TEAM LGBTQ

Over 144 Out Athletes Headed to the Paris Summer Games

Outsports, part of the LGBTQ-owned and operated media company Q.Digital, and the leading voice in LGBTQ sports, is proud to announce the launch of “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ,” the most extensive database and in-depth coverage of out LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Sponsored by Paramount+, Nissan, and other corporations to be announced, the number of athletes on “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ” for Summer 2024 is 144 and counting. Some of the higher-profile athletes include American track and field athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Raven Saunders, Nikkie Hiltz and Nico Young; American basketball players Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner; and American BMX Freestyle riders Hannah Roberts and Perris Benegas. British diver Tom Daley will compete in his fifth Games, and Brazil’s legendary soccer player Marta will compete in her sixth. Canada’s soccer player Quinn returns as the rare trans and nonbinary athlete (along with Hiltz), competing in soccer.

“As the world’s attention turns to Paris, Outsports celebrates the participation and achievements of the out-LGBTQ athletes who will be competing,” says Cyd Zeigler, co-founder of Outsports. “We are excited to shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals and share their stories with the world.”

This year, at least 24 countries, including the Refugee Team, are represented by at least one publicly out athlete in 32 sports. Once again, The United States has the most out athletes at the Olympics, with 28, about a fifth of all the attendees on the list. Team USA is followed in the number of publicly out LGBTQ athletes by Brazil (22), Australia (17), Great Britain (10), and Germany (9).

Women on the list outnumber men by about a 7 to 1 margin, with women’s soccer having the most out athletes of any sports, with more than 30 out players.

“These athletes are a testament to the tremendous progress the LGBTQ community has made, in sports and society at large, in many parts of the world,” says Outsports co-founder Jim Buzinski.

He acknowledges, however, that the battle is not yet won. In many countries participating in the Games, just walking down the street, or holding a Pride parade, as an LGBTQ person is illegal. “We hope our list of athletes on Team

LGBTQ inspires people across the world, including in countries where being out is extremely difficult, to keep going,” Buzinski adds.

In addition to hosting the largest and most detailed database of out Olympians and Paralympians – with bios, achievements, and personal stories that highlight their athletic prowess and unique journeys – Outsports will continue to publish exclusive interviews with the athletes and in-depth features on their contributions to sports and the LGBTQ community.

Outsports will also provide real-time coverage and updates throughout the Games, ensuring fans stay informed about the latest achievements and milestones. Coverage will span a wide range of content, including feature stories, video interviews, and social media highlights.

Founded in 1999, Outsports is the internet’s first community covering LGBTQ+ issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Earlier this year, Q.Digital, announced the acquisition of Outsports from Vox Media’s SB Nation.

“’Outsports’ Team LGBTQ’ is the go-to resource for fans, athletes and allies seeking to follow the journeys of LGBTQ competitors at the Games,” Zeigler said. “As part of its unparalleled coverage and a commitment to inclusivity, Outsports’ Team LGBTQ promises to inspire and engage audiences around the globe.”

For more information and to follow the coverage, visit Outsports’ website and connect on social media using the hashtag #TeamLGBTQ.