Blade and Pride House LA Form 2028 Olympics Partnership
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are poised to feature a remarkable representation of openly LGBTQ athletes. Over 40 athletes will participate, with eight American competitors among them. These include speedskater Conor McDermott-Mostowy and figure skater Amber Glenn. Notably, Ellis Lundholm from Sweden will make history as the first openly transgender athlete in a Winter Olympics.
Challenges Faced by Athletes
Amber Glenn has opened up about her journey. She emphasized the serious mental and emotional challenges that come with competing as an LGBTQ athlete. Glenn mentioned, “It was always a mental and competence problem,” reflecting on her experience since coming out. The Out Athlete Fund is supporting six athletes participating in these games by funding their training and travel expenses.
Athletes Supported by the Out Athlete Fund
- Gus Kenworthy – Freestyle skier
- Brittany Bowe – Speed skater
- Maddy Schaffrick – Snowboarder
- Breezy Johnson – Alpine skier
- Jake Adicoff – Paralympic Nordic skier
Partnership with Pride House LA
In an exciting collaboration with Pride House Los Angeles, a watch party for the Olympics’ opening ceremony will be held. This event aims to promote acceptance and inclusivity in sports. Haley Caruso of the Out Athlete Fund remarked, “When athletes feel seen and accepted, they’re free to focus on their performance.”
Pride House Events in Milan
Four Italian LGBTQ advocacy groups are spearheading the Pride House initiative during the Olympics. Located at the MEET Digital Culture Center in Milan, it will feature a range of events, including:
- An opening ceremony party with Milan’s first LGBTQ chorus, Checcoro.
- A panel discussion on LGBTQ inclusion in sports, moderated by journalist Simone Alliva.
This initiative will explore the inclusivity of transgender athletes and amplify the voices within civil society.
Controversies Surrounding Inclusion in Sports
The Olympics are also occurring amid significant challenges regarding athlete inclusion. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has enforced a ban on trans women from competing in women’s events. This decision follows an executive order from February and has provoked debate concerning the participation of transgender athletes.
International Olympic Committee Guidelines
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced guidelines in 2021 to find a balance between inclusion and fairness. Key provisions include:
- Establishing fair eligibility criteria for athletes.
- Allowing athletes to compete in categories that align with their self-identified gender.
- Avoiding targeted testing based on gender identity or physical attributes.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics unfold, they highlight both significant progress and vital discussions about LGBTQ representation in sports. These events serve as a pivotal platform for advocacy, looking ahead to the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
