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Figure Skater Glenn Embraces LGBTQ+ Identity On Ice
25 Jan
Summary
- Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion, identifies as pansexual.
- Figure skating has become a progressive safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Past skaters like Rudy Galindo and Johnny Weir paved the way for openness.
Figure skater Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion, has openly embraced her pansexual identity, finding a supportive community within the sport. Glenn expressed deep gratitude for figure skating, describing it as a progressive safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. She noted that seeing other queer people, including top coaches and skaters, helped her realize her own identity was acceptable.
The figure skating world has historically been restrictive, but pioneers like Rudy Galindo, who came out before his 1996 championship win, began to break down barriers. Johnny Weir followed suit, crediting Galindo for his courage. More recently, Adam Rippon became the first openly gay man to medal at the Winter Olympics in 2018, and Timothy LeDuc became the first non-binary Olympic athlete in 2022.
Glenn's journey reflects a broader trend of increasing visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports. Despite facing personal challenges and a politically charged environment, skaters like Jason Brown are using their platforms to advocate for safety and acceptance within the community, aiming to make the sport better for future generations.
