Sam Phillips. Photo by Izzy Pineda
Nebraska, a Big Ten athletic giant in a red state, proved a challenging environment for Sam Phillips, its only openly gay athlete, reports Queerty.
Despite his decorated gymnastics career, the university actively suppressed LGBTQ+ visibility, refusing to promote his coming-out video or host Pride events.
Phillips endured hostile comments, including a coach’s homophobic slurs. Yet, his resilience shone through, attracting major NIL deals and inspiring fellow athlete Katie Stoneburner to document his journey.
“Becoming Sam Phillips,” premiering at the Omaha Film Festival, showcases his fight against institutional resistance and his unwavering advocacy.
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