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Groundbreakers
The LGBTQ+ Paralympians
Meet some of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the world’s top competition for athletes with a range of disabilities, truly showcased what the human spirit can achieve. And this year, the out Paralympians (44 from 15 countries) dominated.Those competitors won a combined 28 medals, including a spectacular 12 gold medals. Their collective triumphs send an important message to the world, as they describe ahead.
Jaleen Roberts
Women’s 100m Sprint, Silver
@jaleenroberts
Joe Scarcini
“There are many differences amongst us, but one similarity every human should share is the right to live authentically and love unapologetically. We may not be there yet, but as we all continue to be who we are and fight for equality, we will get to a point where expressing our truest selves is no longer associated with fear.”
Josie Aslakson
Wheelchair Basketball, Silver
@josiealaska
Joe Kusumoto
“I feel very lucky to have a place in both the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. These communities intersect beautifully. Both empower me and so many others to live the life they want to live and not be defined by outdated labels or stereotypes.”
Kaitlyn Eaton
Wheelchair Basketball, Silver
@kaitlyn_eaton21
Getty Images
“One of the coolest things about competing in the Paralympics is the inclusivity of all types of people regardless of race, sexuality, or disability. I think that the Paralympics sets an amazing precedent for how the world should be and I hope that it is something that we continue to strive for.”
Courtney Ryan
Wheelchair Basketball, Silver
@courtneyryan_55
Wheelchair Sports Federation
“At the heart of the Paralympics lies the powerful spirit of inclusion and resilience. As we come together to celebrate incredible athletes from all walks of life, it’s essential to recognize the beauty of being authentically ourselves. LGBTQ+ equality is just another matter of rights; it’s recognizing the strength that diversity brings to our communities and our sports. It sends a message that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves respect, support, and the opportunity to shine.”
Monique Matthews
Sitting Volleyball, Gold
@moniqueusav7
USA Volleyball
“My victory at the Paris Paralympics meant the world to me, it meant my hard work and all my sacrifices from the past three years was worth it. I am so proud of myself and my team for staying together as a team and playing our butts off to achieve our goal of going three straight Paralympics as gold medalist[s].”
Christie Raleigh Crossley
Swimming, Gold (2), Silver (2), Bronze (1)
@crcswimsusa
Mark Reis - USOPC
“Simply put, LGBTQ+ equality saves lives.”
Below, see the first part of an Outsports docuseries, Ballin' Out, which introduces the out players of the USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.
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
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
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
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
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
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.”