Amber Glenn’s Entrance at the World Figure Skating Championships
As Amber Glenn made her entrance to the ice at the world figure skating championships, the atmosphere was electric, underscored by a sea of American flags waving from every corner of TD Garden. The venue, known for honoring Boston’s sports legends, provided an ideal setting for Glenn, a dominant presence in the sport and a three-time U.S. champion. This native Texan, raised as the daughter of a police officer, embodies a deep sense of patriotism that resonates with her supporters.
Celebrating Inclusivity
But alongside the national flags, rainbow flags representing the LGBTQ+ community were also visible throughout the crowd. This striking duality highlighted a moment of pride and inclusivity, especially as this was the final championship event before the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. The rainbow flags started appearing in Glenn’s competitions after she publicly celebrated her national title by draping one over her shoulders the previous year.
When asked about the flags during a post-performance interview, Glenn expressed her pride in seeing both the American and rainbow flags being celebrated.
Glenn’s Journey and Identity
Identifying as pansexual, Glenn has never intended to assume the role of a role model within the LGBTQ+ community. Her journey became easier after navigating the complexities of her mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety, ultimately leading her to seek help. Although she didn’t publicly identify her sexuality until about six years ago—when she inadvertently revealed it during an interview—she felt an immediate sense of fear for not having informed her grandmother first.
Gratitude for the Figure Skating Community
Reflecting on her experiences in sports, Glenn shared her gratitude for having found community within figure skating, noting the sport’s traditional openness to various identities.
“I’m so thankful for my upbringing in skating,”
she said,
“especially since it came from a generally conservative area in Texas, where I was fortunate to be homeschooled and could explore my identity independently.”
As she attended competitions beyond Texas, she encountered a welcoming LGBTQ+ community among elite coaches and skaters, illuminating a pathway that made her feel accepted and empowered to connect with fans.
