Meanwhile, more and more athletes are finding the courage to come out of the closet. This is also noticeable at the Winter Olympics, among other places. According to a report on Outsports.com, more than 35 athletes competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics are queer. It is particularly interesting in this context that the number of male and female athletes who have come out has almost doubled compared to the last Winter Games.
Many athletes have been getting their fans in the mood for the spectacle and the medal hunt in China on social networks for days. And yet, despite all the anticipation, there is always criticism of the Games. After all, they are taking place in a country where human rights are being disregarded.
The outings in numbers
Please note: The numbers mentioned are the official (!) outings. Of course, it is possible that even more athletes are queer, but have not yet openly admitted it.
According to current statistics, 24 women's team members and 11 men's team members are queer. Most of the outed male and female athletes in 2022 are from Canada. This is followed by the USA and then Great Britain. There are still no officially queer participants from Germany. "Still?" Yes, because there was no German queer member at the previous Winter Olympics either.
One of the best-known queer athletes currently competing for medals in Beijing is skier Gus Kenworthy (Great Britain), who has not only already achieved numerous sporting successes, but has also launched an acting career. He is one of those who use their fame, among other things, to help the community gain more visibility.
The 2022 Olympic Games are criticized by many people and organizations
Even though the 2022 Olympic Games represent a wonderful opportunity for the community to have a successful sporting presence in the world, the event is criticized from many sides. Numerous organizations criticize the human rights violations that are still taking place in China today.
Time and again, there is talk of violations of international law. Accordingly, for many, the Games and the country in which they are held do not go together. Therefore, numerous athletes and also politicians decided not to attend the games.
More and more a topic: Queer athletes
The good news, however, is that the fields of "queer" and "sports" now seem to fit together better and better for many people. For example, athletes who come out nowadays don't actually have to worry about having to end their careers because of their sexual orientation. Of course, there are always exceptions. And as with any outing, there is of course no 100% guarantee that the message will be received positively by the environment. Nevertheless, there is undoubtedly a tendency that can be perceived comparatively transparently: The reactions in the social networks are usually very positive and encouraging for those who may still be struggling a bit with their own coming out.
As questionable as it may be that the Winter Olympics are taking place in a country where human rights and the like play a rather subordinate role, it is ultimately encouraging that more and more athletes are admitting to themselves. They are sending out an important message to the world and raising awareness of a topic that should no longer be taboo.