Figure Skater Amber Glenn Faces Backlash Over Remarks on LGBTQ+ Representation

The Olympic athlete says she received threats after speaking about representing the LGBTQ+ community at the 2026 Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn, who identifies as pansexual, says she received threats after making remarks about representing the LGBTQ+ community while competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Glenn defended her decision to use her platform to speak out about political issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, stating that "politics affect us all" and that she will not stay quiet on these matters. In response to the backlash, Glenn announced she will be limiting her time on social media for her own wellbeing, but vowed to continue using her voice for what she believes in.

Why it matters

Glenn's comments highlight the challenges LGBTQ+ athletes can face when speaking out about issues that impact their community. As one of the first openly queer figure skaters to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, Glenn's experience sheds light on the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, even within the sports world.

The details

During a press conference on February 4, 2026, Glenn was asked about representing the LGBTQ+ community as an openly pansexual athlete. She spoke about the difficulties the community has faced, especially under the current administration, and said she plans to use her platform to encourage people to stay strong. After her remarks, Glenn says she received a "scary amount of hate/threats" for voicing her beliefs. In response, she announced she will be limiting her social media use, but vowed to never stop using her voice for what she believes in.

  • On February 4, 2026, Glenn made her remarks about representing the LGBTQ+ community at a Team USA press conference.
  • On February 7, 2026, Glenn posted on Instagram about the backlash and threats she received, and announced she would be limiting her social media use.

The players

Amber Glenn

A 26-year-old Olympic figure skater who identifies as pansexual and will be representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

Team USA

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee's national team that will be competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a hard time for the community overall in this administration. It isn't the first time that we've had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights. And now, especially, it's not just affecting the queer community, but many other communities. I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn't have to before, and because of that, it's made us a lot stronger.”

— Amber Glenn, Olympic Figure Skater (usmagazine.com)

“I hope I can use my platform and my voice throughout these Games to try and encourage people to stay strong in these hard times. I know that a lot of people say, 'You're just an athlete, like, stick to your job, shut up about politics,' but politics affect us all.”

— Amber Glenn, Olympic Figure Skater (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Glenn will continue to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, where she hopes to use her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

The takeaway

Amber Glenn's experience highlights the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ athletes face when speaking out about issues that impact their community. Despite the backlash, Glenn's commitment to using her voice for what she believes in serves as an inspiration for other athletes who want to advocate for social and political change.