“It was a difficult decision given that I had been life a miracle publicly and you may try a little afraid adjust that,” says Jones. “We didnt must tarnish the picture of LPGA or all relationships I got with sponsors, groups or affiliates I had.”
Jones, an incredibly brief hitter whoever stamina on the golf course was thinking ahead and playing with courage, was previously once more considering one step in the future.
“Prior to We made the new Olivia statement, We known as LPGA, all of my personal sponsors, my personal driver affiliates when you look at the Atlanta, the organizations that i try acting as a representative, and you can few intimate other members, to let them know very well what I was about to create,” she states. “I informed her or him that the is actually the time so you’re able to bail or get ready for the questions they may get.”
“I found myself perhaps not offered that ounce regarding negative opinions of those people calls,” Jones claims. “It was not surprising on them in addition they didn’t care and attention. I actually gained recommendations the next few years. The latest LPGA aided orchestrate my mass media notice. Instead of sweeping the subject underneath the rug like in the brand new earlier, it produced new change as simple as possible in my situation, the competitions, sponsors and you can fans.”
Anything got changed of the early 2000s, but still specific regarding the news worried about the woman private existence. “It absolutely was hard to bare my heart into the inquiries requested out-of myself immediately following a spherical of great golf, however, eventually all the questions got back so you can golf also it are perhaps not the top question anymore,” she claims.
Exactly what Jones located is actually chances with Olivia one, as well as the support out-of the woman sponsors, friends additionally the LPGA, offered their a patio about what in order to in the end be by herself.
Just what she discovered is actually all these entities whom enjoyed her once the a man and you will respected her because a professional performed very for any reason
“I became tired of not authenticating whom I became since a beneficial individual,” Jones claims. “It was a special amount of time in the realm of sports and you may lifestyle in our country [than simply when she earliest became pro.] We thought that new tour was at a unique lay, sponsors had been so much more performance-driven bisexuelle Webseiten as well as the personal try getting more used to brand new gay living. A whole lot more entertainers, actors, artists, political leaders were away. It had been the best returning to me personally, the fresh new LPGA and you will our fans.”
Following, in the 2004, due to the fact their LPGA profession was wandering off, Jones got a business opportunity that necessary the girl heading societal regarding the lady sexuality
Appearing straight back 15 years later, its tough to comprehend what an environment-moving second it was to possess Jones and for the LPGA, really the flipping of a significant place for both.
“The opinions I had from your admirers try even more satisfying that the money We received of my the latest homosexual mentor,” Jones says. “Anyone appeared of the carpentry moving away from its way thanking me to own developing being brave getting standing up and symbolizing the brand new LBGT area.”
In the 59, Jones are partial-resigned, undertaking carpentry, floating around and living with this lady partner from fourteen decades, Carrie Sexton, on the Hilton Head Island. “The fresh addition is actually Berty, the newest puppy girl,” Jones says, “And Im working to my games toward You.S. Elderly Womens Unlock, Elder LPGA as well as the Legends Trip.”
“It absolutely was really exhilarating and cathartic for my situation to resolve your questions,” she told you. “I feel very a sense of independence and empowerment to ultimately express and you can let you know just what it are eg for my situation and several someone else at that moment towards concert tour. Thanks so much to own thinking of me and you will reminding me personally regarding my voice.”