The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place in France from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with some competitions starting on July 24…
Author: Josh Jefferson
Outsports, part of LGBTQ-owned and operated media company Q.Digital and a leading voice in the LGBTQ sports world, is proud to announce the launch of “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ,” the most extensive database and in-depth coverage of LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The number of athletes on “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ” for the 2024 Summer Olympics is 144 and growing. High-profile athletes include American track and field athletes Shakyari Richardson, Raven Sanders, Nikki Hiltz, and Nico Young; American basketball players Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Brittney Griner; and American BMX freestyle riders Hannah Roberts and Peris Venegas. British diver Tom Daley will be competing in his fifth Olympic Games, and Brazilian soccer legend Marta will be competing in her sixth. Canadian soccer player Quinn is making a return to soccer as one of the rare transgender and non-binary athletes (along with Hiltz).
“As the world’s eyes are on Paris, Outsports is celebrating the participation and achievements of all the openly LGBTQ athletes competing,” said Outsports co-founder Sid Zeigler. “We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on these incredible people and share their stories with the world.”
This year, at least 24 countries, including a refugee team, will have at least one athlete competing in 32 sports. The United States again has the most openly LGBTQ athletes at the Olympics this year, with 28, accounting for about a fifth of all participants on the list. Following the U.S. team, Brazil (22), Australia (17), Great Britain (10), and Germany (9) have the most openly LGBTQ athletes.
There are roughly seven times as many women on the list as men, and women’s soccer has more out players than any other sport, with more than 30 out players.
“These athletes are a testament to the incredible strides the LGBTQ community has made in sports and society at large around the world,” said Outsports co-founder Jim Budzinski.
But he acknowledges that the battle is not won yet. In many Olympic countries, it is illegal to walk the streets or march in pride parades as an LGBTQ person. “I hope that this list of Team LGBTQ athletes will inspire people all over the world, including in countries where it is very difficult to come out, to keep moving forward,” Budzinski added.
In addition to hosting the largest and most in-depth database of openly gay Olympians and Paralympians, including bios, achievements and personal stories highlighting their athletes’ exceptional abilities and unique journeys, Outsports will continue to publish exclusive interviews with athletes and in-depth features about their contributions to sport and the LGBTQ community.
Outsports will provide real-time coverage and updates throughout the tournament to keep fans informed of the latest achievements and milestones. Coverage will range from feature articles, video interviews and social media highlights.
Founded in 1999, Outsports was the internet’s first community dedicated to highlighting LGBTQ+ issues and figures in amateur and professional sports. Earlier this year, Q.Digital announced it had acquired Outsports from Vox Media’s SB Nation.
“Outsports’ Team LGBTQ is the go-to resource for fans, athletes and advocates who want to follow the journey of LGBTQ athletes in the Olympic Games,” Zeigler said. “As part of our unparalleled coverage and commitment to inclusivity, Outsports’ Team LGBTQ is committed to inspiring and engaging audiences around the world.”
For more information and coverage, visit the Outsports website and connect on social media using the hashtag #TeamLGBTQ.
