Search form

Scroll To Top
Zaya Wade
Sydney Engelhart
Groundbreakers

Zaya Wade

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

Having NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and legendary movie star Gabrielle Union as your parents must be a lot to deal with. But for Zaya Wade, that was just the beginning of the story.

In 2020, when Zaya was 12 years old, she came out as trans. Her father told Ellen DeGeneres about how he and Union were supporting their child’s transition unconditionally. Since then, the family has been a shining example of how love and support can change a trans youth’s life.

Now, as she’s preparing for college, Wade has launched Translatable, an online safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their support systems. She says it’s her proudest accomplishment this year, and arguably in her life. “Being able to do something I love with my dad makes it even more impactful for me, and I hope for all trans families,” she says.

“Honestly, my biggest joy and biggest obstacle is being trans in front of the whole world,” she adds. “...It has challenged me every single day, and given me the opportunity to grow beyond heights I never thought I could reach.” @zayawade

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
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.”