Queer athletes continue to shake up the sports world in powerful ways. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, at least 151 openly LGBTQIA+ competitors hit the global stage — a record-breaking number. Of those, 83 made their Olympic debut, with women and non-binary athletes leading the charge. That year, openly LGBTQIA+ athletes made up an estimated 2% of all Olympians, according to OutSports.
Outside the Olympics, professional leagues like the WNBA and NHL now include dozens of openly queer players. More athletes are coming out each season, proving how much visibility matters. These six trailblazers show that coming out isn’t just a personal act, it’s a powerful way to spark change and inspire others. Here are six LGBTQIA+ athletes making history right now.
Jason Collins
Jason Collins made history in April 2013 when he became the first active male athlete in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues to come out as gay. He announced it matter‑of‑factly in a Sports Illustrated cover story. “I’m a 34‑year‑old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” he wrote. Collins said he never intended to be “the only” one, but he hoped his honesty would spark conversations about inclusion.
Gus Kenworthy
Silver‑medalist Gus Kenworthy fell in love with aerials long before he ever performed on Olympic snow, but it wasn’t until October 2015 that he let the world in on another passion — his sexuality. He posted three simple words; “I am gay,” along with his ESPN magazine cover story. “Hearing people tell me that it’s made it easier for them to accept themselves…that’s what makes me feel like I’ve done something right. So, I think it’s the most important thing I’ve ever done,” he told CBS News.
Brittney Griner
On the day of the 2013 WNBA draft, Baylor star Brittney Griner told SI.com, “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are.” Standing at 6-foot-8, Griner defined dominance on the court. She also broke barriers by acknowledging her sexuality openly in a sport where coming out wasn’t always celebrated. Since then, Griner has championed LGBTQIA+ youth anti-bullying programs and mental health awareness. At the same time, she has shattered shot-blocking records and won championships with the Phoenix Mercury.
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe waited until 2012 to go public — she’d already become a star with her World Cup heroics in 2011. “For the record: I am gay,” she told Out Magazine. Rapinoe has since captained Team USA, won Olympic gold — and used every post‑match press conference to champion LGBTQIA+ rights, pay equity, and trans inclusion.
Michael Sam
In February 2014 — just before the NFL Draft — Missouri defensive end Michael Sam became the league’s first openly gay player when he revealed his sexuality to ESPN. “I am an openly, proud gay man,” Sam said. “It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL”
Layshia Clarendon
In December 2020, Minnesota Lynx guard Layshia Clarendon publicly came out as nonbinary, having first announced their trans identity in 2015. “I hope to be the role model I needed growing up,” Clarendon told Them.
These six athletes didn’t just change the game, they changed the culture. They didn’t ask for permission to belong. They took up space and inspired a generation. Each one proves that being LGBTQIA+ in sports isn’t some weakness to hide — it’s power. Did your top pick make the cut? Let us know in the comment section below.
