There has been long-held speculation that people in the black community are on average more homophobic than other demographics. While people can pull stats to back-up whatever their personal position, the truth is this: 1) We all have work to do, and 2) There are many black athletes – some of the greatest of all time – who publicly support LGBT issues and embrace their LGBT family members. Just because you're black, Christian or an athlete, that doesn't make you anti-LGBT.
In honor of the #ThisIsLuv campaign, aimed at sharing stories of support for LGBT people in the black community, we have put together this list of black athletes who have publicly embraced an LGBT mother, brother, sister, cousin or child (sorry, no fathers that we know of yet). Interestingly, they are all from the NFL or NBA. Also, none of them have publicly supported a family member who is B or T that we know of. Hopefully some day we'll be able to add Dez Bryant to this list.
You can share your stories with the #ThisIsLuv.
Jarron Collins, Center, Utah Jazz
When Jason Collins came out publicly in 2013, his twin brother, Jarron, was right by his side. Jarron has been supportive with public comments and helping LGBT organizations. "At the end of the day, this is what matters," Jarron said, "he's my brother, he's a great guy, and I want him to be happy."
Kenneth Faried, Forward, Denver Nuggets
Faried has been outspoken and proud of his two moms since he was a player at Morehead State. He has not been shy about his support for LGBT rights, including marriage equality. "Nobody can ever tell me I can't have two mothers," Faried said, "because I really do."
TJ Graham, Wide receiver, New York Jets
Graham talked about his acceptance not just of potential gay teammates, but of gay friends and cousins. "I've had a couple friends in high school too. And I met a couple athletes in college, they're actually female, and they were the coolest people I've met."
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Ahman Green, Running back, Green Bay Packers
Green had never talked publicly about having a lesbian sister and a gay brother until he chatted with me at an NFLPA event in 2012. Green's brother had been married but eventually found the strength to come out to his family. "That’s what society forces gay people to do, to hide. Eventually they’re like, forget it man, this is how I want to live, and let it be known. So I can breathe."
DeAndre Hopkins, Wide receiver, Houston Texans
Hopkins talked about his lesbian sister with Outsports a couple years ago, revealing one of his best friends was the ex-boyfriend of Calvin Klein and that he would welcome a gay teammate. "It's just how she was born."
Michael Irvin, Hall of Fame wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
When Irvin graced the cover of Out magazine in 2011, he did so to show support for the gay community and to talk for the first time about his love for his late gay brother, Vaughn. "My dad looked back at me and said, ‘Yes, that's your brother,'" Irvin said. "'And you love your brother.'"
Magic Johnson, Hall of Fame guard, Los Angeles Lakers
When Johnson's son, E.J., came out publicly it was after his father had fought against Prop 8 in California. Johnson offered unconditional acceptance for his gay son. "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. We're very proud of him."
Jevon Kearse, defensive end, Tennessee Titans & Philadelphia Eagles
"The Freak," as he was known, shared his love of his gay cousin for the first time on the same day Green talked about his siblings. "It's just becoming more acceptable, which is a good thing, so they can come out and not feel secluded or isolated," Kearse said.
Karl Malone, forward, Utah Jazz
Malone talked supportively about his gay brother-in-law when Jason Collins came out. "Do I feel uncomfortable right now with a gay person in the room? No. I might even joke with them about it … I would undress in front of them now. I'm not afraid."
Isiah Thomas, Hall of Fame guard, Detroit Pistons
Thomas appeared in a NOH8 campaign photo with his gay son, Zeke, who was the official DJ of the 2014 NBA All-Star game.
If you have anyone else we should add to the list, please let us know in the comments.
