At just 26-year old, Olympic swimmer Amini Fonua is in Rio competing for the second time. But, this time, he’s utilizing the games to support queer visibility. While practicing the 100-yard breaststroke for Tonga, Fonua wore a swimsuit that the Los Angeles LGBT Center gave him three years ago.
“I have worn that suit to every single practice leading up to Rio,” he said to Vanguard Now, “because there’s not a lot of diversity in swimming. It’s a gentle reminder to everybody and myself that I’m different, and to take pride in that difference.”
Four years ago, Fonua was one of the few openly gay Olympians at the London Games. This year, he’s also only one of 11 openly gay male athletes competing in Rio.
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On the back of his swimsuit, the words “L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center” are bright and bold. “Having the words ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ over my butt is my way of announcing my queerness for the swimming world to see.” The Center gave Fonua his fancy suit after raising tens of thousands of dollars for a fundraiser.
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Fonua said, “I want the next generation of athletes who advance through swimming’s world rankings to feel safe and comfortable being themselves. He added, “[Being out] means absolutely everything to me. I want the next generation of athletes who advance through swimming’s world rankings to feel safe and comfortable being themselves. I also believe there’s real strength to be derived from the power of openly LGBT athletes, so to all the others in Rio, I say this: just by being here and being queer and present, you’re making a difference.”
David Artavia is an actor/writer from New York City, and founder of The Real Gay Guy. He loves living vicariously through his friends. Follow him on Twitter and Like his Facebook page.
