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# Tokyo Olympics to see record number of LGBTQ+ athletes
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/tokyo-olympics-to-see-record-number-of-lgbtq-athletes/
- Published: 2021-07-16T08:09:53.000Z
- Updated: 2021-07-15T17:57:12.000Z
- Description: An analysis by Outsports has found that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will be hosting a record number of LGBTQ+ athletes.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Sport, Laurel Hubbard, LGBTQ, Sports, Tokyo Olympics

An analysis by [*Outsports*](https://www.outsports.com/olympics/2021/7/12/22565574/tokyo-summer-olympics-lgbtq-gay-athletes-list?ref=scenemag.co.uk) has found that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will be hosting a record number of LGBTQ+ athletes, with at least 135 queer sporting professionals heading to the games. The number of out LGBTQ+ athletes competing at the Tokyo Olympics is greater than those who have participated in all of the previous Olympic games combined.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sports-running-athletes-600-400.jpg)

25 different countries will be represented by at least one LGBTQ+ athlete, with this year’s games also hosting the [first-ever out trans athlete](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/weightlifter-set-to-become-first-out-trans-olympian/) – New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard – to be participating in the Olympics. The US has the highest number of out LGBTQ+ athletes heading to the games, with over 30 queer participants. The UK is sending 15 LGBTQ+ athletes to Tokyo.

Outsports attributes the stark rise in LGBTQ+ athletes to *“the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in sports and society”*, adding: *“The rise of social media, especially Instagram, has given athletes a forum where they can live their lives openly and identify directly with their followers.”* The Tokyo Olympics is due to begin next Friday, with many LGBTQ+ people celebrating the improved representation of queer athletes.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/rainbow-laces-sports-1-1.jpg)