I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.
Jason CollinsRead
We cannot keep turning our backs on gay and lesbian Americans. I have fought too hard and too long against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Interpretation
Standing up against discrimination is essential for equality among all groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
This quote emphasizes the importance of fighting against all forms of discrimination, including those faced by gay and lesbian Americans. John E. Lewis draws a parallel between the struggles against racial discrimination and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that standing up for one group necessitates standing up for others to promote true equality and justice in society.
In practice
This quote can be used during a pride event to emphasize the importance of inclusivity.
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.
The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you’re going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins.
To fear to face an issue is to believe that the worst is true.
I couldn't find anyone doing something about the astounding injustices women were experiencing, so I decided to do something myself. I cannot tell you how many people ridiculed my efforts.
The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.
It's just I might get distracted, and I get lost kind of easily, and sometimes I have really bad days...when, you know, I just want to hide or scream or bleed or something, and...all that...
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