The 2026 Olympics were filled with representation, including Amber Glenn, the first queer woman to represent the U.S. in figure skating. She has changed the sport of figure skating for the better. Creating a safer environment for younger skaters to grow and thrive. Instead of perceiving fellow American skaters as competitors this year, the women’s figure skating team are good friends and have their own trio name, the Blade Angels.
Glenn is extremely open about her mental health struggles. She said in an interview, “I’ve been very outspoken about the ups and downs that I’ve had in my career, because I want people to know that that’s okay.”
Not only is she an advocate for mental health, but also the queer community. As soon as she gets off the ice, she immediately puts on her jacket that has a permanent spot for an LGBTQ+ flag pin.
When asked why she wears it, Glenn responded that it’s “to normalize queer people in sports.” Fans have tagged her a queer icon as she has inspired so many young children to be themselves in their sport and everywhere else in life.
Being outspoken has come with backlash, and over the course of these olympics she has received many harmful comments and threats to her health. Many viewers have said she is simply an athlete and shouldn’t be discussing political matters, yet to these insults, Glenn has spoken back, saying, “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.”
As well as speaking about issues, she also shows her queer identity through skating. During the 2025/26 season, she regularly skates to Lady Gaga, queer music artist, for exhibition galas. While performing on Stars On Ice, she wore a Chappel Roan jersey and danced to HOT TO GO! Glenn has also skated to Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. Both of these artists are openly queer as well.
Amber Glenn has shaped the new skating generation for the better and influenced kids all over to be their true selves. The queer community is lucky to have her as an icon.