2024 Paris Olympics Make History With Record Number Of Out Athletes
The 2024 Paris Olympics have already made history. With events kicking off on July 26, this year’s games feature more openly LGBTQIA+ athletes than ever before. According to NBC News and Outsports, at least 175 LGBTQIA+ athletes are competing, setting a new record.
“This will be the gayest Olympics ever,” said Cyd Zeigler, co-founder of Outsports. The number of out Olympians has skyrocketed since the 2016 Rio Games, reflecting growing acceptance in sports.
Among the stars to watch are basketball powerhouses Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi of Team USA. British diver Tom Daley and Brazilian gymnast Arthur Nory are also making waves.
Tom Daley, a four-time Olympic medalist, has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. He recently carried the flag for Great Britain at the Opening Ceremony, marking his fifth Olympic appearance. Daley is known for his documentary Tom Daley: Illegal To Be Me, where he highlights the struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals in countries with oppressive laws. His advocacy extends beyond sports, aiming to create a safer environment for all athletes.
Arthur Nory, a Brazilian gymnast, is competing in his third Olympics. Nory, who came out in 2021, has been open about his relationship with his boyfriend, João Otávio Tasso. Nory’s journey from winning a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Games to competing as an out athlete in Paris is inspiring. His presence in the Games highlights the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ athletes in traditionally conservative sports
Most out competitors hail from countries with strong LGBTQIA+ rights, like the US, Australia, Canada, and Western Europe. Only a handful are from Asia, Africa, and Muslim-majority nations, where being queer remains stigmatised or illegal.
Paris 2024 aims to celebrate diversity with initiatives like a Pride House and “Terrain d’Égalité” label for inclusive events. As more athletes live their truth on the global stage, the Olympics are slowly but surely becoming a beacon of LGBTQIA+ visibility.
