Table of Contents
30 Professional Athletes who Identify as LGBTQ
In today’s globe, homosexuality is becoming more accepted, while resistance still exists in rural places. This word first appeared in the mid-to-late 1980s.
These letters stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
It is also known as LGBTQ, where the Q stands for queer or questioning their gender.
LGBT+ refers to people of all sexual orientations.
They also have a beautiful rainbow flag that represents their LGBT community.
Indeed, they are the most daring to deviate from what our “social standards” define as acceptable.
Today, we will present 30 professional athletes who proudly identified as LGBT and will share their pride factor.
30 Professional Athletes Who Are LGBTQ
In honor of Pride Month, we’ve compiled a list of athletes who have created history.
They are also the ones who have made a significant announcement to openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and transgender athletes.
1. Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King, an American former professional tennis player, is the world’s number one and has won 39 Grand Slam titles.
She has also been a member of winning teams in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups.
Aside from his many accomplishments and medals on the court, King is also an advocate for gender equality.
It was in 1968 that King discovered she was attracted to women for the first time.
Oh, there were LGBTQ athletes back then? What a scandal!
Currently, King is married to her doubles partner, Ilana Kloss, and they have a wonderful marriage.
She is currently the advisor of First Women’s Bank in Chicago.
2. Nicola Adams
Nicola Adams (full name: Nicola Adams, Nicknames: The Lioness, Babyface)
Nicola Adams is a former professional boxer and the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.
She built a charismatic career with an unbeaten record in the ring during her brief two-year career.
Many people were curious about her sexuality. As a result, she confirmed that she is a lesbian rather than a bisexual.
Nicola is the most important LGBT person in Britain, having been the first openly LGBT person and athlete to win an Olympic boxing gold medal.
“I’ve never attempted to hide my sexuality, but I’ve also never spoken about it in public because I didn’t want it to overwhelm anything else.
” It’s a big part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me.” -Nicola Adams
3. Jason Collins
Jason Paul Collins (full name: Jason Paul Collins; Nickname: Set Shot Willy Twin)
Jason, a former professional basketball player from the United States, dedicated thirteen years of his life to the game.
Collins was dating former WNBA center Carolyn Moos during his first journey.
However, the couple divorced in 2009, and Collins openly declared himself gay later in the 2012-13 season.
There were countless aftershocks, but he received enormous love and support from the public and celebrities.
But he was also questioned about his bravery in being gay while also being a Christian.
“It’s all about tolerance and acceptance, and America is the best country in the world because we’re all free to have our own thoughts and beliefs, and we don’t have to agree on everything.
” And, obviously, I disagree with his assertion.” -Jason Collins
4. Amaechi, John
(Nickname: Meech) (Full name: John Uzoma Ekwugha Amaechi)
Amaechi is a former professional basketball player from the United Kingdom who is now a psychologist and consultant.
He is also the owner of Amaechi Performance Systems.
Amaechi is the first former NBA player to officially declare his homosexuality.
Not to mention, Amaechi is one of the world’s most visible gay athletes and a member of the LGBTQ community.
Since coming out as homosexual in February 2007, John has never stopped talking about gays.
Overall, Amaechi has been improving day by day and is a proud representative of the LGBTQ community.
5. Sue Bird
Suzanne Brigit Bir (full name: Suzanne Brigit Bir, Nickname: Sue)
Sue Bird, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, has been setting records since she was in high school.
She now represents four WNBA titles, four Olympic gold medals, two NCAA championships, and four FIBA World Cups.
The bird came out as a lesbian on July 20, 2017, and dated soccer player Megan Rapinoe.
The duo is a leading LGBTQ+ icon of the twenty-first century, and they were the first same-sex couple athletes on the cover of ESPN The Magazine’s “Body Issue” even back then.
6. Dutee Chand
Dutee Chand (full name: Dutee Chand, Nickname: Nano)
Dutee Chand is an Indian professional sprinter who is now the fastest in her hometown.
With multiple achievements to her name, Chand is also one of the most prominent Indian athletes to stand up openly about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Of course, her path was never easy.
Her coming out as a lesbian sparked outrage in her neighborhood and even a threat to leave the family.
She is, nevertheless, more determined than ever to raise awareness of the LGBT community.
7. Matthew Mitcham
Matthew John Mitcham (full name: Matthew John Mitcham, Nickname: Matt)
Matt is the first Australian male diver to win an Olympic gold medal in diving.
Similarly, he is a trampolinist and, more importantly, the first gay Olympic gold medalist.
Overall, Matt came out as gay in 2008.
He is currently wedded to his British boyfriend, Luke Rutherford.
“I don’t view sexuality as influencing my beliefs, opinions, or perceptions of anyone, gay, straight, bi, trans, experimental, or otherwise.
” “I regard it as a pretty unimportant factor in people,” says Matthew Mitcham.
8. Megan Repinoe
Megan Anna Rapinoe (full name: Megan Anna Rapinoe, nickname: Gumby)
Repine is a professional soccer player from the United States.
Furthermore, she had known she was a lesbian since her college days.
She now lives an inspirational life with her life partner, Sue Bird.
In truth, Robinson is an advocate for a number of LGBT organizations.
Following that, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center presented her with the Board of Directors Award.
9. Fred Rosser
(Frederick Douglas Rosser III, full name, Darren Young)
Fred Rosser, better known by his ring name Darren Young, is an American WWE wrestler.
He currently works for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Fred Rosser openly came out as gay on August 15, 2013, making him the first professional wrestler to do so.
Later, he revealed that his mother was a lesbian.
“I’m a WWE superstar, and to be completely honest, I’ll tell you right now that I’m gay.” And I’m content. “I’m overjoyed.” -Fred Rosser
10. Johnny Weir
(Official name: John Garvin Weir; nicknames: June Tinkerbelle, Simba, Nicky)
Johnny Weir is a professional figure skater recognized for being “an entertaining artesian.
” He also works as an NBC television pundit.
In early 2011, this inspiring legend came out as gay.
In addition, he has been an advocate for the LGBTQ community since his early days and only recently opened up about himself.
“I wear my sexuality as I do my sex or my skin color.
” It is simply what it is, and I was born into it.” -Johnny Weir
11. Parinya Charoenphol
(Parinya Charoenphol, Nong Toom)
Parinya is a former Muay Thai champion and former Thai professional kickboxer.
In truth, Parinya is a pre-operative transgender woman.
She also became a kickboxer to obtain funds for her family and gender transformation surgery (GRS).
She received her GRS when she was 18 years old.
12. Gus Kenworthy
Augustus Richard Kenworthy (full name: Augustus Richard Kenworthy; nicknames: Gus, Goose, Kenny, Kenny G)
Kenworthy is a British-American freestyle skier who is also the first homosexual action-sports celebrity.
Aside from that, he is an actor and a YouTuber.
Gus first revealed his sexual orientation in an ESPN interview in 2015.
Not to add, he has always fought to promote the LGBT community, which is important for athletes.
In addition, Gus served as one of the Pride Parade’s six grand marshals in 2018.
13. Ian Roberts
Roberts is an actor and former professional rugby player.
Furthermore, he has openly admitted to being gay, making him the first high-profile Australian athlete and the first rugby footballer in the world to do so.
He first came out in 1995 and has since revealed his sexuality in a number of journals.
Of course, he is one of the many athletes who appear and speak out for the LGBTQ community.
14. Michael Sam
Michael Alan Sam Jr. (full name: Michael Alan Sam Jr., Nickname: Mike)
Michael Sam is a professional football player and the NFL’s first openly gay player.
Looking back, Sam is an extremely strong player, both mentally and physically, who grew up in a difficult situation but achieved his goals.
Sam came out as gay in public in August 2013.
This statement elicited equal amounts of support and criticism.
He does, however, stand proudly as an advocate for the LGBTQ community.
15. Casey Stoney
Casey Jean Stoney (full name)
Stoney is the current head coach of the WSL team Manchester United and a former professional football player.
Casey first came out as a lesbian in public in February 2014.
She is also in a relationship with Megan Harris, with whom she has three children.
Casey was named the 50th most influential lesbian and LGBT person in the United Kingdom in 2012.
16. Ryan O’Callaghan
Ryan Thomas Callaghan (full name)
Ryan is a professional football player who starts as an offensive tackle.
He worked in the field for five years, beginning in 2006.
He originally came out as gay in a June 2017 interview with OutSports.
According to him, he struggled to accept the fact that he was gay.
When he ultimately came out, though, he received overwhelming support from his teammates, friends, and even the LGBTQ community.
17. Greg Louganis
Gregory Efthimios Louganis (full name: Gregory Efthimios Louganis, Nickname: Greg)
Greg is a gold medallist at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics and is widely regarded as one of the greatest dives in history.
He is not just a diver, but also an LGBT activist and author.
Greg came out as homosexual in a pre-recorded video during the opening ceremony of the 1994 Gay Games.
In an interview with Barbara Walters a year later, in 1995, he finally revealed his sexuality.
He is currently married to paralegal Johnny Chaillot.
18. Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas (full name: Gareth Thomas, nickname: Alfie)
Thomas is a Welsh rugby player who is presently rated 14th in the world in terms of try-scoring.
He has also appeared in Rugby League and Rugby Union.
Thomas initially declared himself to be gay in 2009.
With this statement, he became the first gay rugby union player.
The following year, he was named the most important gay person in the United Kingdom, as well as an athlete representing LGBTQ people.
“I don’t want to be associated with gay rugby players.
” First and foremost, I am a rugby player. “I am a man,” says Gareth Thomas.
19. Ian Thorpe
(Full name: Ian James Thorpe; nicknames: Thorpedo and Thorpey)
Ian is the only professional swimmer who has won six gold medals in a single World Championship.
He is also the first swimmer to have four times been named Swimming World Swimmer of the Year.
In a 2014 televised interview, he opened up about his sexuality as gay, adding to the list of LGBTQ athletes.
“I’m at ease identifying as a gay man.” And I don’t want other people to feel the way I did.
“You can grow up, be comfortable, and be gay,” says Ian Thorpe.
20. Abby Wambach
Mary Abigail Wambach (full name: Mary Abigail Wambach, nickname: Abby)
Abby is a retired soccer player who is still the national team’s all-time leading goal scorer.
She is also a soccer coach and a two-time Olympic gold champion.
She is currently married to author Glennon Doyle.
She also mentioned how her marriage had taught her about herself.
“I can’t speak for others, but I believe the days of needing to come out of a closet are over.
” I never felt like I was locked up in a closet. Never did I.
“I’ve always felt at ease with who I am and the decisions I’ve made.” -Abby Wambach
21. Sharnee Zoll-Norman
Sharnee is a former WNBA basketball player who spent five years in the league. She is currently living a lovely life with Serita Norman.
She also made a name for herself as a lesbian in 2013, and she made some noteworthy remarks.
“If I were straight, I wouldn’t have to come out and say it.
” So I’ve never had an official coming-out party or felt compelled to declare that I was gay.” -Sharnee Zoll-Norman
22. Yoko Yamada
Yoko Yamada (full name: Yoko Yamada, Nickname: Iron Beauty)
Yamada is one of the most well-known athletes in female arm wrestling, professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, and shoot boxing.
Yamada has previously worked as a model and a host. She has also openly declared herself to be bisexual.
23. Jessica Platt
Platt is a professional ice hockey player who is also the league’s first transgender player.
Platt disclosed her transsexual status on her Instagram account on January 10, 2018.
Overall, she has been named one of Canada’s most influential women.
“I didn’t understand how much stress I had been living under until I came out.
” It seemed like a weight had been lifted when I walked out.
I truly believe I am fortunate because I know who I am and what I stand for.
“I am an advocate for equality,” says Jessica Platt.
24. Ryan Russell
Ryan Karney Russell is his full name.
Ryan, the defensive end, is a retired professional football player.
In truth, he has had a difficult path and has previously suffered from depression.
Anyway, he came out as gay to ESPN in 2019, adding to the roster of LGBTQ athletes.
He is currently in a relationship with his dancer lover Corey O’Brien, and the two have their own YouTube channel called “Corey & Ross.”
25. Helena Berg
Helena Berg is a former Olympic freestyle swimmer who was named swimmer of the century in 2007.
Helena, a decorated Olympian, has been open about her sexual orientation since the early 1980s.
26. Robbie Rogers
Robert Hampton Rogers III (full name)
Rogers is a former professional soccer player and the first openly homosexual man to compete in a major professional sports league in North America.
He is also a television producer.
As a result, Robbie came out as homosexual in 2013, and he married his longtime lover, television writer-producer Greg Berlanti, in 2016. The couple now has a son and a daughter.
“I just hope that people forget about the labels and preconceptions that are applied to different people.”
“I just want that to go away, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.” -Robbie Rogers
27. Orlando Cruz
(Orlando Cruz, Nickname: El Fenómeno “The Phenomenon”)
Cruz is the world’s first openly gay professional boxer.
The Phenomenon was also among the inaugural batch of honorees in the National Gay & Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame.
Coming out was never easy; they suffered retaliation and had to cry in silence.
Cruz, on the other hand, has experienced emotional suffering throughout his trip; nonetheless, he is stronger than ever.
“I am and always will be a proud Puerto Rican.”
“I have always been and will always be a proud gay man,” says Orlando Cruz.
28. Veronica Ivy
Ivy is a transgender world track cycling champion and former professional race cyclist.
She won the UCI Women’s Masters Track World Championship at the time.
She is not only a biker but also a philosophy professor and transgender rights campaigner.
29. Renée Richards
Richards is a former tennis player and sports advocate for transgender persons.
She is well-known for her male-to-female sex reassignment surgery, which has elevated her to the ranks of LGBTQ athletics.
Richards struggled with sexual confusion, melancholy, and suicidal ideation throughout her early years.
“If I could change my sex again, I would since that’s what I was intended to accomplish.
” I’ve had so many fantastic adventures; I suppose it was fate.” -Renee Richards
30. Kye Allums
Allums was the first openly transgender NCAA Division I college athlete and a former college basketball player.
He is also an LGBT youth advocate, a public speaker, and an artist.
Kye Allums (full name: Kye Allums, Nickname: Kay-Kay)
He originally came out as transgender in 2010, adding to the LGBTQ athletic community.
“My biological sex is female, thus I’m a transgender male,” says Kye Allums.
Also Read: Who Is Ben Orsini? Let’s Know Everything About Him, Who Is Cat Conley? Let’s Know Everything About Her
Summary
The greatest gift we can provide to all of humanity is no verification of who they are, where they came from, and, of course, what they are interested in.
People all over the world observe the month to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community.
There are a few detractors among the many supporters.
Overall, the main motivation is to keep fighting.
Finally, the only hope is that one day we won’t need a pride month.
