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Chad VanCleave-Goff
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Groundbreakers

Chad VanCleave-Goff

Meet some of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

As a chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, Chad VanCleave-Goff has a long and distinguished military career. He serves as a mentor and coach for service members and their families, helping them deal with life's hardships or prepare for deployment.

But it took courage and strength for VanCleave-Goff to seek that same kind of support for himself. For 22 years, VanCleave-Goff hesitated to seek mental health services due to stigma, particularly in the military. He credits his husband, Adam, with helping him overcome his fear.

“It was Adam who knew just how bad I was hurting both mentally and physically,” VanCleave-Goff says. “He said the right words at the right time for me to finally seek professional help. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and have received amazing therapy from a dynamic military mental health team.”

This year, VanCleave-Goff was the project lead and planner for the 2024 USAF First Sergeant Worldwide Conference. As he approaches his 23rd year of service, he remains committed to making a difference. “Every day in uniform is another day to make a difference in the life of another,” he says. @usairforce

Gabriella Angelina

Gabriella Angelina is an entertainment journalist with a unique perspective on the world of TV and film. With a motto of "Don't watch me, watch TV," she has become known for her insightful and often humorous critiques of the latest in entertainment.

Follow her on TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Gabriella Angelina is an entertainment journalist with a unique perspective on the world of TV and film. With a motto of "Don't watch me, watch TV," she has become known for her insightful and often humorous critiques of the latest in entertainment.

Follow her on TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

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The LGBTQ+ Olympians
Ankit RK Garg/Shutterstock

Mey Rude

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.

Read Full Bio
Groundbreakers

The LGBTQ+ Olympians

Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

Ankit RK Garg/Shutterstock

Every four years, the world’s best athletes come together to compete and inspire at the Olympic Games. And victory for out Olympians doesn’t mean just medals; it signals freedom and possibility to the global LGBTQ+ community. This year, there were a record 199 out athletes competing at the Paris Olympics, with 43 medals won.

On Team USA, out athletes won medals in fencing, women’s rugby, BMX, canoe slalom, 100-meter dash, relay, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and women’s basketball. Ahead, these champions detail what victory means to them. —M.R.

LAUREN DOYLE

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@lauren.doyle23

Alex Ho

“It brought me so much joy to know that the people of America got to see what our team was capable of. I think it is really important for America to see a team — that comes in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, etc. — work together to achieve the biggest goal possible.”

STEPH ROVETTI

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@steph_rovetti

USA Rugby

“Bringing home a medal was more than just a personal achievement; it was a moment to show the world that LGBTQ+ athletes are here, we are strong, and we deserve to be seen.”

KRIS THOMAS

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@kristhomas11

Kris Thomas

“We’ve thought a lot as a team about what it would mean to bring home a medal for our communities. As an LGBTQ+ American, I’m conscious of the huge role sports have played in societal acceptance and celebration of queer and trans people. It means the world to me and I hope that we’ve inspired our community.”

CHELSEA GRAY

Women’s Basketball, Gold

@cgray209

Adidas

“Bringing home a gold medal on the Olympic stage is the dream of a lifetime. And to say I’ve done it twice? It’s incredible and not something I take for granted. I know we hear it often, but representation really is so important. When I was growing up, I don’t remember seeing anyone that looked like me who also identified as LGBTQ+. I hope young people see me and realize that how they identify does not limit them. That you can sit in the middle of all these different intersections and still thrive and accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”

JEWELL LOYD

Women’s Basketball, Gold

@jewellloyd

Sage East/Getty Images

“Anytime you’re representing your family and your community, it always means more. I just always think of myself. Regardless of my surroundings, I was just happy to be on the biggest stage in the world to represent. Having that honor and representation means more than the sport you play.”