Celebs React to Jason Collins Coming Out as Gay

Stars, athletes and politicians support Collins' big moment.

Jason Collins - By being the first pro athlete to come out while still being in the game, Jason Collins became an even bigger name and allowed for people like Michael Sam to be comfortable enough to come out as well.  (Photo: Eric McCandless/AP Photo)

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Jason Collins - Jason Collins made sports history by becoming the first working professional male athlete to come out as gay. "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm Black, and I'm gay," he told Sports Illustrated. "I'm happy to start the conversation," he added. And start it he did. Keep flipping for celebrity reactions to Collins' big moment. (Photo: AP Photo/ABC, Eric McCandless)

Russell Simmons - @UncleRUSH: proud of Washington Wizards' player Jason Collins (@JasonCollins34) for coming out. we will stand with you as you continue on your journey.. (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

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Russell Simmons - @UncleRUSH: proud of Washington Wizards' player Jason Collins (@JasonCollins34) for coming out. we will stand with you as you continue on your journey.. (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Dwayne Johnson - @TheRock: Being real & authentic is very powerful. Well done Jason Collins for having the courage to take a monumental step forward.#LiveReal (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Dwayne Johnson - @TheRock: Being real & authentic is very powerful. Well done Jason Collins for having the courage to take a monumental step forward.#LiveReal (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Spike Lee - @SpikeLee: Orange And Blue Skies Salutes Jason Collins. Thank You For Your Courage, A Slam Dunk Against HOMOPHOBIA. And Dat's Da "FREEDOM" Truth, Ruth.(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

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Spike Lee - @SpikeLee: Orange And Blue Skies Salutes Jason Collins. Thank You For Your Courage, A Slam Dunk Against HOMOPHOBIA. And Dat's Da "FREEDOM" Truth, Ruth.(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant: August 23 - The NBA all-star celebrates his 35th birthday. (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Hublot)

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Kobe Bryant - @kobebryant: Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU. (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Hublot)

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Chelsea Clinton: February 27 - The former first daughter is all grown up at 33.  (Photo: Simon Russell/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Clinton - @ChelseaClinton: Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.  (Photo: Simon Russell/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Simon Russell/Getty Images

Ricky Martin - @ricky_martin: I don’t know you personally @jasoncollins but… CONGRATULATIONS buddy! You are a brave man! I’m very happy for you! #NBA #proud.(Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

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Ricky Martin - @ricky_martin: I don’t know you personally @jasoncollins but… CONGRATULATIONS buddy! You are a brave man! I’m very happy for you! #NBA #proud.(Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

Jason Kidd - @RealJasonKidd: Jason's sexuality doesn't change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate.(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Jason Kidd - @RealJasonKidd: Jason's sexuality doesn't change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate.(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Brendon Ayanbadejo - @brendon310: By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images for PFLAG)

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Brendon Ayanbadejo - @brendon310: By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images for PFLAG)

Magic Johnson - @MagicJohnson: Jason Collins has announced that he is gay. I know Jason and his family well and I support him 100%. (Photo: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com)

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Magic Johnson - @MagicJohnson: Jason Collins has announced that he is gay. I know Jason and his family well and I support him 100%. (Photo: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com)

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Dwyane Wade - @DwyaneWade: Jason Collins showed a lot of courage today and I respect him for taking a stand and choosing to live in his truth. #nbafamily (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Time Magazine)

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Dwyane Wade - @DwyaneWade: Jason Collins showed a lot of courage today and I respect him for taking a stand and choosing to live in his truth. #nbafamily (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Time Magazine)

Michael Strahan: November 21 - The football player turned morning show host celebrates his 41st birthday. (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

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Michael Strahan - @michaelstrahan: So proud of @jasoncollins34 for having the courage to stand up and out for who he is. I support, respect and salute you!! (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Lisa Ling - @lisaling: You go Jason Collins!!!!!!!! (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Lisa Ling - @lisaling: You go Jason Collins!!!!!!!! (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

D.L. Hughley - @RealDLHughley: Jason Collins came outa the closet 2day but he's not even a starter! It's kinda ironic that the 1st openly gay pro athlete rides the pine!.(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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D.L. Hughley - @RealDLHughley: Jason Collins came outa the closet 2day but he's not even a starter! It's kinda ironic that the 1st openly gay pro athlete rides the pine!.(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Shonda Rhimes - @shondarhimes: Totally loving me some @jasoncollins34 right now.  Well done! (Photo: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)

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Shonda Rhimes - @shondarhimes: Totally loving me some @jasoncollins34 right now.  Well done! (Photo: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)

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John Amaechi - @JohnAmaechi: Congratulations to Jason - sport couldn't hope for a more eloquent & positive role model. (Photo: Dennis Grombkowski/Bongarts/Getty Images)

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John Amaechi - @JohnAmaechi: Congratulations to Jason - sport couldn't hope for a more eloquent & positive role model. (Photo: Dennis Grombkowski/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Bill Clinton Visits Apparel Manufacturer in Haiti - Former President Bill Clinton visited the apparel manufacturer Industrial Revolution II in Haiti as part of a two-day trip. Clinton was supporting the company's mission to "create long-term, sustainable economic development within the region of Port-Au-Prince," according to a statement. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

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Bill Clinton - @billclinton: I'm proud to call Jason Collins a friend. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Michelle Obama - @FLOTUS: So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo. (Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

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Michelle Obama - @FLOTUS: So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo. (Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)