Rio 2016 gives visibility to LGBT community

Transsexual model Lea T leading out Brazil team at the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday (Aug. 5) heralded the beginning of a week in which the visibility of LGBT community made history in Rio 2016.

In its relay to the pyre, the Olympic torch was also carried by members of the LGBT community. The cartoonist and founder of the Brazilian Transgender Association, Laerte, participated in São Paulo, and Olympic torchbearers share a gay kiss while carrying the torch in Ipanema.

Even before the beginning of the sporting event, lists were made by specific websites and the press indicating that Rio 2016 would have the largest number of outed gay athletes, including some Brazilian athletes, like diver Ian Matos, and beach volleyball player Larissa França, who openly talk about their homosexuality. Brazil's first gold medalist in 2016, judoka Rafaela Silva, also opened up about her girlfriend, who she met while training at Reaction Institute, where she trains since childhood.

This visibility contrasts with a sad reality in the country: cases of homophobia. LGBT rights organizations point out that data indicate that per day, nearly one homosexual/ transsexual was killed in 2014.

Wedding proposal

The highlight of LGBT visibility was rugby athlete Isadora Cerullo's marriage proposal by her girlfriend, Marjorie Enya, after the women's team final match at the Olympics. For the player, the country's diversity is increased when added to the LGBT visibility, we focus on the female athletes' performance and on acknowledging the obstacles to be overcome by black and marginal athletes.

"Such visibility is giving Brazil a new face. As it is the country hosting the Olympics, it helps foster a [more tolerant] mentality," celebrates Cerullo.

Cerullo felt pleasantly surprised at her marriage proposal's extensive press coverage and impact. "It's been a great positive surprise, because I received many messages from known and unknown people, wishing us a lot of happiness. We feel amazed by receiving all this support."

The moment stirred Cerullo's fellows' emotions. For the athlete, love leaves a message:

"We show a lot of love and happiness in the video, and it puts a face to the cause, helps humanize it. So, I think it might help people to open their minds and realize that love is love."

With the video's impact, Enya hopes that other lesbians, especially the younger ones, may realize that it is possible to be happy being themselves, despite all the prejudice. "We do exist, and although the world is not an ideal place yet and there is still a lot to be done, I have never been so happy in my life."

Eminent athletes

Athletes from the British field hockey team, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Kate Richardson-Walsh have also attended the games in Rio. They are the first-ever married same-sex couple to play together in the same team in Olympics.

The British delegation also brought LGBT star Tom Daley, who won synchro 10m platform bronze. His fiance, screenwriter Dustin Lance, was in the stands, and they celebrated Daley's victory together sharing photos on social media with their millions of followers.

"He saved me from not wanting to dive anymore," said the athlete, who almost quit diving after the bronze medal in London 2012.

Another Great Britain athlete is race walker Tom Bosworth, who is also ambassador for Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization that encourages LGBT sportspeople to empower themselves and take leadership positions.

"In life I've learned you can either sit by and watch others try to make a difference, or you can stand along side those and make a difference with them, for you are always stronger together," he declares on Athlete Ally's official website.

Coming out

Two days before the Olympic Games started, USA basketball player Elena Delle Donne openly talked about being gay. After coming out, she said she received much support from her team fellows.

"It's amazing to see so many women in our league feeling comfortable to come out and openly talk about issues that could be difficult," said the player, who feels optimistic not only about USA women's basketball performance, but also about her future: "I hope and feel that our society is moving in the right direction."

*With additional reporting by Info Rio2016

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta