Gay Athletes: 14 Champions of Pride in Professional Sports

For some of us, sports might not represent quintessential gay culture; many would argue that the closest thing to a gay sport is Drag Race. But LGBTQ people contain multitudes, and plenty of gay and queer individuals are out there playing sports and actually using a jockstrap for its intended purpose.

Gay athletes that make us want to shoot our shot

Queer acceptance in sports has come a long way in recent years, and we think that’s worth celebrating. That’s why we’re here to give gay professional athletes their flowers. Here’s our pick for the 14 athletes who put the “gay” in “game.”

1. Jason Paul Collins (basketball) 

Jason Paul Collins made history when he came out as a gay man in 2013. It made him the first openly gay athlete to play in the NBA. He revealed his sexuality in a Sports Illustrated article, showing immense courage while paving the way for other LGBTQ players to come forth and embrace their true selves.

2. Megan Rapinoe (soccer)

Megan Rapinoe, cocaptain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, is not just a champion on the field but also a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights. Known for her incredible skill and leadership, Rapinoe has used her platform to speak out against discrimination while fighting for equal pay in women’s sports. Her unapologetic pride and activism have made her an icon for athletes and the LGBTQ community.

3. Billie Jean King (tennis)

Billie Jean King has 39 Grand Slam titles — and that’s not a euphemism. Her legacy extends well beyond the world of tennis; she’s also legendary for her efforts in fighting for gender equality and LGBTQ rights. 

4. Michael Sam (football)

In 2014, Michael Sam became the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL. It was a massive deal; even his coming out before the draft was groundbreaking — let alone actually being drafted. Both events broke down barriers and challenged the stigma surrounding gay athletes in professional sports.

5. Glenn Burke (baseball)

Glenn Burke was the first Major League Baseball player to come out as gay. He’s also credited with cocreating the high five. We really can do anything.

Burke played in the MLB in the late 1970s but didn’t publicly come out until 1982, several years after he retired. Managers and players knew, however, and his career faced some obvious challenges (unfortunately unsurprising, considering the time). Still, his legacy as a courageous and talented player has endured.

6. Gus Kenworthy (freestyle skiing)

Gus Kenworthy, a freestyle skier and Olympic medalist, came out as gay in 2015. He’s known among the gay community for his iconic charm (if you know what we mean) but beloved by all for his impressive athleticism. He’s also used his platform for good, supporting various causes, including HIV/AIDS advocacy and queer acceptance in sports.

7. Robbie Rogers (soccer)

Left back and winger Robbie Rogers came out in 2013, making him the first openly gay man to play in a major North American sports league. The American athlete’s book, aptly titled Coming Out to Play, openly discusses his experience as a gay player in a straight-dominated sports environment.

8. Ian Thorpe (swimming)

Ian Thorpe is one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers, known for his incredible achievements in the pool. Thorpe came out of the closet as gay in 2014, standing as a role model for LGBTQ athletes worldwide. He campaigned for legalizing gay marriage in Australia in 2017 and has dedicated much of his time post-retirement to philanthropy and advocacy.

{{video-inline-cta}}

9. Tom Daley (diving)

Tom Daley is up there with Gus Kenworthy as one of the more well-known gay athletes in modern queer culture. He’s received an Olympic gold medal for diving and used his journey to inspire other young athletes. Daley has also used his platform to raise awareness for other important issues, such as mental health. Mostly, we remember him for how adorable he looked knitting in the stands during the Olympics.

10. Carl Nassib (football)

Carl Nassib made headlines in 2021 when he became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. His announcement was met with widespread support and marked a significant moment in sports history. The event proved that the more we normalize gay people in sports, the more gay football players and athletes can live authentic lives without fear of reprisal.

11. Orlando Cruz (boxing)

Orlando Cruz came out in 2012, making history as the first openly gay professional boxer. Needless to say, a traditionally macho sport like boxing isn’t always the most welcoming to the gay community (and arguably high-key homophobic). But despite facing challenges, Cruz didn’t waver in his advocacy for LGBTQ rights within sports.

12. David Denson (baseball)

David Denson made headlines in 2015 when he became the first openly gay active player in MLB-associated baseball. At the time, he played for the Milwaukee Brewers’ Minor League team, the Helena Brewers. His announcement was a significant step forward for LGBTQ representation in baseball.

13. Ryan Russell (football)

Ryan Russell is an NFL player who came out as bisexual in 2019. His announcement sparked conversation and awareness regarding bisexuality, both within the sport and off the field. He’s since written extensively to advocate for gay and trans athletes, championing queer acceptance from the schoolyard to the NFL.

14. Sheryl Swoopes (basketball)

Sheryl Swoopes is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a pioneer in women’s basketball. Not only was she the first gay WNBA player; she was the first WNBA player, period! She came out as gay in 2005, becoming one of the first high-profile female athletes to do so.

More LGBTQ on ESPN? That’s C-U-N-T

Sexuality doesn’t have much to do with sports. And despite the archaic narrative that LGBTQ people aren’t good at or don’t care about sports, these athletes have shown that only one thing matters on the field: how cute your shoes are. Oh, and how good you are at the game. These gay athletes aren’t afraid to be publicly and earnestly themselves. What more could you ask for out of a winner?

Playing with balls isn’t just for athletes. Download the Grindr app today and see if you can become someone else’s MVP.