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Varla Jean Merman
Kristoffer Reynolds
Groundbreakers

Varla Jean Merman

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

Varla Jean Merman has been in the business of drag for 30 years, doing her best to “make people laugh, scream, gasp, and sometimes groan…all in a dress completely stretched beyond recognition.”

This drag icon’s 2024 proudest achievement was putting together a Taylor Swift-inspired show called Varla Jean: The Errors Tour. “I explore all the horrible errors I have made in my career, like not telling the director of one of my All My Children episodes that snot flew out of my nose before they aired it,” she says, “and discover that the only real mistake in life is the one you don’t learn from.”

Merman adds, “Living in Florida, I had to not only deal with the government trying to ban my job, but also deal with people in our community, all over our country, wanting to boycott my state. Our country is one body. If your hand hurts, do you cut it off? No. You show it more love and more support until it is well. Florida is filled with amazing LGBTQ+ people who are not responsible for the hideous policies that have occurred.” @varlajeanmerman

Bernardo Sim

Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.

Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.

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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.

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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.”