Gus Kentowrthy, Adam Rippon, and Brittany Bowe are making history by being the first out queer athletes to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics. All three athletes are providing role models for other LGBTQ+ athletes at every level of athletics. Something to consider, however, is how few out athletes they are and how only recently these athletes have felt comfortable enough to share parts of their identities with the world. It begs the question as to why gay athletes might not feel comfortable being themselves. How can the USOC use Kentworthy, Rippon, and Bowe to show that all athletes are welcome to participate in the Olympics?
Gus Kenworthy stars in Head & Shoulders advert [Digital image]. (2108, January 22). Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/gus-kenworthy-celebrates-place-us-olympics-team-starring-gay-ad/#gs.NpDJD2M
One pioneer to recall in American context is Rudy Galindo, a Latinx ice skater. He flew a rainbow flag in 1998 at a professional skating event to Somewhere Over the Rainbow song. 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrKTIxbw0Nw