“It actually was a difficult decision because I have been living good secret in public areas and are a tiny scared to evolve you to definitely,” claims Jones. “We didnt need certainly to stain the picture of your LPGA or some of the matchmaking I had having sponsors, organizations or associates I experienced.”
Jones, an incredibly small hitter whose stamina to the golf course are thinking ahead and you will having fun with bravery, used to be again convinced one-step ahead.
“Before I generated brand new Olivia announcement, We known as LPGA, each one of my sponsors, my personal golf club affiliates inside the Atlanta, all the organizations that i was acting as a spokesperson, and couples close other professionals, to let her or him understand what I happened to be planning to do,” she says. “We told him or her that the is the amount of time so you’re able to bail or plan all the questions they may score.”
“I found myself not provided one ounce away from negative opinions out-of the individuals phone calls,” Jones says. “It actually was no surprise to them and additionally they don’t worry. I really attained endorsements the next few years. The newest LPGA aided orchestrate my personal news attention. As opposed to sweeping the subject underneath the carpet as in the new previous, it generated the transition as facile as it is possible for me personally, our very own tournaments, sponsors and you will admirers.”
Some thing got changed of the early 2000s, but nonetheless specific on media focused on her private lifestyle. “It absolutely was tough to uncovered my personal soul on concerns asked regarding myself just after a circular of good golf, however, in the course of time all the questions returned to tennis also it are perhaps not the major thing any further,” she claims.
Exactly what Jones located is a chance that have Olivia you to definitely, as well as the support away from the woman sponsors, family unit members therefore the LPGA, gave the lady a deck on which so you’re able to ultimately become herself.
What she learned was every one of these organizations exactly who appreciated their as the a guy and you will known the girl as the a specialist did very unconditionally
“I was tired of perhaps not authenticating exactly who I found myself while the an effective people,” Jones claims. “It actually was another time in the realm of sporting events and existence within nation [than just whenever she basic became pro.] We thought that the brand new trip was in an alternative lay, sponsors had been so much more abilities-inspired in addition to societal are becoming more used to this new homosexual living. So much more performers, actors, artisans, political figures was basically out. It actually was the greatest time for me, the brand new LPGA and our very own fans.”
Upcoming, from inside the 2004, due to the fact the lady LPGA career try wandering down, Jones had a corporate chance one expected this lady going social regarding the this lady sexuality
Searching right back fifteen years later, their tough to comprehend exactly what a planet-shaking second this is to possess Jones and also for the LPGA, actually the turning away from an important place for both.
“The brand new opinions I got from your fans is actually significantly more fulfilling the currency We received of my personal this new gay mentor,” Jones claims. “Someone appeared of woodwork moving away from the means thanking myself getting coming-out being fearless aplicación de citas lesbianas como grindr getting standing up and you may representing the new LBGT community.”
During the 59, Jones was partial-retired, starting woodworking, floating around and you may managing the lady spouse regarding 14 age, Carrie Sexton, to the Hilton Head Island. “All of our recent addition is Berty, the newest dog lady,” Jones claims, “And you will I am spending so much time back at my game towards the U.S. Senior Ladies Open, Elder LPGA and the Legends Concert tour.”
“It had been very thrilling and you will cathartic for me personally to resolve your questions,” she told you. “I’m most a sense of independence and you may empowerment so you can fundamentally express and let you know exactly what it are such as for example for my situation and several someone else in those days towards concert tour. Thank you so much having thinking about myself and you will reminding me personally away from my voice.”
