President Barack Obama weighs in on NBA’s Jason Collins: “I told him I couldn’t be prouder”

This is just extraordinary what is happening.

The story of an NBA player coming out as gay while still active in the league is big enough. But the reaction to it is what I feel is most fascinating.

I can’t help but think of the young gays out there, especially the ones around 12 or 13. This all has to make them feel less alone and that’s why it’s so important that gay people come out – when they are ready – and that straight allies publicly voice their support.

Anyway, one of those straight allies, President Barack Obama, spoke about the NBA’s Jason Collins at the end of a White House press conference today.

“I had a chance to talk to him yesterday. He seems like a terrific young man. I told him I couldn’t be prouder. One of the extraordinary measures of progress that we’ve seen in this country has been the recognition that the LGBT community deserves full equality, not just partial equality, not just tolerance, but a recognition that they’re fully part of the American family.”

He also said: “I think, a lot of young people out there who are gay or lesbian who are struggling with these issues, to see a role model like that who is unafraid, I think this is a great thing. And I think Americans should be proud that this is just one more step in this ongoing recognition that we treat everybody fairly and everybody’s part of a family and we judge people on the basis of their character and their performance and not their sexual orientation. I’m very proud of him.”

Here’s the video: