Amber Glenn Takes Break from Social Media After Backlash
American figure skater Amber Glenn announced she is stepping back from social media due to receiving “horrible hate and threats” after expressing her views on representing the LGBTQIA+ community at the Olympics.
In an Instagram Story post, she shared her disappointment over the negative reactions that followed her comments made last week.
Glenn wrote, “During a difficult time for many Americans, I chose to use one of the great things about the United States (freedom of speech) to voice my feelings as an athlete competing on Team USA, and now I am receiving an appalling amount of hate and threats just for speaking out when asked how I feel. I expected it, but it’s disappointing.”
She also shared a photo from a press conference and stated that she would reduce her social media usage for her mental health. “I will limit my time on social media for the sake of my health for now. But I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in. Xoxo, Amber,” she added.
At 26, Glenn identifies as pansexual and came out in 2019. She made history as the first openly queer woman to represent the U.S. in Olympic figure skating, even winning gold in the team event recently.
In response to a question last Wednesday, Glenn had referenced “difficult times” for the LGBTQIA+ community. She remarked, “It’s been a difficult time for the entire community under the current administration. This is not the first time we have had to come together as a community and fight for human rights. Right now, especially as it’s impacting not only the queer community, but so many other communities, I think we’ve been able to support each other in ways we didn’t have to before, and we’re a lot stronger because of it.”
Glenn emphasized that she doesn’t allow her beliefs to keep her from speaking out. “This is something that affects our daily lives, so we can’t just stay silent. So, of course, we may disagree sometimes, but as a community, we are strong, we support each other, and brighter days are ahead of us.”
