LGBT Athletes Who Changed the World of Sports

The world we live in today is more accepting and appreciative of the LGBTQIA+ community than ever before, but it wasn’t always that way.

For decades, the world of sports was considered to be almost exclusively heterosexual, and coming out as a gay or lesbian athlete could have ruined your career. Despite that, many LGBTQIA athletes bravely pushed the boundaries and paved the way for future generations. Some of the most influential LGBTQIA+ athletes of all time emerged within the last 60 years, and should be acknowledged for the impact they’ve had on the world of sports.

Glenn Burke

Glenn Burke was a professional baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics in the 1970s. He was also one of the first openly gay athletes in professional sports. At the height of his career, Burke came out to his teammates and coaches, but unfortunately, his honesty was not well-received. He faced ridicule from some of his teammates, and ultimately left the sport early. Despite the challenges he faced, Glenn Burke’s bravery and honesty changed the conversation around LGBTQIA athletes in sports.

Renee Richards

Renee Richards was a professional tennis player in the 1970s who became the first transgender athlete to compete in a professional sport. After undergoing gender confirmation surgery, Richards was initially barred from competing in the US Open because she was not “genetically female.” Richards fought the ruling in court, and in 1977, she was allowed to compete in the tournament. Her victory was a landmark decision for transgender rights, and helped move the conversation about gender identity forward within the world of sports.

David Kopay

David Kopay was a former NFL player who came out as gay in 1975 three years after retirement. At the time, his announcement was groundbreaking, as there weren’t any other openly gay professional football players. Kopay’s decision to come out inspired many other LGBTQIA athletes to do the same. He has since become an advocate for LGBTQIA rights, and continues to work to make sports more inclusive.

Robert Dover

Robert Dover is a former Olympic equestrian who represented the United States in six different Olympic games. Dover has been openly gay since the beginning of his career, and has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQIA rights in sports. He has also been a vocal supporter of LGBTQIA youth, and works to create more inclusive environments in the equestrian world.

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. She is considered one of the best players in the league, and has been openly gay since her college days at Baylor. Since returning from being detained in Russia for allegedly possessing cannabis cartridges in her luggage, Griner has used her platform to advocate for freeing all imprisoned Americans. Her advocacy has helped stimulate conversations about equal pay for WNBA players who travel overseas in search of off season work.

The world of sports has come a long way in terms of LGBTQIA rights and inclusivity, but there is still much work to be done.

The inspirational stories of Glenn Burke, Renee Richards, David Kopay, Robert Dover, and Brittney Griner have helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQIA athletes. Their bravery and honesty have changed the conversation around LGBTQIA athletes in sports, and have helped to create a more inclusive world for all. We must continue to push for change and strive for equality in all aspects of life, including in the world of sports.

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