Texas Olympian Receives Threats for LGBTQ Advocacy

Figure skater Amber Glenn faced backlash after speaking out about politics and her identity.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Plano native Amber Glenn, the first openly queer woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic figure skating, said she received a "scary amount of hate/threats" on social media after speaking out about LGBTQ rights and the impact of the Trump administration. Despite the backlash, Glenn vowed to continue using her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ community.

Why it matters

Glenn's experience highlights the challenges LGBTQ athletes can face when speaking out about social and political issues. Her story underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments in sports where athletes feel empowered to authentically express their identities and perspectives.

The details

Amber Glenn, a 2026 Winter Olympian from Plano, Texas, came out as pansexual in 2019 and often skates with rainbow flags and pride pins. In recent weeks, she said she wants to "normalize having queer people" in athletics and hopes her Olympic participation can "move us forward as a community." However, after criticizing the Trump administration's impact on the LGBTQ community, Glenn said she received a "scary amount of hate/threats" on social media, leading her to limit her time online.

  • Amber Glenn came out as pansexual in a 2019 interview with the Dallas Voice.
  • Glenn competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on February 9, 2026.
  • Glenn spoke out about the Trump administration's impact on the LGBTQ community in a recent interview with USA Today's Christine Brennan.

The players

Amber Glenn

A figure skater from Plano, Texas who was the first openly queer woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic figure skating.

Christine Brennan

A sports columnist for USA Today who interviewed Amber Glenn.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a hard time for the [LGBTQ] 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, and 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 (USA Today)

“When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (Freedom of speech) to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice when asked how I feel. I did anticipate this but I am disappointed by it. I will be limiting my time on social media for my own wellbeing for now but I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in.”

— Amber Glenn (Instagram)

What’s next

Glenn is set to participate in the women's individual short-program competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 17.

The takeaway

Amber Glenn's experience highlights the ongoing challenges LGBTQ athletes face when using their platforms to advocate for social and political issues. Despite the backlash, Glenn's commitment to using her voice to support the LGBTQ community serves as an inspiration for other athletes seeking to authentically express their identities and perspectives.