Its been all over the news in the past 24 hours or so that NBA player Jason Collins has 'come out of the closet' and announced to the world that he is gay. Its funny timing that this announcement has come just after the release of the movie 42 about Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in sports and now Jason Collins is being credited with breaking the gay barrier in sports. A major difference between Jackie and Jason is that Jackie didn't have to announce to anyone that he was black in a time of great adversity and Jackie didn't have the support of the President and media. Jackie had to fight obstinate racism in a time when segregation was the 'norm' and African Americans were deemed second class citizens. 
What made Jackie Robinson truly great and legendary is the fact that he overcame this adversity. Jason Collins is not overcoming any adversity. The very next day after his announcement, the President of the United States of America gave him a personal phone call telling him that he was so proud of him for his courage.
Courage is reserved for those individuals who fight against the odds and overcome adversity. Courage is reserved for those who risk something very dear to themselves, knowing full well that the possibility of failure is real. This possibility does not exist in today's world for those who label themselves as gay and wish to live the gay lifestyle. Society says tolerance towards all ideas and complete intolerance to individuals who disagree with someone else's ideas. In the name of tolerance, tolerance is being abolished.
This possibility of failure does not exist for Jason Collins, who came out of the closet now when the gay lifestyle is being promoted in politics and media like it never has before. People with same-sex attraction should be treated with respect and dignity as any human being should. This does not mean however that the lifestyle often associated with same-sex attraction should be promoted as a equal alternative.
Courage is not gained by a millionaire celebrity athlete making an announcement to ESPN in an interview. Courage is not gained when opposition is lacking. Courage is not needed when the leader of the free world is on your side. Courage is needed if you choose to identify yourself with who you are as a person, rather than just your sexual attractions.
Pax et bonum,
Mike
Here's a look at real courage...
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/courage-continues-mission-of-its-founder-father-harvey/
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