How do you come out when everyone knows you? Or at least, they think they do. That’s been ESPN Los Angeles Radio host Steve Mason’s challenge, and so many other well-known people who live a publicly closeted life for quite some time.
Mason hasn’t kept his sexual orientation a secret from people in his personal and professional lives, yet something has always held him back from sharing it publicly on-air with his listeners. He tried to come out a few months ago during a recorded podcast with Ramona Shelburne, but discovered that it wasn’t his style.
Then last Friday happened. While discussing the Atlanta Falcons’ inappropriate questions about the sexual orientation of NFL prospect Eli Apple on ESPN LA 710, Mason and Ireland engaged in a “mock” interview, with Ireland asking Mason if he was attracted to men. While mocking the Falcons’ interview process, Mason decided to answer the questions as himself.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes. [Then later] Ask me again.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes.
Ireland: How about if I ask you the other way. [In another tone] Do you like men?
Mason: Either way. [Then later] Ask me again.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes.
Ireland: Do you like men or women?
Mason: Men.
Ireland: Why didn’t you come out in college?
Mason: Nobody asked.
Ireland: When Michael Sam came out, why didn’t you show support for him and come out?
Mason: It wasn’t my thing.
Ireland: You’re uncomfortable saying you’re gay?
Mason: No, I just don’t want it to be my thing.
Ireland: So you want us to keep it a secret?
Mason: No. I just don’t want to talk about it.
Ireland: You’re totally not rattled.
Mason: The irony here is so ridiculous in so many different ways.
For Mason, it has to feel good to no longer have to keep that part of his life a secret. Now he can return to talking about the world of sports with a clear conscience, and judging by the responses on social media, the connection between host and listener has only gotten stronger.
To read the full article visit Outsports.com where some of this information was provided
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
