7 Athletes Came Out as LGBT in 2024
Introduction
Even in 2024, the decision for a professional athlete to come out can be a difficult one. Many sports leagues, teams, and fan bases still do not fully accept queer and/or trans athletes, often forcing them to hide their true selves for fear of damaging their careers, losing sponsorships, or retiring earlier than planned.
Fortunately, we have seen an increasing number of openly gay athletes in recent years. Their courageous stories inspire other promising athletes to follow suit when they feel ready and willing to share their own experiences. And when they do, we are always ready to welcome them into our community!
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this year seems even more special for celebrating the queer athletes who have come out and are living their most authentic lives.
Scroll down to learn more about the athletes who have declared themselves LGBTQ+ in 2024 (so far)!
Colin Grafton
https://www.instagram.com/colin_grafton/
Former professional figure skater and past member of the Dancing on Ice team, Colin Grafton came out in February 2024. Though he had already come out to close friends a few years earlier, the athlete only took the step publicly at the age of 32.
“It has been a long journey, but now I am proud of myself,” he told PinkNews. “I am proud of my sexuality and want to let others know that they should also be proud of every aspect of themselves.”
Sean Gunn
https://www.instagram.com/thejudgegunn
![Sean Gunn](INSTAGRAM @SEANGUNNNN)
Professional swimmer who competed for Zimbabwe at the Rio 2016 Olympics, Sean Gunn came out in March 2024.
“Honestly, I don’t think things have really changed,” Gunn told Outsports in an interview. “If anything, friendships have improved. In my mind, I built this up for so long… and was terrified that how they acted or treated me would be different. But I’ve been very fortunate that everyone has been so incredible and wants me to be the happiest version of myself.”
Read also : Transgender Olympic Athlete Sparks Controversy
Tim Brewster and Kyle Friend
https://www.instagram.com/kylefriend10
https://www.instagram.com/timbrewster
![Tim Brewster and Kyle Friend](INSTAGRAM @KYLEFRIEND10)
In March 2024, Tim Brewster and Kyle Friend shared how their partnership as a professional beach volleyball duo turned into a romantic relationship. While their immediate family, friends, and peers were already aware, it was only this year that they revealed this to fans.
“Seeing an example of someone who is open, confident, and able to play volleyball, I had never seen that,” Brewster told Volleyball Magazine. “Seeing someone like that helped me overcome a lot of the internal struggles I was going through.”
Bronson
https://www.instagram.com/bearb_ronson
![Bronson](X @BEARBRONSONBC)
Professional wrestler “Dirty Bulk” Bronson came out as bisexual in June 2024 to kick off Pride Month. The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star wrote in a series of X messages:
“The last 24 hours have been so overwhelming since I openly admitted I was bisexual. I have been speechless from the endless phone calls, texts, private messages, responses from loyal fans, close friends, our ragtag group, and so many others with whom I’ve had new interactions.”
Trey Cunningham
https://www.instagram.com/treycunningham
![Trey Cunningham](INSTAGRAM @TREYCUNNINGHAM)
In a July interview with the New York Times, track and field athlete (and model) Trey Cunningham spoke publicly about his sexuality after coming out privately to his close ones five years earlier.
He also shared with Us Weekly: “I grew up in a time when people didn’t care as much. I feel like I’m on the cusp of seeing this change, just a little bit.”
He continued: “I’m just Trey and apparently it’s a special thing that I love embracing guys.”
Ralf Schumacher
https://www.instagram.com/ralfschumacher_rsc/
![Ralf Schumacher](INSTAGRAM @RALFSCHUMACHER_RSC)
In a July Instagram post, retired German racing driver Ralf Schumacher came out as gay after revealing he had a male partner.
“The best thing in life is having the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything,” he wrote in the caption of the post where they can be seen kissing while watching a sunset over the ocean.
“Thank you so much for the many congratulations and comments,” he wrote in a follow-up Instagram post, tagging his partner, Etienne. “We are very happy and thank you all.”
LGBTQ+ Sport News
For those looking for more sports news, we invite you to visit the “LGBT Sports News” section of Queer Vibes magazine. Just a click away, this dedicated category offers a wide range of articles, features and updates focused exclusively on LGBT athletes, sports-related events and issues. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, information, or just a connection to the LGBT sports community, our “LGBT Sports News” section is your go-to resource.
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