US figure skater Amber Glenn has publicly announced her decision to decline an invitation to visit the White House, following her team gold medal victory at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics last month. Glenn, who identifies as pansexual and bisexual, made the statement at an event hosted by LGBTQ advocacy group Glaad in Los Angeles on Thursday night, aligning herself with other athletes who have opted out of such celebrations under the current administration.
Political Stance and Personal Choice
Glenn emphasized that her choice is a matter of personal endorsement and political alignment. "I'm electing not to either, so I do not blame them whatsoever," she said, referring to the US women's ice hockey team, which recently declined to attend Donald Trump's State of the Union speech. She added, "It is our right to be able to choose what we do and don't endorse, and I think it is a decision that each individual has the right to make," in an interview with Us Weekly.
Controversy Surrounding White House Invitations
The White House has not yet commented on whether Glenn and her fellow skaters were formally invited. This follows a recent controversy where Trump invited the gold medal-winning men's ice hockey team to the White House, joking that he would "have to" invite the victorious women's team as well. While many male athletes attended, the women's team later declined, citing prior commitments, highlighting a growing trend of athletes distancing themselves from political events.
Athletic Achievements and Advocacy
Glenn is the reigning and three-time US figure skating champion. At the Milano Cortina Games, she not only secured team gold but also finished fifth in the women's singles figure skating event, which was won by her compatriot Alysa Liu. Beyond her athletic prowess, Glenn has been vocal about LGBTQ rights and political issues, stating at the Olympics that it has been "a hard time for the [queer] community overall in this administration."
Backlash and Support
Her outspoken views have made her a target for criticism from conservative voices and Trump supporters on social media. However, Glenn remains undeterred, telling Us Weekly that "the amount of support and encouragement that I've received outweighs the hate immensely." She stressed the importance of visibility for young athletes, saying, "I know how much more important it is to have this visibility to young athletes than it is to these people that are being crabby and are hateful of empathy and kindness. What they have to say doesn't matter."
Glenn's decision underscores a broader movement among athletes to use their platforms for political expression, challenging the notion that they should "stick to sports." As she continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights and social justice, her stance reflects ongoing tensions between sports, politics, and personal identity in the current climate.
