Out Gymnast Sam Phillips Refused To Stay Silent And Changed The Game For Big Ten Athletes
Sam Phillips is no stranger to standing out. As a gymnast at the University of Nebraska, he became the only openly LGBTQIA+ athlete at a Big Ten school, carving out a path for representation in an environment that often felt unwelcoming.
Now, his story is taking centre stage in Becoming Sam Phillips, a short film premiering at the Omaha Film Festival. Directed by his close friend and former teammate, Katie Stoneburner, the documentary captures Sam’s journey of resilience, advocacy, and self-discovery.
A Tough Environment
Growing up in Southern California, Phillips was used to a more inclusive atmosphere. But when he arrived at Nebraska, he found himself in starkly different surroundings. The university’s athletic department refused to support his efforts to promote visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community. His viral National Coming Out Day video was ignored, and there were no Pride events on campus. Even worse, some coaches and peers made openly homophobic remarks, with one volunteer coach calling him “brown sugar.”
Despite this hostility, Phillips didn’t back down. Instead, he used his charisma and talent to secure NIL deals with brands like Adidas and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty. These partnerships not only showcased his athletic prowess but also amplified his message of inclusion.
The Making of Becoming Sam Phillips
Katie Stoneburner witnessed Sam’s struggles firsthand and felt compelled to tell his story. “Anybody who knows Sam feels inspired right away,” she told Queerty. The film explores his childhood, his love for gymnastics as a sanctuary, and the challenges he faced as the only out male gymnast in NCAA at the time. Through it all, Phillips remained steadfast in his mission to create change.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the micro-aggressions and outright discrimination Sam endured. From slurs to feeling ostracised by teammates, the environment was far from supportive. Yet, as team captain, Phillips chose education over confrontation. “If someone said something wrong, it was a teaching moment,” he said. “I wanted to leave a culture better than the one I entered.”
A New Chapter at Illinois
After transferring to the University of Illinois, Phillips finally found himself in a more progressive setting. The move has allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally. “Living life with integrity and being myself to the fullest is always important to me,” he shared with Queerty. His new campus has embraced him wholeheartedly, giving him the platform to continue advocating for inclusivity.
He hopes younger athletes can see themselves in him and know it’s okay to be authentic. “There are no boundaries,” he said. “It’s okay to step into these spaces being as authentically you as you can be.”
What We Can Learn from Sam Phillips
Becoming Sam Phillips is more than just a film; it’s a call to action. Stoneburner hopes viewers walk away inspired to live authentically and lead with kindness. For Phillips, the message is simple: “Think before you speak. Are your words harming someone? Lead with love.”
Phillips’ story reminds us that sports should be for everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love.
Becoming Sam Phillips premieres today at the Omaha Film Festival. It’s not just a celebration of one athlete’s resilience but also a testament to the power of authenticity and representation.
