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Out NBAer Collins Gets Kudos From President, First Lady

Out NBAer Collins Gets Kudos From President, First Lady

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Barack and Michelle Obama both convey their support to Jason Collins.

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In a day that has seen outpourings of support for his coming-out, pro basketball player Jason Collins has now gotten messages of encouragement from the president and first lady.

President Obama called Collins to "express his support" and said he was "impressed by his courage," an aide told the Washington Blade. Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Jay Carney said he hadn't yet discussed the matter with the president but said Collins's move would definitely be considered progress. Collins is the first man in major pro team sports to come out as gay while still playing.

First lady Michelle Obama praised Collins via Twitter, saying, "So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We've got your back!" She signed the message "-mo," which indicates it came directly from her, not an aide, CBS News reports.

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Trudy Ring

Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.
Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.