Derrick Gordon: Pioneer of LGBTQ Acceptance in College Basketball and Professional Leagues
10 years after coming out as gay, Derrick Gordon remains the only openly gay Division 1 men's basketball player, reflecting on the lack of successors in the NCAA college basketball scene.
By the Numbers- Gordon became the first openly gay Division 1 men's basketball player in April 2014.
- He helped Seton Hall win the 2016 Big East Tournament title as the sixth man and locker-room leader.
While progress is noted with LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports, the lack of openly gay successors in men's college basketball points to continued challenges.
State of Play- A leading expert suggests that while acceptance is increasing, some may be out but not publicly, and the freedom of choice plays a significant role in LGBTQ+ representation in team sports.
- Teammates and friends in sports tend to be supportive of each other, contributing to a potentially more welcoming environment in athletics than the general school population.
Gordon remains active in advocacy, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and offering support for future LGBTQ+ athletes in college basketball.
Bottom LineDerrick Gordon's journey highlights the ongoing need for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in sports, paving the way for a more inclusive future in college athletics.
Read more at Asbury Park Press
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