Figure Skater Brian Boitano Comes Out: 5 Facts You Need To Know!
Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano announced he's gay! Here's what else you should know about him.
Figure skater Brian Boitano was announced as part of the Presidential delegation to Sochi, Russia for the Olympics—and then he made an even bigger announcement of his own.
Boitano released a statement announcing that he is a proud gay man in response to Russia's anti-gay propaganda laws, which will be in effect during his tenure at the Games.
"I am many things: a son, a brother and uncle, an athlete, a cook, an author and being gay is just one part of who I am," Boitano's statement read. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations."
Preach! As Boitano said, there's more to him than being gay. Here are all the things you need to know about Brian Boitano and his love life!
He's addressed gay rumors about male figure skaters in general before.
When asked why so many people assume that male figure skaters are gay, Boitano had a simple answer: "Sequins and glitter." While he didn't do much to hurt the stereotype, he did explain the ignorant assumptions pretty succinctly.
Whoever his partner is—if he has one right now—he's probably smitten.
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and Brian Boitano is an accomplished cook. He even had his own Food Network show called What Would Brian Boitano Make?, so whoever snatches him up is one lucky guy.
He's got an amazing sense of humor.
He named his show after a recurring South Park segment called "What Would Brian Boitano Do?", so he's clearly been in on the joke for a while.
He's won plenty of awards and accolades aside from his gold medal, so he's a trophy to whoever is on his arm.
He's most famous for his 1988 Olympic victory, but Boitano also nabbed two world championship titles, an Emmy for his turn as Don Jose in Carmen On Ice and has cameos in movies including Ice Princess and Blades Of Glory.
Boitano keeps his love life under wraps, but made it clear he wasn't a fan of Russia's homophobic laws.
While still closeted, Boitano vented to Jay Leno in August, "It is my desire to be defined by my achievements and my contributions. While I am proud to play a public role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family and friends and will continue to do so." Who wouldn't want to date this guy?!
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