Amber Glenn, first openly queer woman to represent the United States in figure skating at the Olympic Games, was asked on Wednesday in Milan by President Donald Trump, why his treatment of the LGBTQ community and how it affected him personally. Glenn responded that he was being “a tough time” for the communitybut he wanted to use his voice to encourage people “to stay strong”.
This Saturday, Glenn posted on Instagram that His statements had provoked a wave of hostile messagesincluding an amount “terrifying” of hate and threats. He explained that he had simply exercised your freedom of expression when asked directly by journalists.
The athlete acknowledged that I was expecting some negative reaction.but that intensity of attacks He had surprised and disappointed her. By your well-beingannounced that it would limit its activity on social networks during the next weeks of competitionalthough he assured that he will not stop defending what he believes.
Glenn rejects the idea that athletes should avoid talking about politics
During the press conference, Glenn responded to those asking him to “just skate”. He stated that politics affects all people and that he does not intend to remain silent about issues that influence daily life of the LGBTQ community.
Glenn’s case adds to the statements of skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hesswho said they felt “mixed emotions” by representing the USA this year. Both explained that, although they love their countryworries them the internal situation and immigration policiesespecially after recent ICE operations and national and international protests.
During Friday’s opening ceremonythe appearance of Vice President JD Vance on the screens of the San Siro stadium was received with boos. That same day, citizens of Milan organized a protest against ICE tacticsin a context marked by controversial arrests and for the deaths of two people in Minnesota at the hands of federal agents.
