Screenshots via Instagram
Jason Collins celebrated his birthday with a weekend to remember.
The trailblazing NBA player, who made history when he publicly came out as gay, commemorated his 47th trip around the sun with a luxury stay on Indonesia’s Bintan Island. About 50 minutes from Singapore, Bintan Island is considered one of the tropical region’s most enchanting destinations.
On Instagram, Collins posted a photo carousel featuring the islands’ lush green landscapes, stunning ocean views, and of course, shots of himself and his hubby, film producer Brunson Green.
The happy couple married in May, and still look like they’re glowing. While a birthday getaway to paradise is always special, the trip took on an even greater meaning for Collins.
The iconic athlete is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
“Even when fighting brain cancer, you have to recharge,” Collins wrote. “Very relaxing birthday weekend for [Brunson Green] & me ❤️🏝️☀️😎💪🏾🙌🏾.”
Collins’ birthday is Tuesday. Green celebrated in November.
On Monday, Collins was back in Singapore, where he’s been receiving chemotherapy. He often chronicles his experience on Instagram.
The NBA announced Collins’ diagnosis in September. “NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the statement read. “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being.”
When Outsports covered Collins’ diagnosis, co-founder Cyd Zeigler wrote the following: “No former pro athlete has made himself more accessible to the LGBTQ community and our inclusion in sports than Collins.”
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A 13-year NBA vet, Collins publicly came out in a 2013 essay for Sports Illustrated. “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” the piece opens.
Within it, Collins says he didn’t set out to be a standard bearer, but relishes the role. “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport,” he writes. “But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation.”
Over the last 12 years, that’s exactly what he’s done. Collins made history when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in April 2014, becoming the first out gay player to appear in an NBA game.
This past May, Collins’ long-time teammate and perennial All-Star Richard Jefferson attended his wedding, according to Outsports. They married in Austin, Texas, where they now live.
Collins works as an ambassador for the NBA, while Green is a Hollywood producer, most known for his work on The Help.
Their life together seems blissful.
In his coming outessay, Collins talks about how he felt pressured to date women, and even got engaged. He decided to come out when his college roommate at Stanford, Joe Kennedy III, marched in Boston’s Pride Parade.
“I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn’t even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator,” writes Collins.
Since then, Collins has participated in many Pride festivities as his true self, including as a coupled gay man. Here’s to many, many more.
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