Lesbian figure skaters

[passion]

I noticed there are a lot of gay male figure skaters. Does anyone know of lesbian female figure skaters (either famous or personal)?

[Ultrasuede]

There are no out lesbian skaters at the elite level that I know of, but there are some at the adult level:

http://www.plover.com/rainbowice/

[oh2tango]

I don't think this is a fair subject for the message board. Everyone's sexual preferences should be private unless they decide otherwise. Maybe this is innocent curiosity on your part, but someone could be hurt by a topic like this.

[Trillian]

I don't think this is a fair subject for the message board. Everyone's sexual preferences should be private unless they decide otherwise.

Well, something like the Rainbow Ice link isn't harmful because it doesn't involve "outing" anyone who hasn't chosen to be open about his or her sexual preference. I don't see anything wrong with a discussion that sticks to those who don't mind being identified. However, I would hope people are respectful of the privacy of people who would prefer not to be discussed on this thread.

[Sing_Alto]

I noticed there are a lot of gay male figure skaters.

Actually, there aren't as many as people are inclined to believe, at least not on the elite level.

[Samskate]

Short of those male skaters who are already out, I feel this thread is irrelevant and most likely, inappropriate. Since I know of no female skaters who are out as lesbians, any discussion would surely only be speculation.

[flippet]

It's only inappropriate if someone were outed who preferred not to be. Otherwise, if someone's already out, discussion would be fine.

The original question was perfectly valid, I think. Just because I don't personally know of any out lesbian skaters doesn't mean that someone else doesn't.

However, I'd be surprised to hear of an out elite female skater. (Not surprised to find some, just surprised to hear of one.) Female skaters are supposed to be fairy-tale princesses--and not that kind of fairy tale. ;) Being out would likely hinder their marketability, and that's quite a lot of what being elite is about, like it or no.

[passion]

I am surprised to have responses, so thanks everybody for responding. First, I would like to clarify by saying that I was asking if anybody knows of lesbian figure skaters (yes/no response - or one/two/three), not name a lesbian figure skater. Maybe I should have said, do you *personally* know of one, because of course, I couldn't care about speculations. I want to know whether someone *actually* knows one. Exactly, everyone' sexual preference should remain private unless they decide otherwise. *You* are in control of whether you want to out yourself or not, not me.

Second, I don't find this conversation irrelevant nor inappropriate (it may be irrelevant to some people because it really doesn't concern them) because there may be other lesbian figure skaters who feel totally alone out there who might also wonder whether they are the only ones. Bondo mentioned that lesbians may be less likely to choose figure skating as a sport. That's why I feel like I'm the only one on this living planet! Even to know that you are not the only one on the living planet is validating. There are specific issues surrounding figure skating that some people may not be aware of. For instance, I know of someone who is female and taking testosterone to become more like a guy. She was forced to choose between being more of who she feels she is versus competing which she loves. She can neither compete in ladies nor mens. Another example is how being feminine or participating in traditionally feminine sports is kind of looked down upon by lesbians (personal experience). Furthermore, I have been accused of being too caught up in image, having a thin body, etc. (a big no-no for lesbians). How does one come to terms with all that? I suppose this is not the place to discuss these things. Maybe an exculsive lesbian figure skating site would be better. Anyhow, I have no regrets bringing this subject up because if I didn't, I would not have been directed to the rainbow link. Thank you Psuede for the reference.

[Clarice]

While I do not personally know any out lesbian figure skaters, I do know a lesbian couple that is parenting a daughter who figure skates. They, at least, do not seem to be hung up on any of the issues you mention. Their daughter no longer competes, but when she did, they were all as much into the glitter and femininity of it as anybody else. I do sympathize with your transgendered friend; the world can be a tough place for those who don't fit neatly into traditional categories.

[dbny]

That's why I feel like I'm the only one on this living planet! Even to know that you are not the only one on the living planet is validating.


I'm glad you posted. Unless you are a gold medalist, being the only one is no fun.


Another example is how being feminine or participating in traditionally feminine sports is kind of looked down upon by lesbians (personal experience). Furthermore, I have been accused of being too caught up in image, having a thin body, etc. (a big no-no for lesbians). How does one come to terms with all that?

H. Sapiens are political animals. Unfortunately, you are catching the other side of the coin that straight women struggle with every day: not thin enough! The only thing I can suggest for coming to terms with it, is to learn to love your self as you are. Those who judge us for our weight or other purely physical attributes are a tad superficial, no?


I suppose this is not the place to discuss these things. Maybe an exculsive lesbian figure skating site would be better. Anyhow, I have no regrets bringing this subject up because if I didn't, I would not have been directed to the rainbow link. Thank you Psuede for the reference.

I don't see why this is not a good place for this discussion. The problems are the same for all of us, you have just brought a different perspective to them than many of us are familiar with.

[dcden]

I am an adult male skater and in one of my recent competitions I found out that another adult skater who I'd known for some time was a lesbian. She mentioned it casually to me; I had no idea until she told me. At the same competition, another adult female skater (newer to the adult scene) sort of pinged my 'dar, and I found out at a later competition that she, too, was a lesbian. Again, she revealed this information to a fellow skater in a casual manner; neither skater was outed by someone else. Both ladies are great skaters and the adult skating community welcomed them as they do with all adult skaters. Adults are pretty laid back in that regard and for the most part we cheer each other on and stick together. So passion, you are NOT the only one!

[dani]

First, I would like to clarify by saying that I was asking if anybody knows of lesbian figure skaters (yes/no response - or one/two/three), not name a lesbian figure skater.

I know of one. ;-)

You are *not* the only one. One thing I like is how we adult skaters can bring our SO's to competitions no matter who they are. They get to regale each other with stories about how they lost their other halves to skating and we all just get to skate with slightly less guilt because they are entertained.

Hugs!
Danielle

[IceDanceSk8er]

I think the posters on this board have finally reached the depths of depravity with this thread. This will be my last post here.

[dbny]

I think the posters on this board have finally reached the depths of depravity with this thread.

How so????

[LittleBitSk8er]

I think the posters on this board have finally reached the depths of depravity with this thread. This will be my last post here.

Not everyone is open minded. Relax, breath deeply it's not like Passion was asking you out! Passion was only asking, and made a point, she should be welcomed, here as well as everywhere else.

[passion]

Clarice, dbny, dcden, dani, LittleBitsk8er: You peeps made me feel very welcomed and supported. Thanks so much. Not only do I know I'm not the only lesbian figure skater out there, but I'm also not an alien - I'm still a human being whose passion is figure skating, like you too!

And Clarice, when I have kids, I'm gonna be a skating mom! :D

Presentation is very much a part of figure skating. I plan to do my hair in a braid and wrap it in a bun when I compete. I have a beautiful dress that matches my scrunchy. I love getting dressed up and quite frankly, I feel beautiful in my skating costume. One of the biggest things that drew me to figure skating was the sheer physical beauty of it, the gracefulness, the expressiveness. Does this mean I am buying into society's idea of beauty? I just feel like I'm being me, this is who I am.

Note: I should have put a warning sign at the top of my post that says: "Open-minded people only. Enter only if you have something positive/beneficial to contribute". People who have a problem with this thread probably have their own issues to deal with.

[dbny]

Presentation is very much a part of figure skating. I plan to do my hair in a braid and wrap it in a bun when I compete. I have a beautiful dress that matches my scrunchy. I love getting dressed up and quite frankly, I feel beautiful in my skating costume. One of the biggest things that drew me to figure skating was the sheer physical beauty of it, the gracefulness, the expressiveness. Does this mean I am buying into society's idea of beauty? I just feel like I'm being me, this is who I am.

Sounds very nice. IMO, it does not mean you are buying into anything. There is no one whose ideas of beauty are not somewhat influenced by their culture. In the West, we are often influenced by more than one culture, as we live among members of so many different ones. If you disagree with one aspect of current North American lesbian culture, I don't see the harm. By all means, express yourself! That's exactly what Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen, Oksana Baiul, and (don't forget) Rudy Galindo have been doing for many years already. Each skater has their own style, enjoy!

[LittleBitSk8er]

Clarice, dbny, dcden, dani, LittleBitsk8er: You peeps made me feel very welcomed and supported. Thanks so much. Not only do I know I'm not the only lesbian figure skater out there, but I'm also not an alien - I'm still a human being whose passion is figure skating, like you too!

And Clarice, when I have kids, I'm gonna be a skating mom! :D .
Passion, When you are a skating mom, you will have all the tricks of figure skating up your sleeve too! You go girl! Presentation is very much a part of figure skating. I plan to do my hair in a braid and wrap it in a bun when I compete. Yes it is, at all the competitions presentation is the key to the package. You not only have to look good, but skate good. I have never seen a skater go out onto the ice who was not "put together." Well, the exception would be at a normal practice free style.

[passion]

I really appreciate your input dbny and Littlebit.

dbny, I'm just gonna be me. If the person doesn't like how I am, then that person is not for me. :P

Littlebit, I can't wait to be a skating mom! (Gathering all my tricks...). I like skaters who look clean, neat, and polished, both physically and in the way they skate. OMG, you wouldn't want to see me in a practice! Oy!

[jazzpants]

I know of two lesbian skaters and they are both WONDERFUL skaters!!! 8-) (Then again, I skate in San Francisco...) :P

[Blue Ridge]

Wow what a cool thread! Thanks for posting it, passion! I am only a fan of figure skating, but sometimes I think I am the *only* lesbian who even likes figure skating! So cool to hear about people's friends who are skaters and happen to be lesbians too!

I think its great you love skating so much, passion and you should always feel free to be yourself! It's the only way to be! :)

[passion]

Blueridge ^5!!!! (high five) It's so neat to meet a fan of figure skating! You thought you were the only one who likes it, too? Well, this disproves the fact that this thread is irrelevant and inappropriate! Glad you posted. I'm wondering, what draws you to figure skating?

Jazzpants, thats cool. I've been to San Fransisco and skated at the Yer Be Buena rink when I was there. Have you skated there? It's a beautiful rink with the light shining in and being able to see the garden outside. My ex-girlfriend came with me there to watch me skate. I have nice memories. :) Maybe one day I'd like to go back and compete there. I love the city!

[Aussie Willy]

In response to your question, I do know a lesbian figure skater, however it is a while since she skated. BTW - there were a few females skating at the Gay Games which were held in Sydney last year and a few of my friends skated at. I didn't go but I did get to see the Exhibition video and there were definately girlies on it. And some of them were great skaters too.

The person I know reached senior level in dance years ago and came back to skating to compete at the games. She had a really good program.

As for the topic, I have no problem with it. There always seems to be discussion about they guys who are gay, why not the women. As I mentioned about there were women competing at the Gay Games so the topic is quite relevant. However I suppose the question that people asked me about the Gay Games was how did they prove the competitors were gay?

[Clarice]

However I suppose the question that people asked me about the Gay Games was how did they prove the competitors were gay?

I thought you didn't have to "be" gay to participate in the Gay Games - the whole point is that it's inclusive.

[John King]

I agree,it is improper to speculate as to who may be a lesbian as that might sully their reputation in today's homophobic society.Instead,let's speculate on who we would like to see skate in lesbian pairs or ice-dance!Myself,I would like to see ***** skate with ***** in pairs,and ***** skate with ***** in ice-dance!

[robertp]

I'm not sure I understand the concept here. The gay games are inclusive? Aren't gays allowed to skate in other competitions? Are we suggesting that the format is same gendered? Is that the difference? please inform

[Clarice]

My understanding was that any athlete could enter the Gay Games, and that in figure skating the main difference is that same-sex couples in pairs and dance are allowed. I think there are also different rules regarding costumes - the women-must-wear-skirts rule doesn't apply, for instance. Am I wrong? Do many straight athletes compete in the Gay Games?

[jazzpants]

Jazzpants, thats cool. I've been to San Fransisco and skated at the Yer Be Buena rink when I was there. Have you skated there? It's a beautiful rink with the light shining in and being able to see the garden outside. My ex-girlfriend came with me there to watch me skate. I have nice memories. :) Maybe one day I'd like to go back and compete there. I love the city!Yeap! I SUUUURE have skated at Yerba Buena! (It's my home rink!) :P And it IS a beauty of a rink to skate in too! :mrgreen:

[Aussie Willy]

Thanks for explaining about the Gay Games to me. I did think it was a totally gay event, but I don't mind being corrected. However at the time the event was on, I had some stupid people complain to me about it being discriminatory towards straight people. Whether gays or straights competed, I basically had no problem with the concept or who competed, and it sounds like it was a really great competition and people had a good time, and when it comes down to it that is really what matters.

[passion]

Is anybody else irked to hear a straight person saying the gay games is discriminatory? I would like to know how it is discriminatory. My hunch is that its more imagined than real, but when a gay person is open in mainstream skating, it *is* discriminatory for the most part and there is major backlash, especially at an elite level. It's like the person who said that is saying that minorities should not have a place where they feel safe; we should not have our own games.

[Aussie Willy]

Passion - like I said I could not understand why someone would get so upset about the concept of the Gay Games. One of the people who said this to me was someone I thought was quite tolerant. When she kept going on about it I just kept shrugging my shoulders and going "so what is the problem?"

It is like people who have a problem with the Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney. It is such a fantastic event but of course there are those who complain about the impression it gives regarding the homosexual community. Again I really don't see the problem. And until gay people have equal rights in all things then I think events like the Gay Games and Mardi Gras are very important.

[Mrs Redboots]

I know an adult skater who is openly lesbian - and a very nice person she is, too! Am looking forward to seeing her again soon, as I haven't seen her for a couple of years.

[Skatewind]

Note: I should have put a warning sign at the top of my post that says: "Open-minded people only. Enter only if you have something positive/beneficial to contribute". People who have a problem with this thread probably have their own issues to deal with.
Isn't responding to something you perceive as intolerant with intolerance a rather ridiculous idea? If you are opening a discussion thread, it seems to me it would be preferable to read *both* sides of the discussion & then take it or leave it. I don't see anything particularly "positive" or "beneficial" about your statement.

[loveskating]

Hey Passion, thanks for this thread!

I do agree with those who say that speculation is not right, outing people is not right, but so far, no one has speculated so its all ok.

Best of luck to you.