God's Gay Gift to Basketball

Jim Butler (left) is seen here with his godson, Jamie Hayes. (StoryCorps Atlanta)

It’s hard sometimes figuring out who you are.  As a young gay teenager in 1956, Jim Butler, found it was even harder.  In this conversation with his godson, Jamie Hayes, he talks about the day everything he knew about himself changed. And how ultimately sports allowed him to be his authentic self.

This story was produced locally for WABE by Brenda Ford and recorded in partnership with the Atlanta History Center. What memories would you like to share with future generations?  To get started, click here.