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New York City — Rosie Jones, a 13-time LPGA winner, came out Sunday scoring a hole-in-one for gay rights. 

"I know that coming out in today's politically supercharged environment surrounding gay issues has the potential to spin into something I do not intend," Jones wrote in an op-ed article for the New York Times.

"I have strong feelings about gay and lesbian civil rights: I vote; I have my beliefs. And I support causes and people, both gay and straight, who have inspired me through the years."

Jones said she has been comfortable with the fact she is a lesbian for 25 years but until now did not see the need to be public, writing "first and foremost, I am a proud and blessed member of the LPGA and a professional athlete -- not an activist.'

Jones has been on the LPGA tour for 22 years. 

In the article she says most people on the tour have known for a number of years that she is a lesbian and when she decided to "go public" the LPGA was supportive. 

"I think more people are ready for this kind of situation," Jones said, "and I think they're kind of used to it in sports with a few people having come out before me," she wrote.

"I'm optimistic that my fans will see me as the same competitive, hard-working Rosie I've always been, and respect this new aspect of my life as I respect their diversity."

Her article concluded: "Fine, I'm gay. Now let's go play golf."

Going public has already earned her an endorsement. Beginning at next weekend's Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage, Calif., the 44-year-old Jones will be sponsored by lesbian travel group Olivia.

by Beth Shapiro
365Gay.com Newscenter
New York Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2004
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.

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