With the Winter Olympics underway, several U.S. athletes have been speaking out about what they say is happening in America under the Trump administration, including Texas figure skater Amber Glenn, who is openly bisexual. During a press conference, Glenn discussed the “hard time” the LGBTQ+ community has been facing under the current administration, saying this is not the first time the queer community has had to come together to fight for its rights. She also acknowledged that other communities are struggling and said she plans to use her platform during the games to encourage people to stay strong during what she described as “these hard times.”
The Texas figure skater also pushed back against critics who believe athletes should stay out of politics. “Politics affects us all. It is something that I will not just be quiet about because it is something that affects us and our everyday lives,” she said. The video ended with Amber Glenn adding that “brighter days are ahead of us.” Her comments reflected broader concerns shared by many, as the queer community has faced increasing challenges under the Donald Trump administration, with trans people among the most affected, particularly following an executive order recognizing only two sexes, male and female. Adding to those concerns, BBC reported last year that the administration ended funding for the LGBTQ youth option on the national suicide hotline.
Unfortunately, not everyone accepted what the Texas figure skater had to say, as Amber Glenn soon began receiving hate and threats from Trump supporters. “I am now receiving a scary amount of hate / threats for simply using my voice WHEN ASKED about how I feel,” she wrote in an Instagram story. Glenn also shared that she plans to limit her time on Instagram for the sake of her mental health. Being threatened simply for speaking up in defense of people’s rights highlights just how intense and troubling the backlash has become.
People Reacting to the Texas Figure Skater Receiving Hate
Thankfully, most people were outraged that the Texas figure skater was receiving threats for speaking out against the Trump administration. In response, one person wrote, “Americans threatening their own athletes. How American.” Another commenter pointed to Amber Glenn’s sexuality, saying, “It’s also very American to send your athletes to compete for you, despite hating their existence, like all the Olympics during the Jim Crow era.” Others openly praised her, with one person writing, “Queen [expletive]. Imagine getting death threats for denouncing a pdf fascist.” Another added, “Using your light & platform for spreading inclusivity & love is how we get through this darkness. Way to be, Amber. Lead by example, take notes from her!” One Redditor directed their anger at MAGA supporters for threatening Glenn, writing, “MAGA are subhuman filth. 100% of them.”
It wasn’t hard to find the hate the Texas figure skater said she was receiving. Under many of Amber Glenn’s posts on Instagram, commenters openly attacked her for speaking out. “Anti American [expletive],” one person wrote, while another added, “How about shut your mouth and just skate. Stop speaking for everyone else because you know nothing.” Several users demanded that Glenn list which rights the LGBTQ+ community has lost, despite those issues being widely reported since Trump became president. Other comments were even more hostile, including “Go home,” and “You have a big mouth. Let’s see how you skate.” The sheer volume and tone of the remarks were deeply disturbing.
