LZ Granderson played in the annual Coady Roundball Classic this April in Chicago, although only in the B-Division because, well, he feels that Father Time is catching up with him. He's been part of the largest and longest-running LGBT basketball tournament for about 10 years.
"It's been so amazing to see it grow over the years, and not just in terms of numbers [of teams and participants], but skill-level and diversity," said Granderson, 39, who lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. "Of all the gay-friendly events I attend, [including] award shows, fundraisers, etc., tournaments like the Coady [Roundball] Classic are, by far, my favorite.
"First, I'm a gym rat, so I'm more in element [at the Coady]. Second, it's great to have a gathering place other than a bar. But, more importantly, there are just so many interesting stories from the participants—some come to play [and] celebrate the fact the two worlds can comfortably co-exist, others like the bragging rights of winning the [tournament, and] some are hoping to find love with someone who loves the game of basketball as much as they do.
"As I look back, I think I've been a part of each of those groups at one point or another."
This was Granderson's first year playing in the B-Division, as opposed to the top-tiered A-Division, which he's participated in previously. That step back was, he said, "tougher to accept than I thought, but seeing some of the brothers I've essentially grown up with also come to that same conclusion was heartwarming.
"That's because, I can remember two beautiful souls, Adrian and Martin, who did not make it to this point in their lives. So while I'm no longer able to play the entire game at full throttle, I'm here, we're here—and that makes me smile."
Granderson also has participated in numerous LGBT tennis events across the country, but it's his work in a different sporting venue where he truly has made his mark.
He is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine, and recently added CNN.com columnist to his resume. Granderson has worked for ESPN for eight years, and previously wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for four years and four years for the Grand Rapids Press.
Granderson is openly gay and married (to Steve), thus owning one of the most high-profile platforms for anyone from the LGBT community—a role he takes very seriously.
"I am not sure why God has led me to this point in my life, but I'm sure it wasn't to sit here scared, just taking up space," he said. "So I try to be a strong, sensible voice. Not just about LGBT issues, but in everything that I write, the TV appearances [that I make], etc. I'm not necessarily the loudest voice, but I don't think my readers come to me for volume as much as depth. Not to say the two qualities are mutually exclusive, but, shouting from the [mountain] is not my style. I'm more of a sit down with a beer kinda guy. Perez Hilton is sort of like a John Mayer bodacious type, [whereas] I'm a Jack Johnson/Jason Mraz let's-chill-at-the-beach type."
Granderson has been prominent in the media, and not just for his outlets, following Kobe Bryant's recent anti-gay slur. He even got into an on-air fight about it.
"The one message I keep trying to hammer home is [that] Kobe's usage of the slur is not just something that offended the LGBT community; it offended everyone who wants to live in a society where you're judged based upon who you are, not what you are," Granderson said. "I know a number of people—such as Roxanne Jones, board co-chair at GLAAD, and Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally—who are straight and are heavily involved in fighting homophobia for no other reason than it being the right thing to do. So whenever people talk about how upset gays were with Kobe, I try to remind them that straight people are upset with him as well."
Granderson is primarily a columnist for ESPN.com, and he's won numerous national recognitions and awards. Plus, the job has led to numerous speaking engagements. He also has had ESPN TV and ESPN Radio appearances, and he co-created a handful of web-based series, including two he hosted.
He's been in talks with CNN since 2009, dating back to his occasional appearances on Headline News.
"One day, my editor at CNN called, said my pieces were among the most-read on the site and wondered if I wanted to do something more formal," Granderson said. "I started off as a metro reporter at a newspaper, so I jumped at the opportunity to write about some of the things I've seen and experienced, in addition to my work at ESPN. I've been pretty blessed, to say the least. In addition to a weekly column, I do online video, podcast and TV. I work a lot, but it's extremely rewarding.
"I would like to think I'm helping a little."
That's a fact, particularly because he is out which, he said, "is the single most powerful thing any of us can do, be ourselves."
He added, "Studies show that most Americans who hold a favorable opinion of GLBT people know someone who is GLBT. Makes sense, right. People are afraid of what they don't know, so the best thing we can do is, have the courage to let people get to know us."
Will the coming-out process expand into the sports world, particularly any of the major-league sports (baseball, basketball, football and hockey)?
"I know high-level [sports] executives who are gay, league commissioners who are very supportive of having a welcoming environment for all sports fans, and teams that have 'Gay Nights.' The on-the-field, court, ice stuff is not as progressive, of course, but certainly better than what it was, say, 20 years ago."
When asked when an active player from one of the major-league sports will come out on his own, Granderson replied: "You're assuming one already hasn't and we just don't know about it. Doesn't mean they're closeted per se—just that the general public doesn't know."
Granderson was married to a woman at age 21, divorced and out by 25. He has been a youth pastor at two different churches before starting graduate school and initially believed, through prayer, that he could be straight. He even did an Exodus sort of thing to try to be straight.
"I probably could've stayed in the marriage, but I wanted a legitimate shot at happiness," Granderson said. "I wanted my ex-wife, who I had known since we were in high school, a shot at real happiness. So I manned-up and came out. Consequently, my relationship with God improved because I wasn't angry with Him all of the time. My ex-wife and I had our difficulties early on, but that's to be expected. I was a coward and caused her a lot of pain. But I loved her and we [have] a beautiful son out of our union, so no regrets. Just lessons. We're much better now. I've babysat her kids with her new husband; her family still calls me son and they know my partner. It was an emotionally difficult process, but we kept the well-being of our son the focal point and I think that pulled us through."
Note: The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) has named Granderson its Journalist of the Year. He, and others, will be honored at NLGJA's National Convention & LGBT Media Summit, Aug. 25-28, in Philadelphia. See www.nlgja.org/convention/2011 for more information.
More LZ Granderson:
—Level of play in the Coady Roundball Classic: "I am seeing guys who, in the past, may have felt comfortable playing say in their late 20s are now participating much earlier. As a result, the above-the-rim play has increased and that's exciting. The pace is faster, too. That's probably why I knew I had to drop [down] one level. Maybe five years ago, a 39-year-old LZ could still be a force in the top division. Today ... those kids would've just lapped me had I tried."
—Career highlight: "The first time I had beers with Kenny Chesney. Dude is just awesome and puts on a hell of a show."
—Personal highlight: "The birth of my son."
—Long-term goals: "My next progression will be as a screenwriter, but not before I try my hand at being a talk-show host."
—Favorite pro sport: Tennis
—Favorite pro team: "All things Detroit."
—Favorite pro athlete: David Beckham. "I brought my son to a photo shoot with him, and Beckham [afterward] invited him to participate in his soccer camp. About two years later, I ran into David in Madrid and he not only remembered me, but asked how my son was doing and if he still was playing soccer. As popular as [Beckham] is, to remember my kid meant a lot to me."
