Jason Collins, the NBA free agent who publicly came out as gay last week, will be headlining the Democratic National Committee’s LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender] Leadership Council Gala alongside first lady Michelle Obama and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The DNC tweeted the news out on Monday, USA Today reports.
Collins, 34, is a free agent center in the NBA who last played for the Washington Wizards. He made headlines by becoming the first male active player in the four major American sports to come out as gay in an article in Sports Illustrated. President Barack Obama called Collins the same day the story was published to congratulate him for his courage.
The gala is being held on May 29 in New York to raise funds for the Democratic Party and highlight the contributions of the LGBT community. Tickets range from $1,250 for individuals up to $32,400 per couple to chair the event, the Associated Press reports.