Vicky Galindo one of the Advocate's "40 Under 40"

From the Advocate:

These entrepreneurs, activists, politicians, artists, and athletes are much more than ahead of the curve, they're out, proud, and changing the world.

Vicky Galindo
27, San Lorenzo, Calif., Professional softball player

When softball player Vicky Galindo came out as bisexual in The Advocate, she was on her way to the Beijing Olympics. It had been a tough year: She had recently broken up with her longtime girlfriend, a lot was weighing on her, and opening up about her sexuality was something she felt had to be done. “I needed to be comfortable with who I was,” she says now. It was also her way of coming out to her parents. “I was like, ‘Hey, Mom, by the way, there’s an article I did that you might be hearing about.’ ” Galindo returned from China with a silver medal and the admiration of her teammates, including one who said Galindo’s openness gave her the courage to come out herself. Galindo hopes to continue inspiring others. In addition to playing second base for the Chicago Bandits, she works as an assistant coach at a junior college. “I don’t discuss my sexuality with my kids,” she says, “but I’m sure they’ve seen things online. And for them to think, Hey, this is my coach. She’s an Olympian and she’s done all these great things and she’s bi, hopefully it will inspire them to be proud of who they are.”