Erik Carter
Groundbreakers
Tom Daley
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
It will be hard to imagine an Olympics without Tom Daley. Only 30, the English diver retired this year after representing Great Britain since 2008. The Paris Olympics marked a bright capstone to his career: He took home silver in synchronized 10m platform (adding to a career collection of three bronze and one gold).
His husband Dustin Lance Black and their sons Robbie and Phoenix Rose were there that day, and to “have them there cheering on in the audience was pretty special,” Daley says of the year’s highlight.
Since Daley came out in a 2013 YouTube video, he has used his diving platform to represent the LGBTQ+ community. “I think the most important thing is to just be visible, and be able to be your true authentic self, and be able to do the thing that you love to do and do it well. Do it with pride,” he says.
What’s next? Daley, who went viral for knitting at the Tokyo Olympics, launched his own knitwear line, Made With Love, and he hopes to make greater strides in fashion. @tomdaley
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.”