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.
Yes, But

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.
What's Next

Gordon remains active in advocacy, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and offering support for future LGBTQ+ athletes in college basketball.

Bottom Line

Derrick 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.