Pride is a beautiful celebration that occurs every June in the United States. Throughout the month, the rich history of queer culture is discussed and commemorated by many. Among those who celebrate pride are many members of the sports community. In recent years, sports have become increasingly more accepting of the queer community. This can be largely attributed to LGBTQ+ athletes who have opened up about their identities and experiences. Here are five individuals in sports that are currently spearheading the efforts to embrace LGBTQ+ people in athletics.
Erica Sullivan
Erica Sullivan is a Team USA swimmer and silver medalist in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Sullivan is a proud lesbian and has been open about her identity since she was a teenager. As the only openly gay swimmer on the 2021 U.S. Olympic team, Sullivan uses her platform to discuss her journey with her sexuality and the struggles that come along with it. Currently, Sullivan is the face of Speedo’s pride campaign and continues to fight for visibility of the LGBTQ+ community around the globe.
Laurie Hernandez
Laurie Hernandez is a former Team USA gymnast and 2016 Olympian. Since competing in Rio at 16 years old, Hernandez has taken some time away from gymnastics to focus on her personal life. In 2021, Hernandez announced her relationship with fellow Team USA member Charlotte Drury, who competes as a trampoline gymnast. Since coming out, Hernandez has openly shared her journey to self discovery on Instagram and TikTok, encouraging her audience to live their true, authentic lives.
“Pro athletes coming out and being comfortable in their sexuality is a beautiful thing. It's helped me understand that I do belong in sports and that there’s people just like me. ”
Katie Barnes
Katie Barnes is an award winning ESPN journalist that covers women’s sports and LGBTQ+ topics. In recent years, they’ve been very involved in the discussion around transgender athlete participation in sports. Ten states have laws that prohibit trans athletes from taking part in sports. Barnes has been vigilant in bringing light to these discriminatory practices. In 2019, they were recognized for their outstanding work by being nominated for a Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) media award.
Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger
Former USWNT players and current Gotham FC standouts Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger have been married for almost three years. The pair announced their relationship to the world in early 2019, but have been together for over a decade. Since announcing their relationship, the couple has been vocal about a plethora of LGBTQ+ issues, including trans athlete rights and same-sex couple adoption. Harris and Krieger share their journey on social media, including the adoption of their baby girl in February 2021.
The work of these trailblazers does not go unnoticed. Erica Grotegeer, a VIS Creator™ and member of the track and field team at San Diego State University, has been greatly impacted by these athletes and others.
“Pro athletes coming out and being comfortable in their sexuality is a beautiful thing,” Grotegeer, who identifies as queer, said. “It's helped me understand that I do belong in sports and that there’s people just like me.”
