This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Re "NBA: Center Jason Collins declares that he is gay" (Tribune, April 30):
Don't get me wrong, I love that professional athletes like soccer player Robbie Rogers and basketball stars Brittney Griner and Jason Collins are publicly coming out as gay, but really, why is it so "courageous"? And why does it deserve a call from President Barack Obama?
I've been out as a lesbian for years. I have a partner of eight years and two wonderful children. I don't consider it "courageous" to come out. It's called being honest, being who you are, living your life like any other human being.
No president ever called to congratulate me on being a normal human being, and I wouldn't expect him to.
Get over it, people! There are lots of gay people in the world: athletes, doctors, firefighters, police officers, actors, religious leaders, politicians, etc. What do they all have in common? They are human beings. Period.
Deal with it, and let's move on and deal with real problems in the world, like poverty, disease, hunger and war.
Nicole Wilkinson
Riverton