National Sports Day isn’t just about medals and records, it’s about celebrating the people who make sports inspiring. These athletes prove that being out, proud, and strong isn’t mutually exclusive. From the slopes to the gridiron, meet the trailblazers redefining athletic pride.
Gus Kenworthy: The Olympian Heartthrob
Few names shine brighter in queer sports history than Gus Kenworthy. The freestyle skier became one of Team USA’s biggest stars, and later, one of its most visible gay athletes. Beyond his silver medal, Kenworthy’s charisma earned him acting gigs on American Horror Story: 1984 and Will & Grace. He’s also appeared in CANN’s “Taste So Good” video and helped former Bachelor Colton Underwood navigate his own coming out journey.
Michael Sam: The NFL’s Groundbreaker
In 2014, Michael Sam made history by coming out just before the NFL Draft. His announcement shattered one of professional sports’ toughest closets, making him the league’s first openly gay draftee when the St. Louis Rams selected him. Sam’s courage remains a defining moment for representation in football.
Ryan Russell: Football’s Bisexual Trailblazer
Former Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ryan Russell came out as bisexual in a 2019 ESPN essay. His vulnerability and eloquence challenged stereotypes in a sport often steeped in hypermasculinity, and he’s since become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Carl Nassib: A Powerful NFL First
When Carl Nassib announced he was gay in 2021, it sent shockwaves through the sports world. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end also donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project, helping queer youth feel seen. His honesty proved that authenticity has a place on every field.
Anthony Bowens: Wrestling’s Proud Champion
AEW star Anthony Bowens has body-slammed stereotypes since publicly coming out in 2019. As one of the most visible out wrestlers, Bowens uses his platform to advocate for equality while sharing his life with actor and YouTuber Michael Pavano. Together, they’ve become one of sports’ most adorable power couples.
Derrick Gordon: College Basketball’s First
Derrick Gordon made NCAA history in 2015 as the first openly gay Division I basketball player. Competing for Western Kentucky, UMass, and Seton Hall, Gordon paved the way for future players to be open about who they are. His legacy continues to echo in locker rooms nationwide.
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Jason Collins: The NBA Pioneer
Before Gordon, there was Jason Collins. In 2013, the Washington Wizards center came out in Sports Illustrated, becoming the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major U.S. pro leagues. His words, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black. And I’m gay,”remain historic.
Josh Cavallo: The Soccer Star Who Spoke Up
Australian soccer player Josh Cavallo became a global inspiration in 2021 when he came out while still active in the league. His honesty made him the first openly gay top-flight male player in the world, and his bravery continues to inspire fans and teammates alike.
Toby Rudolf: Rugby’s Fluid Firecracker
Australian rugby player Toby Rudolf spoke candidly about sexual fluidity, sharing that love and attraction don’t fit neat boxes. “Love is love, and I love to share it with everyone,” he said, adding that he loves dancing shirtless in Sydney’s gay bars until 2 a.m. We love the energy.
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Nicola Porcella: The Pansexual Star of Reality and Sport
Former soccer player and La Casa de los Famosos México star Nicola Porcella captured hearts when he came out as pansexual on national television. His openness in the middle of a hit reality show sparked conversations across Latin America about love beyond labels.
Isaac Humphries: A Teammate’s Courage
Australian basketball player Isaac Humphries came out in a heartfelt video addressed to his team in 2022. The former NBA player’s emotional speech about living authentically moved fans worldwide and reminded athletes that vulnerability is strength.
Tom Daley: Diving Into Gold and Visibility
Olympic diver Tom Daley has it all, gold medals, a husband, and a baby boy. Daley continues to use his platform for queer visibility, publishing his memoir Coming Up for Air and fronting the BBC documentary Illegal to Be Me about LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
Orlando Cruz: Boxing’s Bold Fighter
Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz came out in 2012, declaring, “I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.” In a sport known for machismo, Cruz’s courage redefined toughness and helped change perceptions in the boxing community.
João Lucas Reis da Silva: Tennis’s Rising Star
Brazilian tennis player João Lucas Reis da Silva came out publicly in 2023 with a simple, joyful Instagram post celebrating his partner, Gui Sampaio Ricardo. The images showed them smiling and relaxed—proof that sometimes pride looks like peace.
Travis Shumake: Speed, Pride, and Legacy
Drag racing driver Travis Shumake made history in 2022 as the first out gay competitor in the National Hot Rod Association circuit. Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Tripp Shumake, he’s blazing his own trail while proudly representing queer fans in the fast lane.
Trey Cunningham: The Track Star Who Keeps It Real
Track-and-field athlete and model Trey Cunningham recently went public about being gay after years of being out privately. “I’m just Trey, and apparently it’s special that I like to kiss guys,” he joked to Us Weekly. His nonchalant confidence embodies a new generation of queer athletes unbothered by labels.
Why These Athletes Matter
Every time an athlete comes out, they rewrite the definition of strength. Whether they’re chasing medals, breaking records, or just living honestly, they’re proving that visibility changes everything. On National Sports Day, we celebrate the power, pride, and sheer magnetism of these gay game-changers. They offer hope to fans who feel unseen. On National Sports Day, let’s celebrate strength in its all its beautiful forms.
