Outsports unveils Team LGBTQ: 193 out athletes at Paris Summer Games
BY VICTOR MELAMED
Outsports, part of the LGBTQ-owned and operated media company Q.Digital, and the leading voice in LGBTQ sports, announced the launch of “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ,” last month, the most extensive database and in-depth coverage of out LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Summer Games.
The number of athletes on “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ” for Summer 2024 is 193 and counting. Some of the higher-profile athletes include American track and field athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Raven Saunders, Nikki Hiltz and Nico Young; American basketball players Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner; and American BMX Freestyle riders Hannah Roberts and Perris Benegas.
British diver Tom Daley competed in his fifth Games, and Brazil’s legendary soccer player Marta competed in her sixth. Canada’s soccer player Quinn returned as the rare trans and nonbinary athlete (along with Hiltz), competing in soccer.
“As the world’s attention turned to Paris, Outsports celebrates the participation and achievements of the out-LGBTQ athletes…” says Cyd Zeigler, co-founder of Outsports. “We are excited to shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals and share their stories with the world.”
This year, at least 24 countries, including the Refugee Team, were represented by at least one publicly out athlete in 32 sports. Once again, The United States had the most out athletes at the Olympics, with 28, about a fifth of all the attendees on the list. Team USA is followed in the number of publicly out LGBTQ athletes by Brazil (22), Australia (17), Great Britain (10), and Germany (9).
“These athletes are a testament to the tremendous progress the LGBTQ community has made, in sports and society at large, in many parts of the world,” says Outsports co-founder Jim Buzinski.
He acknowledges, however, that the battle is not yet won. In many countries participating in the Games, just walking down the street, or holding a Pride parade, as an LGBTQ person is illegal. “We hope our list of athletes on Team LGBTQ inspires people across the world, including in countries where being out is extremely difficult, to keep going,” Buzinski adds.
Founded in 1999, Outsports is the internet’s first community covering LGBTQ+ issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Earlier this year, Q.Digital, announced the acquisition of Outsports from Vox Media’s SB Nation.
“‘Outsports’ Team LGBTQ’ is the go-to resource for fans, athletes and allies seeking to follow the journeys of LGBTQ competitors at the Games,” Zeigler said. “As part of its unparalleled coverage and a commitment to inclusivity, Outsports’ Team LGBTQ promises to inspire and engage audiences around the globe.”
For more information visit Outsports’ website at www.outsports.com
