Amber Glenn: Pansexual Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater

Few moments in sports carry the weight of a public figure skating career, especially when the skater is openly pansexual and unafraid to speak her mind. Amber Glenn, the 26-year-old from Plano, Texas, has done just that—winning Olympic team gold in 2026 while navigating fierce backlash over her comments on LGBTQ rights and Donald Trump.

Age: 26 years old (as of 2026) Wikipedia ·
Olympic gold: 2026 Team Event Wikipedia ·
US National Champion: 3 times Wikipedia ·
Triple Axel: Landed in competition Wikipedia

Nine key facts about Glenn, one pattern: a career built on both athletic achievement and public identity.

The pattern: her biography merges athletic achievement with public identity in a way few skaters have managed.

What gender is Amber Glenn?

Glenn identifies as female and is openly pansexual. She came out publicly in 2019, telling The Athletic sports journalism that she identifies as both bisexual and pansexual. Her gender identity is female, and she has consistently referred to herself with she/her pronouns.

What ice skater is pansexual?

• Amber Glenn is the only openly pansexual figure skater to represent the United States at the Olympics, per Wikipedia encyclopedia.
• She is also the first out LGBTQ+ woman to compete in women’s figure skating at the Winter Games, as noted by PinkNews LGBTQ media.

The implication: Glenn’s public identity has made her a milestone figure in a sport that has historically been cautious about LGBTQ representation.

Why was Amber Glenn criticized?

Glenn faced backlash after she criticized Donald Trump’s approach toward LGBTQ people in early February 2026. Yahoo Sports sports news reported that her comments drew immediate online attacks. Them LGBTQ publication detailed that she received “scary threats” after speaking out. The Athletic sports journalism confirmed she received death threats amid the controversy.

Beyond political statements, Glenn has also faced scrutiny for her outspoken advocacy, with some critics arguing athletes should avoid politics. However, no official sanction from US Figure Skating has been reported.

The pattern: Glenn’s critics tend to target her willingness to use her platform, not her athletic performance or personal life.

What did Amber Glenn say about LGBTQ?

Glenn has consistently used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in sports. In interviews leading up to the 2026 Olympics, she called for a more welcoming environment for queer athletes. Them LGBTQ publication reported that she stated she would “not stop speaking out” about LGBTQ rights. Outsports LGBTQ sports media noted that pride flags were visible in the stands during her Olympic skate, a direct response to her advocacy.

“I’m not going to be quiet about who I am,” Glenn said, according to Them LGBTQ publication.

Why this matters: Glenn’s comments have turned her into a symbol—both for those who want sports to embrace identity and for those who see it as disruptive.

What did Amber Glenn say about Trump?

On February 7, 2026, Yahoo Sports sports news reported that Glenn criticized Donald Trump’s approach toward LGBTQ people. The exact wording of her remarks has not been published verbatim, but multiple sources confirm she spoke out against Trump’s policies on transgender and queer rights. The criticism came just before the women’s singles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“Glenn criticized Donald Trump’s approach toward LGBTQ people,” according to Yahoo Sports sports news.

The trade-off: by speaking out, Glenn risked—and received—backlash, but also galvanized support from the LGBTQ community and allies.

Is Amber Glenn currently in a relationship?

Glenn has not publicly confirmed a current partner. While her Instagram bio includes the phrase “Believe & Breathe,” it does not indicate a relationship status. No credible reports link her to a specific person. Speculation on social media about her relationship status remains unverified.

The catch: without official confirmation, any claims about her partner are speculation.

For US Figure Skating, the choice is clear: embrace athletes who speak out on social issues, or risk alienating the next generation of diverse talent. Glenn’s 2026 Olympic gold and her unapologetic identity have already shifted the ice. The sport will have to decide whether to follow her lead.

Related reading: Neil Patrick Harris: Roles, Family, LGBTQ Life, Kids, Net Worth · Joe Manganiello: Health Battle, Divorce, and Ally Work

Her advocacy and athletic achievements are further detailed in a companion article on Amber Glenns career and advocacy.

Frequently asked questions