The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo mark a significant moment for LGBTQ+ athletes, with nearly 50 openly queer competitors participating – a number far higher than in previous years. This visibility comes at a time when their rights to compete and speak freely are increasingly under scrutiny, as evidenced by the backlash faced by US figure skater Amber Glenn after publicly supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Glenn, who received a flood of hateful messages and threats following her comments, later went on to win gold with the US figure skating team. This incident highlights a growing friction: while LGBTQ+ athletes are gaining greater representation, they continue to be exposed to hostility and discrimination. The surge in out athletes, though still a small percentage of the 2,900 total competitors, signals a major shift from past Games where each out athlete was a major story.
Political Backlash and Shifting Policies
The rise in LGBTQ+ participation occurs against a backdrop of political resistance. Just a year prior, a US presidential executive order banned trans athletes from women’s sports, followed by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee enacting a similar ban. Even recreational leagues like USA Hockey reversed policies allowing trans athletes to compete. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has emphasized “protecting women’s categories,” hinting at further restrictions.
Despite these pressures, milestones are being broken. Swedish skier Elis Lundholm became the first openly trans athlete to compete in the Winter Games, competing in the women’s category. This moment was met with support from fellow athletes like UK skier Tess Johnson, who emphasized that the focus should remain on the sport itself.
A Growing Cultural Shift
The increased interest in LGBTQ+ athletes also coincides with the rising popularity of shows like Heated Rivalry, a Canadian series featuring closeted hockey players. This cultural phenomenon is driving new fans to the sport and generating broader conversations about inclusivity.
In Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, organizations like CIG Arcigay Milano are creating safe spaces, such as Pride House, for queer athletes and fans. Pride House, first established at the 2010 Vancouver Games, provides a refuge for individuals coming from countries with restrictive laws.
“Sports is one of the worlds in which we still struggle to emerge as LGBTQIA+ people, where concepts such as gender and machismo dominate,” says Alice Redaelli, president of CIG Arcigay Milano.
The presence of more out athletes could pave the way for wider acceptance in future Games, particularly in regions where local laws protect queer freedoms. The situation in Sochi in 2014, where Pride House was banned due to Russia’s repressive policies, illustrates the importance of legal protections.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are not just a sporting event; they represent a critical intersection of athletic achievement, political struggle, and cultural progress. The visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes is challenging norms, but their continued safety and acceptance remain far from guaranteed.
