Out Athletes

"You may not have realized it yet, but we need your help. Each one of us, even those who haven't come out yet, is a unique piece of the LGBT sports movement. Being in the closet is like benching your best self. We need you first-string, because no one else can play your position."

John Fennell came out publicly last year. Now he needs your help to fund his training for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ethan Westbrooks says Michael Sam has the talent to be in the NFL.

Chris Cassingham came out publicly in his Texas his school earlier this year. He's found nothing but acceptance on his college team at the Univ. of Mary Washington.

We'll look back at 2014 as another watershed year for LGBT people in sports with at least 109 people coming out publicly.

Michael Martin, an all-state goalie, slow danced with the guy who gave him the courage to be himself. Inspired by Robbie Rogers, Martin now hopes to inspire others.

New Zealand Olympic rower Robbie Manson came out earlier this year. His two huge wins on the water over the weekend were in part to inspire LGBT athletes and so many others.

Eric Radford and partner Meagan Duhamel won the pairs skating at the Grand Prix Final on Saturday, a week after Radford came out publicly as gay

Conner Mertens came out publicly earlier this year and, other than one incident involving fans, felt welcomed by everyone in football. Oh, and he played well too.

LGBTI historian Tony Scupham-Bilton reveals his current list of LGBTI Olympians, which stands at 204.

Robbie Rogers has overcome fear, injuries and doubt. Today he is an MLS champion again with the LA Galaxy, this time as an openly gay man.

Kris Burley was a successful Canadian gymnast but not comfortable coming out to his team. He hopes to make a difference for a new generation of athletes.

Robbie Rogers aims to be the first openly gay male pro athlete in North America to win a league championship.

Alex Obendorf talks about being gay for the first time in discussing Tom Daley and Matthew Mitcham.

The three openly gay athletes face the playoffs and a big tip-off tournament.

Jason Collins, the only openly gay man to play a regular season game in one of the big four sports leagues, is retiring. His legacy will be felt for generations.

Michael Sam, the openly gay defensive end, is acknowledged for the contribution of his coming out to society and sports.

Derrick Gordon is the first publicly out male athlete to play a game in NCAA Div. 1 football, baseball, basketball or hockey. He looked solid in UMass' first two wins of the season.

Austin Olivares can be himself and not worry about what people think.

Eric Lueshen's first-hand account of being an openly gay football player for the Nebraska Cornhuskers a decade ago