rights, because of patriarchal gender perceptions and demands.

[Little Star]

2. They don't count! .....

Sad but true when it comes to sports.

[CalFresh]

4. For years

we have had gay men in diving and ice skating. I guess it's only big news if they play with balls.

[ismnotwasm]

5. Interesting point.

[redqueen]

6. Maybe it's more about macho culture.

Oh, macho men are coming out now? Well let's throw a fucking parade for their macho sports fans for finally joining civilized society.

[ismnotwasm]

9. Time will tell how this is received

I can't imagine it will be easy for him, because macho culture permeates professional ball players at every level. He'll get a lot of hate, but I hope he gets a lot of support as well. I'll be interested in how this plays out.

[redqueen]

10. I figure homophobia is going the way of racism.

The few macho fans who refuse to evolve will soon find themselves having to keep the shit to themselves or for around their fellow bigoted friends.

[StrayKat]

8. True. :)

It's probably the amount of money involved. But, it might also be that those are individual sports. Sharing the locker room seems to be a big hang up for some.

[geek tragedy]

12. No disrespect to the women athletes mentioned here, but Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King

broke this ground several decades ago.

Billie Jean King then having the audacity to humiliate Bobby Riggs.