The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, with at least 175 openly LGBTQ+ athletes expected to compete. This marks a historic moment in Olympic history, reflecting a growing acceptance and visibility of queer athletes on the world stage. Team USA will proudly feature 29 of these athletes, showcasing a diverse range of talents across various sports, from basketball to wrestling.
As the Games approach, the representation of LGBTQ+ athletes continues to rise, with notable figures like Kayla Miracle, the first openly LGBTQ+ Olympic wrestler, and Nico Young, the first out-gay male U.S. track Olympian, leading the charge. This year’s Olympics promise not only to celebrate athletic excellence but also to highlight the progress made in fostering inclusivity within sports. As these athletes prepare to compete for gold, they also serve as role models, inspiring future generations to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams.
Basketball
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are making their mark on the basketball court, with several standout athletes representing Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. This year, the USA women’s national basketball team features a remarkable roster, including prominent players who are openly LGBTQ+, showcasing the increasing visibility and acceptance of queer athletes in sports. Among them are seasoned champions like Chelsea Gray and Brittney Griner, both of whom have made significant contributions to the team’s success in previous competitions.
Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray will once again join the USA women’s national basketball team, having played a pivotal role in their gold medal victory at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. As a point guard for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, Gray boasts three WNBA championships and was honored as the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP. She has been married to fellow athlete Tipesa Gray since 2019.
Alyssa Thomas
Alyssa Thomas is set to make her Olympic debut this month with the USA women’s national basketball team. Currently a point guard for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA, Thomas has been selected for five WNBA All-Star games and was part of the championship-winning USA FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup team in 2022. In 2023, she announced her engagement to teammate DeWanna Bonner.
Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner returns to the U.S. national women’s basketball team, aiming for her third gold medal. Playing as a center for the Phoenix Mercury, Griner has been a key player in both NCAA and WNBA championship teams. She made history in 2013 as the first openly gay athlete to sign an endorsement deal with Nike and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2023. Griner married attorney Cherelle T. Griner in 2019.
Jewell Loyd
Jewell Loyd will rejoin the U.S. national women’s basketball team, having won her first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As a guard for the Seattle Storm, Loyd has secured two WNBA championships. She is among the LGBTQ+ athletes competing in the 2024 WNBA season.
Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart will compete again with the U.S. national women’s basketball team, having previously won gold medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Stewart, a four-time NCAA champion and two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, now plays as a forward for the New York Liberty. She married retired Spanish basketball player Marta Xargay in 2021.
Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, will return to the U.S. national women’s basketball team. Taurasi, a guard for the Phoenix Mercury since 2004, has won three WNBA championships and was named WNBA MVP in 2009. ESPN ranks her as the greatest WNBA player of all time. She is married to former teammate Penny Taylor.
Kahleah Copper
Kahleah Copper, currently a guard for the Phoenix Mercury, will make her debut on the U.S. national women’s basketball team. In 2021, she led the Chicago Sky to their first WNBA championship and was named Finals MVP. Copper, who is also an LGBTQ+ athlete, will compete in the 2024 WNBA season before heading to the Olympics.
Track & Field
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are making waves in track and field, with several notable athletes set to compete for Team USA in the Paris Olympic Games. This year’s roster showcases a diverse group of talented individuals who are not only pushing the boundaries of athletic performance but also breaking barriers in terms of LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
Sha’Carri Richardson
Sha’Carri Richardson is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris, competing in track and field for Team USA. The 24-year-old sprinter gained fame by breaking a 42-year-old collegiate world record in the 100m at the 2019 NCAA Championships. Known for her distinctive style, Richardson publicly shared her bisexual identity and relationship with her girlfriend in 2021.
Raven Saunders
Raven Saunders will compete in her third Olympics, having won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Saunders, who uses non-binary pronouns, has been a vocal advocate for racial justice and mental health awareness.
Nico Young
Nico Young, a long-distance runner and two-time NCAA champion, will make his Olympic debut after setting the Olympic standard in the 10,000m at the 2024 The TEN competition. Young, the first openly gay man on the U.S. track team, came out in 2022 and is known for his love of music and iced vanilla lattes.
Nikki Hiltz
Nikki Hiltz, a six-time NCAA Division I All-American middle-distance runner, will make their Olympic debut after qualifying with the second-fastest American time in the women’s 1500-meter race. Hiltz, who came out as transgender and nonbinary in 2021, remains an advocate for trans visibility and equality in athletics despite facing challenges from new World Athletics Council regulations.
Rugby Sevens
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to make their mark in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympic Games, showcasing several openly LGBTQ+ athletes, and contributing to the growing representation of queer athletes in Olympic sports. Among them are Lauren Doyle, Nicole Heavirland, Steph Rovetti, Alev Kelter, and Kris Thomas, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the team.
Lauren Doyle
Lauren Doyle will return to the Olympics as co-captain of the USA rugby team, marking her third Olympic appearance. During her collegiate career at Eastern Illinois University, she set numerous single-game records. Doyle has continued her success post-graduation, previously serving as captain of the U.S. Eagles sevens team at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Alongside co-captain Alev Kelter, Doyle aims to lead the team to its first rugby sevens medal this year. At the Tokyo Olympics, she was featured in a viral TikTok video by teammate Ilona Maher, highlighting her as one of the record-setting number of LGBTQ+ athletes competing.
Nicole Heavirland
Nicole Heavirland will make her third Olympic appearance with the USA rugby team. She began playing rugby at 15 and competed as a USA Rugby All-American athlete during her time at the United States Military Academy. Heavirland has played professionally since graduating. Following her participation in the Tokyo Olympics, where women’s rugby had one of the highest numbers of out athletes, Heavirland bravely came out publicly as gay. Inspired by the visibility of numerous out athletes at the Games, she shared her journey of self-acceptance on Instagram.
Steph Rovetti
Steph Rovetti will make her Olympic debut as part of the USA women’s rugby team. Hailing from Reno, Nevada, Rovetti played basketball at Brigham Young University before transitioning to rugby. Her versatility as a scrumhalf adds depth to the team’s roster. Rovetti’s selection to the Olympic squad marks a significant achievement in her rugby career, showcasing her rapid development in the sport.
Alev Kelter
Alev Kelter, from Eagle River, Alaska, will compete in her third Olympics as part of the USA women’s rugby team. Kelter’s athletic background is unique, having played hockey at the University of Wisconsin before switching to rugby. Her experience and leadership as a center/prop make her a valuable asset to the team. Kelter’s journey from ice hockey to rugby sevens demonstrates her exceptional athletic versatility.
Kris Thomas
Kris Thomas, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will join the USA women’s rugby team as a traveling reserve for her second Olympic Games. Thomas, who plays as a hooker/prop, brings valuable experience from her participation in the Tokyo Olympics. Her inclusion as a reserve underscores the depth and competitiveness of the USA rugby program. Thomas’s versatility and previous Olympic experience make her an important part of the team’s preparation and potential strategy.
Editor's Picks
BMX
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to make history in BMX at the Paris Olympic Games, with athletes like Benny Gonzales, a trans/non-binary rider, inspiring others to be themselves within the sport. While not competing in the Olympics, Gonzales represents the broader shift towards acceptance and diversity in BMX culture.
Hannah Roberts
Hannah Roberts, a five-time World Champion, is set to compete in her second Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games. Roberts, who earned a silver medal in Tokyo, secured her spot by winning the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest with a score of 93.48. Known for her impressive BMX freestyle skills, she has been a dominant force since her debut at age 12. Roberts, who began riding at nine inspired by her cousin, has since won multiple world titles and a Pan Am Games championship. Despite initial nerves, she delivered a stellar performance in Budapest and celebrated her victory by embracing teammate Perris Benegas, highlighting her team spirit and dedication.
Perris Benegas
Perris Benegas will also represent the USA in BMX freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking her second Olympic appearance. Overcoming a significant injury that required surgery on her ACL and meniscus just a year ago, Benegas showcased her resilience by scoring 91.92 in the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest. Her journey from the operating table to securing a spot in the Olympics is a testament to her hard work and determination. Benegas, who has been a prominent figure in BMX since winning the 2018 World Championship, expressed immense gratitude and joy at qualifying for Paris, underscoring the emotional and physical challenges she has overcome.
Wrestling
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to make history on the wrestling mats at the Paris Olympic Games. Leading the charge is Kayla Miracle, who will compete in the women’s 62kg freestyle category.
Kayla Miracle
Kayla Miracle is a trailblazing American wrestler and the first openly LGBTQ+ Olympic wrestler. A two-time U.S. Open champion (2017, 2018) and a multiple-time University Nationals champion (2015, 2016, 2017), Miracle has made significant strides in women’s wrestling. She won the 2018 Klippan Lady Open in Sweden and clinched the 136-pound title at the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association finals in 2015. In 2020, she earned a silver medal at the Pan American Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament. Recently, she secured a gold medal at the 2024 Pan American Wrestling Championships in Acapulco, Mexico. Miracle trains at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club in Iowa City, Iowa, and continues to break barriers in her sport.
Volleyball
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are poised to make a significant impact on the volleyball courts at the Paris Olympic Games, showcasing both athletic talent and diversity in this dynamic sport. Volleyball, which includes both indoor and beach disciplines, has seen a growing number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes making their mark on the international stage.
Haleigh Washington
Haleigh Washington, a standout middle blocker, will compete for the USA women’s volleyball team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Washington, who plays professionally for the Italian club Imoco Volley, has been a key player for Team USA, contributing to their gold medal victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for her powerful spikes and defensive skills, she has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named to the All-Big Ten team during her collegiate years at Penn State. Washington is openly LGBTQ+ and advocates for inclusivity and diversity within sports.
Fencing
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are ready to make their mark in fencing at the Paris Olympic Games, highlighting the sport’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Fencing, known for its elegance and strategic depth, will feature a talented roster of athletes, including openly LGBTQ+ competitors who are breaking barriers and setting new standards in the sport.
Lauren Scruggs
Lauren Scruggs is set to make her Olympic debut in fencing at the Paris 2024 Games. Competing in the foil discipline, Scruggs has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a spot on Team USA with her exceptional skills and strategic prowess. She has won multiple national championships and represented the U.S. in various international competitions. Scruggs, who is openly LGBTQ+, is known for her dedication to the sport and her efforts to promote equality and representation in fencing.
Evy Leibfarth
Evy Leibfarth, a talented canoe slalom athlete, will compete in her second Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games. Leibfarth made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she showcased her agility and precision on the water. She has since continued to excel, winning medals at various World Cup events. Leibfarth, who is openly LGBTQ+, is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and uses her platform to support fellow athletes in their journeys.
Soccer
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to shine on the soccer field at the Paris Olympic Games, showcasing both athletic excellence and the growing representation of queer athletes in sports. Soccer, known for its inclusivity and team spirit, will feature a number of openly LGBTQ+ players competing for Team USA and other national teams, highlighting the sport’s commitment to diversity.
Tierna Davidson
Tierna Davidson, a versatile defender, will represent the USA women’s soccer team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Davidson, who plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, has been a crucial part of the national team, contributing to their World Cup victory in 2019. Known for her tactical intelligence and defensive capabilities, she continues to be a key player for both her club and country. Davidson is openly LGBTQ+ and actively supports initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity in sports.
Rowing
The 2024 LGBTQ+ Olympians are set to make a significant impact in rowing at the Paris Olympic Games, highlighting both athletic excellence and the growing representation of queer athletes in this demanding sport. Rowing, known for its rigorous physical and mental challenges, will feature several openly LGBTQ+ athletes who are breaking barriers and setting new standards in the sport.
Nina Castagna
Nina Castagna will make her Olympic debut as a coxswain for the women’s eight team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite not initially planning to be a coxswain, Castagna has steered her NCAA team to top-five finishes for three consecutive years and helped the US women’s team secure second place at the 2023 World Championships. As one of two openly LGBTQ+ women on the US women’s eight team, Castagna values the inclusive environment, stating, “Having other out LGBTQ athletes (and great allies) on the team… helps me to be my most authentic self and a better athlete as a result.”
Teal Cohen
Teal Cohen will compete in her first Olympic Games as part of the women’s quad sculls rowing team in Paris 2024. Cohen has international experience in both women’s eight and women’s quad sculls races, with her most recent world competition being the 2022 World Championships. As one of two openly LGBTQ+ members in the women’s quad sculls, Cohen embraces her role as a role model, saying, “I want to be a role model to the next generation of athletes and use my platform to promote inclusiveness and diversity in sports.”
Regina Salmons
Regina Salmons returns for her second Olympic appearance, having rowed in the US women’s eight in 2021. A former team captain for UPenn rowing, Salmons has won multiple medals at World Under 23 Championships and recently contributed to the team’s second-place finish at the 2023 World Championships. Salmons is openly bisexual and one of two out LGBTQ+ members of the US women’s eight team. Outside of rowing, she writes poetry and was once editor-in-chief of a literary magazine in college.
Jessica Thoennes
Jessica Thoennes will compete in the women’s pairs event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While specific details about her LGBTQ+ status are not provided in the given information, Thoennes is part of the diverse and inclusive US rowing team. Her event, the women’s pairs, is scheduled for heats on July 28, with potential progression through repechages, semifinals, and the final on August 2.
Alina Hagstrom
Alina Hagstrom will compete in her first Olympics as part of the U.S. rowing team at the Paris 2024 Games. A talented athlete with a strong background in competitive rowing, Hagstrom has consistently excelled in national competitions, earning her place on the Olympic roster. She is known for her dedication and teamwork, contributing to the success of her crew in various events. Alina is openly LGBTQ+ and actively promotes inclusivity within the sport, serving as a role model for aspiring athletes.
Grace Joyce
Grace Joyce is set to make her Olympic debut as a member of the U.S. rowing team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a remarkable collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Joyce has demonstrated her skill and determination in both single and team events. Her hard work has paid off, as she has earned a spot on the Olympic team through her impressive performances at national trials. Joyce is openly LGBTQ+ and is passionate about advocating for diversity and representation in rowing, inspiring others to embrace their identities in sports.
Author: Jeff Wilson
Jeff is one of the owners of GayDenver and one of its writers. He is a Denver transplant who loves the city and the proximity of the mountains. He is happily married to his husband and loves hiking with his furbaby Thayella.