Celebrating Queer People of Color - John Amaechi

(posted by Nick, '11)
John Amaechi is a former professional athlete, author, and queer role model. He played on various teams in the NBA from 1995 to 2003. He is noted in his career for being the first player to score points in the new millennium, as well as for his decision to turn down a $17 million contract with the Lakers to stay with Orlando for $600,000. In February 2007, Amaechi became the first player associated with the NBA to come out.

Since coming out, he has released a book, Man in the Middle, which documents living as a closeted queer athlete. The Campus Life LGBTQ Center has a signed copy of it! Being of British birth, Amaechi was a correspondent for BBC during the Beijing Olympic games, covering men’s and women’s basketball. Also in 2008, Amaechi made appearances on the LOGO reality show “Shirts and Skins,” on which he was a mentor and psychologist to the San Francisco Rockdogs, a gay basketball team.

John Amaechi visited the LGBTQ Center last year when he was on campus to give a lecture. Perhaps the most interesting fact about him is that his arm span can reach around five people who are standing! (See picture)