Liz Carmouche, 28, is the first openly gay competitor signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), according to the Huffington Post. The UFC has had a history tainted with anti-gay sentiment, and some see her joining as a sign of progress. Carmouche recently revealed to Sports Illustrated that while serving in Iraq during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era as a closeted lesbian, she was surrounded by anti-gay sentiment.
In California, Gabrielle Ludwig stands out from her Mission College women's basketball teammates in three ways: (a) she is 50; (b) she is 6' 6" and 230 pounds; and (c) she is transgender, according to USA Today. Ludwig, who is a systems engineer, underwent gender-reassignment surgery in July. Ludwig's partner of two years is Theresa Foakes; Foakes' daughters, 11 and 7, live with Ludwig and call her "Momma Gabbi."
Out Canadian figure skater Jeff Buttle, who won an Olympic bronze medal in 2006, is back on skatesas a member of the Toronto Gay Hockey Association, according to Outsports. Buttle has said that he is comfortable playing hockey, and that playing it has helped his figure skating. Buttle retired from competitive figure skating in 2008, and now performs in exhibitions.
NFL player Arian Foster, who is a running back for the Houston Texans, said it won't be long before there is an openly gay player in the leagueand that he's fine with it, according to Outsports.com . While guesting on the show Jim Rome on Showtime, Foster was asked, "How long before an active NFL player comes out?" Foster responded, "I'm not sure, but in today's world it's getting [less] taboo. It used to be very taboo for homosexuality, but I think nowadays it's getting to be more and more open."