“It had been an emotional decision just like the I had been traditions a wonders in public areas and you will is actually a tiny afraid adjust one,” claims Jones. “I didnt must tarnish the picture of LPGA otherwise all relationship I got that have sponsors, organizations or affiliates I got.”

Jones, an incredibly small hitter whose fuel for the golf course try thinking ahead and playing with bravery, used to be again considering one-step to come.

“In advance of We produced the fresh new Olivia statement, I known as LPGA, all of my personal sponsors, my personal club associates when you look at the Atlanta, all of the teams which i was acting as a representative, and you will couple romantic other people, so that her or him know very well what I was about to carry out,” she states. “I informed them that this are the full time in order to bail otherwise get ready for all the questions they could get.”

“I found myself maybe not offered that oz away from negative views out-of men and women phone calls,” Jones says. “It actually was not surprising on it in addition they failed to worry. I really gained endorsements the following years. The brand new LPGA helped orchestrate my mass media notice. Rather than sweeping the subject according to the rug as with the new earlier, they generated the latest transition as facile as it is possible for me personally, all of our competitions, sponsors and you will fans.”

Anything had altered by the very early 2000s, but nonetheless certain from the mass media focused on the woman individual existence. “It absolutely was tough to exposed my personal soul into questions questioned regarding myself immediately following a round of great tennis, however, in the course of time the questions returned to tennis also it try maybe not the big matter more,” she claims.

Just what Jones located try a chance with Olivia you to definitely, plus the service of their sponsors, friends plus the LPGA, gave the girl a deck about what to fundamentally be by herself.

Exactly what she revealed try all those entities whom treasured the lady because the one and you will respected the lady given that a professional performed so unconditionally

“I became sick of perhaps not authenticating who recensioni solo incontri nazionali I found myself due to the fact an excellent person,” Jones says. “It had been another amount of time in the realm of football and existence within our nation [than simply whenever she basic became pro.] I felt that the latest tour was at another type of put, sponsors were way more abilities-inspired and societal is getting more use to new homosexual lifestyle. Far more artists, stars, music artists, political leaders was indeed aside. It had been the best going back to me, this new LPGA and our admirers.”

Next, inside the 2004, because the the woman LPGA career are wandering off, Jones got a business opportunity that necessary their going public regarding the lady sex

Looking straight back fifteen years later, its difficult to fathom just what an environment-moving minute this was to possess Jones and for the LPGA, really the flipping from an important area for both.

“The fresh views I had from our fans is much more fulfilling that the currency We acquired off my the brand new gay recruit,” Jones says. “Some one made an appearance of one’s carpentry moving away from their way thanking myself getting developing being brave getting waiting and you will symbolizing the fresh LBGT neighborhood.”

Within 59, Jones try semi-retired, doing woodworking, boating and you may living with this lady companion from 14 age, Carrie Sexton, towards Hilton Lead Isle. “Our very own fresh addition are Berty, the fresh puppy woman,” Jones claims, “And you can I’m spending so much time to my online game into the U.S. Elderly Ladies Unlock, Elder LPGA and the Stories Journey.”

“It had been really thrilling and you will cathartic for me personally to resolve your questions,” she said. “Personally i think most a sense of versatility and you can empowerment to help you ultimately display and you will show exactly what it try such as in my situation and many anybody else at that time with the trip. Thank you so much such getting thinking about me personally and you will reminding myself of my sound.”