OUT LGBT ATHLETES
J. P. CALDERON
John Paul “J. P.” Calderon, 38, is an American professional volleyball player, model and reality television participant. In 2006 he was a contestant on Survivor: Cook Islands, the 13th season of the CBS reality show. Calderon came out in Instinct magazine in February 2007.
JUST IN TIME FOR SOCHI, A FEW PROUD GAY SPORT PROFESSIONALS THAT MAY HAVE FALLEN UNDER YOUR GAYDAR.
IN DIRECT RESPONSE to Russia’s recently passed anti-gay laws, President Obama has included three openly gay athletes in the official U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Former tennis star Billie Jean King, Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano and Olympic ice hockey medalist Caitlin Cahow are among a group of prominent Americans representing the United States at the Games’ ceremonies, taking place this month. While you’re most likely familiar with King and Boitano, here’s a list of a few other proud LGBT sport professionals that may have fallen under your gaydar.
JOHN PAUL CALDERON
LIZ CARMOUCHE Liz Carmouche, 30, is an American mixed martial arts fighter. Carmouche currently competes for UFC in the women’s bantamweight division. Carmouche is the first openly lesbian fighter in the UFC.
LIZ CARMOUCHE
DOVER (L), ROSS
GRAHAM ACKERMAN
GRAHAM ACKERMAN Openly gay Graham Ackerman, 31, is an American gymnast. In April 2005 he won the national championship in the floor exercise event at the 2005 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics championship at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, making him a three-time national champ. In 2004 he won the national titles in two events-floor and vault. 4 2 T H E F IGH T | F E B R UA RY 2014
ROBERT JEFFREY DOVER Robert Jeffrey Dover, 57, is an American equestrian who has had international success in the sport of dressage. Riding from the age of 13, he competed in his first Olympics in 1984. He competed in every summer Games between 1984 and 2004, winning four team bronze medals. He is openly gay, and his partner is fellow rider Robert Ross.