#lgbtq-athletes

#lgbtq-athletes

A record number of out athletes will compete in this year's Winter Games. And as Team LGBTQ heads to Milan, dozens of competitors are bringing us to tears with heartfelt posts on social media. For today, we will focus on some handsome figure skaters, who glide across the ice with grace... and make our collective hearts melt! Of the 44 members of Team LGBTQ, per Outsports, 11 are figure or speed skaters.

On 19 January, Slade took to Instagram ahead of the Australian Open to share with the world that he's gay. "As one of only a handful of gay men playing at the highest levels in tennis, I want to use this privilege and uniqueness of my position to help bring about positive change," he wrote. The post, which was in collaboration with Pride in Tennis, saw the 23-year-old announce that he would be working with the organisation to "further amplify their important work".

History-making Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) star Dónal Óg Cusack has announced his engagement to his long-term boyfriend. Cusack came out as gay in 2009 in his autobiography "Come What May". His coming out saw him become Ireland's first openly gay elite sportsman. Throughout his career Cusack won three All-Ireland medals, five Munster medals and two All-Star awards. The former Irish hurling goalkeeper, who made 54 championship appearances for Cork, more than any other goalkeeper in Ireland's history, has been dating Nathan Adams for more than a decade.

The Lionesses squad has been selected for upcoming games against Brazil and Australia, with some of our favourite LGBTQ+ footy stars making the team. The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 champions are returning to the pitch for their Homecoming Series, a run of games in the lead-up to World Cup qualification. England manager Sarina Wiegman has selected 25 players for England's upcoming fixtures, 20 of the EURO-winning squad retain their place.