At least 172 publicly out gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and nonbinary athletes are participating in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo three times the number of openly out athletes who participated in the games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.

The increased number reflects growing acceptance of LGBTQ people in sports and society. The rise of social media, especially Instagram, has given athletes a forum where they can live their lives openly and identify directly with their followers.

27 countries competing in 30 sports will be represented by members of the LGBTQ+ community, including the first trans athlete. 30 LGBTQ athletes will represent Team USA at the games in Tokyo. Team USA

3x3 Basketball Stefanie Dolson (Gold Medal)

Basketball Sue Bird Chelsea Gray Brittney Griner Breanna Stewart Diana Taurasi BMX Freestyle Perris Benegas Hannah Roberts Chelsea Wolfe (Reserve)

Boxing Rashida Ellis Canoe Slalom Evy Leibfarth Equestrian Nick Wagman (Reserve)

Judo Nina Cutro-Kelly Rowing Kendall Chase Gia Doonan Meghan O’Leary Jessica Thoennes Ellen Tomek Julian Venonsky Rugby Alev Kelter Kristen Thomas Skateboarding Alexis Sablone Alana Smith

Soccer Tierna Davidson Adrianna Franch Kelly O’Hara Megan Rapinoe Softball Ally Carda (Silver Medal) Amanda Chidester (Silver Medal) Taylor Edwards (Reserve) Haylie McCleney Swimming Erica Sullivan (Silver Medal, 1500 Meter Freestyle) Track and field Erica Bougard (Heptathlon) Raven Saunders (Shot put) Wrestling Kayla Miracle