These entrepreneurs, activists, politicians, artists, and athletes are much more than ahead of the curve, they're out, proud, and changing the world.
Blake Skjellerup
25, Calgary, Canada, Speed skater
Olympian Blake Skjellerup acknowledges that he faced a lot of homophobia prior to coming out in May 2010, but his persecutors eventually realized their mistakes. “They make more of an effort to treat me as the equal — but more fabulous — human that I am,” he says with a laugh. Skjellerup says he decided to be open about his sexuality because of the paucity of other out athletes in both professional and Olympic sports. “I do not think anyone should have to hide who they are because of fear or persecution,” he says. “I had no doubt that my coming out would be a positive experience, and I wanted to share that with other LGBT athletes around the world.” After competing in short-track speed skating world championships in England this spring, Skjellerup plans to return to his native New Zealand to support a queer-straight alliance. “I would like the New Zealand government to recognize that homophobia is a real problem in schools and that support and education should exist to combat this,” Skjellerup says. “Working with the QSA is step 1 to understanding what some of the kids there have gone through and how their support network successfully operates.”
And listen HERE to a radio interview with Blake on "Pink Shirt Day".
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