Adam Rippon Receives Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award

He is the champion for so many reasons.

On March 11, Olympian Adam Rippon, reigning from the United States was presented with the Visibility Award by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Introduced by fellow Winter Olympian Gus Kenworthy, the American figure skater graced the stage after his victory in PyeongChang.

So much more than a bronze medal, Rippon was being honored for being “out and proud” and “his unapologetic conviction to fairness and equality,” as stated by Kenworthy. He is also the first American athlete to compete as an openly gay U.S. Winter Olympian, and just another athlete who has refused to meet with a member of Trump’s Administration. During his time in South Korea, the medalist made headlines when refusing to speak with Vice President Mike Pence, a politician who has publicly supported conversion therapy.

On a mission to being a role model to others, he has said it is incredibly important to serve as an active member of the LGBTQ+ community and be a role model to those who do not have anyone to look up to.

Here are some gems from his acceptance speech:

“[My mom] somehow got a picture of me and Maxine Waters- and my mom sent me the picture and said, ‘My hero.’ And I texted my mom back and said, ‘Which one?’ And then she texted me back and said, ‘Good luck with your speech tonight.’ So Maxine Waters, thank you for all that you do, including stealing my mother’s love.”

“I remember being young and finally coming to the realization that I was gay- surprise! I know I was shocked too.”

“Being gay is just a fun fact about me. Other fun facts about me…”

“I remember making the choice to be unafraid. I made the choice to not care what others thought of who I was. I was going to be truly me.”

“You will find that you will have your greatest success when you wear your scars proudly.”

“Nobody’s perfect.”

“We can change someone’s life by showing them compassion.”

Today when I walk into a room, I know I’m a star.”