Heath Thorpe Champions Queer Visibility in Men’s Gymnastics, Inspiring Change on the Global Stage

Heath Thorpe, the openly gay Australian gymnast, is not only making waves with his high-flying routines but also with his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion in men’s gymnastics. As one of the few openly gay male gymnasts competing at the elite level, Thorpe is using his athletic achievements and public presence to help dismantle the barriers facing queer athletes and to make gymnastics a more affirming space for all identities .

Thorpe’s journey is one of both personal courage and community impact. He first came out to fellow gymnast and friend Ruben Chitters at the age of 13, creating a bond that helped each of them navigate the challenges of being queer in a traditionally heteronormative environment . Over the years, Thorpe has become vocal about the importance of both visible representation and allyship in sports, stating, “Visible allyship is as important as visible representation with the community, because it’s great to have people able to come out, but if there’s not that open space and that obvious indication that they’re going to be welcomed and embraced, then what’s the encouragement for them to do so?” .

His advocacy is not just limited to words. Thorpe regularly shares his experiences as a gay athlete on social media, using platforms like Instagram to celebrate his identity and encourage others to do the same . His posts, ranging from candid reflections to playful “thirst traps,” have earned him a substantial following and have helped to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in gymnastics and beyond.

Men’s gymnastics has long been subject to rigid stereotypes about masculinity, often making it difficult for LGBTQ+ athletes to feel fully accepted. Thorpe has challenged these norms by infusing his routines with artistry and authenticity, refusing to conform to expectations that suppress self-expression. He has openly discussed how the hyper-masculine standards in sports can create additional stress for queer athletes, emphasizing the need for an environment that values individuality over conformity .

In recent interviews, Thorpe has articulated how his visibility serves not just himself, but the broader community: “Just seeing someone like you in a space, especially in a space that has traditionally not been the most welcoming, is so important. It lets others know they’re not alone, and that they have a place here too” .

Thorpe’s influence extends beyond advocacy—he is also a formidable competitor. Despite being unexpectedly left off the Australian team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Thorpe has continued to excel, recently finishing fifth on the horizontal bar at the Gymnastics World Cup in Osijek, Croatia, with an improved score of 13.733 . He has also secured multiple medals at the Oceania Gymnastics Championships and a gold medal in Luxembourg earlier this year, demonstrating that authenticity and high performance are not mutually exclusive .

His continuing presence on the international stage keeps the conversation about LGBTQ+ inclusion active and visible, particularly as he prepares to represent Australia at the 2025 Summer World University Games .

Thorpe’s impact is being felt by younger athletes and fans, many of whom have reached out to thank him for his openness and advocacy . By sharing his story and challenging outdated norms, Thorpe is helping to create a sports culture where LGBTQ+ athletes are celebrated for both their talent and their identities. His efforts underscore the importance of community, visibility, and allyship in fostering lasting change.

As Thorpe continues his athletic journey, his role as a visible LGBTQ+ leader in men’s gymnastics remains a beacon of progress. His advocacy and successes are inspiring athletes around the world to embrace authenticity, challenge stereotypes, and demand spaces where everyone is free to be themselves.