Jason Collins Covers Sports Illustrated As 'The Gay Athlete'

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.

Get a copy of Jason's cover issue and check out the article written by himself when it hits stands on May 6.

Typically this type of news turns my stomach because someone's sexuality shouldn't be news but Jason is an excellent face for many others to live truthfully no matter their sexual orientation without shame.