Texas Olympian Faces Backlash After LGBTQ+ Support

Figure skater Amber Glenn limits social media after receiving threats over her comments criticizing the Trump administration's impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn, the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating, is limiting her time on social media after receiving threats tied to her public comments on LGBTQ+ issues and criticism of the Trump administration's policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Why it matters

Glenn's experience highlights the ongoing challenges and backlash that LGBTQ+ athletes and public figures can face when speaking out on political issues, especially in conservative states like Texas. Her story also underscores the broader tensions around LGBTQ+ rights and representation that have played out in the political sphere in recent years.

The details

During a news conference at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Glenn said 'it's been a hard time for the (LGBTQ) community overall in this administration' and emphasized that the challenges extend beyond the queer community. Her critiques of the Trump administration led to her 'receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice when asked how I feel.' Glenn, who came out as pansexual in 2019, said she was 'disappointed because I've never had so many people wish me harm before, just for being me and speaking about being decent.'

  • Amber Glenn made her comments criticizing the Trump administration's impact on the LGBTQ+ community during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
  • Glenn is scheduled to return to the ice on February 17 for the women's individual short program.

The players

Amber Glenn

An Olympic figure skater from Plano, Texas who is the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose administration implemented policies that advocates say could roll back workplace anti-discrimination protections and limit the ability of transgender and nonbinary Americans to update passports to reflect their gender identity.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a hard time for the (LGBTQ) community overall in this administration.”

— Amber Glenn, Olympic Figure Skater

“I was disappointed because I've never had so many people wish me harm before, just for being me and speaking about being decent.”

— Amber Glenn, Olympic Figure Skater (Reuters)

What’s next

Glenn is scheduled to return to the ice on February 17 for the women's individual short program at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

The takeaway

Amber Glenn's experience highlights the ongoing challenges and backlash that LGBTQ+ athletes and public figures can face when speaking out on political issues, especially in conservative states. Her story underscores the broader tensions around LGBTQ+ rights and representation that have played out in the political sphere in recent years.