The 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, are almost here, and I couldn’t be more pumped! It’s a fantastic time for women’s sports, and tons of queer athletes will play pivotal roles in their events. I have such incredible memories of watching the Olympics with my family and am so excited by the fact that this generation of kids has out, LGBTQ athletes to look up to.
The slogan for Paris 2024 is “Games wide open,” emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity. Led by the Fier-Play association and in collaboration with Paris 2024 and its partners, the 2024 Pride House will be at Rosa Bonheur sur Seine in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Let’s get the list of incredible Queer Olympians who will be representing the red, white, and blue.
Perris Benegas, BMX Freestyle
Perris Benegas is a talented BMX freestyle rider who has made waves in the world of action sports. Known for her fearless tricks and incredible skill. Perris has also made history by being one of the first women to compete in the BMX Freestyle events at the X Games, earning multiple medals. she’s a strong contender to watch in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Teal Cohen, Rowing
Teal Cohen, a 25-year-old University of Washington grad, is a powerhouse in rowing and an inspiring queer athlete. She’s made waves with her stellar performances at the World Rowing Championships.
Lauren Doyle, Rugby Sevens
Lauren Doyle is a standout in women’s rugby and a key player for the USA Rugby Sevens team. Competing in her third Olympic Games, she will serve as co-captain for the US Women’s Rugby team. Lauren has been instrumental in her team’s successes on the international stage, including the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Chelsea Gray, Basketball
When it comes to the USA Women’s Basketball team, we see queer athletes truly shine. California-born, Chelsea Gray, a guard for the Las Vegas Aces, is a lesbian athlete gearing up for her second Olympics. A former Duke star, she boasts a WNBA championship and a gold medal and happens to have incredible queer style.
Brittney Griner, Basketball
Brittney Griner, a lesbian athlete, is a dominant force seeking her third gold medal with Team USA after victories in 2016 and 2020. Known for her prowess as center for the Phoenix Mercury, Griner made headlines in 2022 when she was detained in a Russian prison for months due to her possession of medically prescribed hash oil while traveling.
Nikki Hiltz, Track & Field
Nikki Hiltz is a trailblazing middle-distance runner, celebrated not only for their impressive performances on the track but also for their advocacy as a transgender and nonbinary athlete. Recently qualifying for their first Olympics with a record-breaking time of 3 minutes and 55.33 seconds in the 1500-meter race at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Hiltz dedicated their race to “all the LGBTQ folks.”
Evy Leibfarth, Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross
At just 20 years old, Evy Leibfarth is a standout athlete making her second Olympics appearance this year. Competing in both Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross, she’s aiming to secure her first Olympic medal.
Jewell Loyd, Basketball
Jewell Loyd is a two-time WNBA champion and a versatile lesbian guard for the Seattle Storm. Known for her scoring prowess and leadership on the court, she’s seeking her second gold medal with Team USA after winning at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Kayla Miracle, Wrestling
Kayla Miracle is a pioneering figure in wrestling, having made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ wrestler at the Olympics four years ago. Now aiming for a medal in Paris, she brings a formidable record of multiple national championships and a strong collegiate career at Campbellsville University.
Hannah Roberts, BMX Freestyle
Hannah Roberts, a powerhouse in BMX Freestyle, earned a silver medal at Tokyo and is now determined to capture gold in her second Olympics in Paris.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Track & Field
Bisexual sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is a dynamic force in track and field, having broken the collegiate record in the 100-meter sprint. She qualified for the 2020 Olympics but was disqualified after testing positive for cannabis. Making a triumphant comeback, Richardson won the 100-meter world title at the World Athletics Championships. She is now set to make her Olympic debut at the Paris Games
Lauren Scruggs, Fencing
Lauren Scruggs is making her Olympic debut for Team USA in the foil category of fencing at the Paris Games. Known for her precision and agility, Scruggs has already made a name for herself with strong performances at national and international competitions.
Raven Saunders, Shot Put
Raven Saunders, who uses they/them pronouns, won a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics and has qualified for their third Olympics in Paris after finishing second in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Breanna Stewart
Lesbian forward Breanna Stewart, a UConn grad, currently plays for the New York Liberty and is married to former WNBA player Marta Xargay. Arguably the greatest college basketball player of all time, Stewie is a 4-time NCAA Champion and 4-time Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. With two gold medals already, Stewart is a dominant force in women’s basketball and a key player for team USA.
Alyssa Thomas
Alyssa Thomas, a WNBA leader in triple-doubles, is set to make her first Olympic appearance after a decade in the league. A four-time WNBA All-Star and fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft, Thomas brings a wealth of experience and skill to Team USA. She is engaged to Sun teammate DeWanna Bonner and another athlete with incredible masc style.
Diana Taurasi, Basketball
Diana Taurasi is a true legend of women’s basketball, having played two decades in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury. Tokyo marks her sixth Olympics and a chance to secure her sixth gold medal. Taurasi is married to former teammate Penny Taylor, who is a WNBA Hall of Famer and a medalist with the Australian Olympic team.
Haleigh Washington, Volleyball
Haleigh Washington, a Penn State grad and formidable middle blocker in volleyball is headed to her second Olympics with high hopes of repeating her success in Tokyo, where she won gold with Team USA.
