The Powerful Impact of Diversity in Figure Skating

Figure skating is known for its grace, athleticism, and artistic flair. However, beneath the glittering surface, the sport has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Embracing diversity means supporting skaters of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and LGBTQ+ athletes, making the ice a truly inclusive space.

Breaking Down Barriers

The sport has made significant strides in promoting diversity, but the journey has been long and arduous. Think of pioneers like Mabel Fairbanks and Debi Thomas, who shattered racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of skaters of color. Fairbanks, the first African-American inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and Thomas, the first African-American to win a U.S. national title and a world championship, set inspiring examples with their courage and tenacity.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion, athletes like Rudy Galindo, Johnny Weir, Adam Rippon, and Amber Glenn have left indelible marks on the sport. Galindo’s 1996 national championship win resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, showing that being true to oneself can lead to greatness. Weir and Rippon, with their outspoken advocacy, have become beacons of hope, promoting LGBTQ+ rights in the sport. Glenn, who came out as bisexual/pansexual in 2019, continues to foster inclusivity, showing that the ice is a place for everyone.

Celebrating Differences

Diversity in figure skating brings fresh perspectives and experiences that lead to truly innovative programs and creates a more supportive community where everyone feels valued. Elin Schran, founder of Joy Skate Productions, highlights this beautifully with events like Be Here! Be YOU! a joyful, family-friendly gathering that offers a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals while raising funds for supporting organizations. Elin first got her inspiration for Be Here! Be YOU! from a skating show in Portland called Out on Ice. Surprised there wasn’t an event like this in the Boston area, Elin brought the idea to Doug Zeghibe, the Executive Director at the Skating Club of Boston, who has been extremely supportive of the event.

“Be Here! Be YOU! is an amazing collaboration between The Skating Club of Boston and Joy Skate Productions in that it provides an opportunity for our members to be themselves in whatever that looks like to them” says Mia Bailey, Club Director.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Skating federations worldwide are stepping up to make progress in promoting racial diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. They are implementing strengthened anti-bullying and harassment policies and establishing gender-inclusive competition rules.

Some Federations Leading the Way:

• Skate Canada: Allows athletes to compete according to their gender identity and provides comprehensive LGBTQ+ education and training.
• International Skating Union (ISU): Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, promoting gender-inclusive language.
• United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA): Updated non-discrimination policies, implemented the SafeSport program, promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion, and uses gender-neutral language in competitions.

Additionally, the emergence of USFSA programs like Learn to Skate, Theater on Ice (TOI), and the Excel Series have brought a level of diversity the sport has never seen. The adult skating program and adult skating championships very much infuse a multifaceted group into the sport and also highlight age diversity. It wasn’t too long ago that it was revolutionary to think that skating could last a lifetime.

Moving Forward

Elin hopes events like Be Here! Be YOU! are something that goes beyond her and can be taken to rinks around the country. “Skaters want diversity; they want to share their sport with everybody and don’t want people to feel left out of it.”

After celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth, events like Be Here! Be YOU! remind us of how far we’ve come and the journey still ahead. Creating a truly inclusive environment in figure skating takes dedication from all of us. By supporting diverse athletes and nurturing inclusive spaces, we make the sport not just more welcoming, but also more joyful for everyone. Embracing diversity enriches our skating community, making it more vibrant and resilient for future generations.

Together, we can make the ice a place where everyone feels at home.