Jason Collins in groundbreaking LGBTQ Marriott #LoveTravels

Seven years ago, #LoveTravels’ building wraps towered over the DC streets

StorySquad’s Jay Hamilton interviewed Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in a major team sport, when Marriott launched its #LoveTravels LGBTQ campaign in 2014. Before “social impact” entered the corporate lexicon, Marriott was committed to making everyone feel comfortable being who they are, everywhere they traveled. As head of Marriott’s digital corporate relations, Jay’s authentic, brand journalism approach resulted in the video story being viewed on Marriott’s home page, social channels and hotel TVs. The #LoveTravels video campaign received more than 40 million impressions.

Collins first saw the billboard on his way from the airport. He asked the driver to open the sunroof so he could see the entire portrait on the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.

“It’s huge!” he said. “But I look good.”

Jay Hamilton with camera crew

Collins, who formerly played for the Washington Wizards, came out as gay after the 2012-13 NBA season and has been using his fame to advocate for LGBTQ causes ever since. Sports Illustrated put him on the cover of its May 6, 2013 issue. The article opened with a powerful quote:

I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay. I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.

StorySquad is one of the leading social impact video storytelling production hubs. View #LoveTravels trailer below: