Amber Glenn is preparing for the biggest moment of her career, but she’s also making it clear she won’t stay silent about the political climate impacting her community. The Plano, Texas, native is set to make her Olympic debut in the women’s singles event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and as she steps onto the world stage, she says the moment comes with both excitement and responsibility.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Games, Glenn addressed the impact of the Donald Trump administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ Americans, describing the current moment as deeply challenging, but also unifying.

“It’s been a hard time for the community overall and this administration. It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try to fight for our human rights,” Glenn said. “And now, especially, it’s not just affecting the queer community, but many other communities. And I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn’t have to before, and because of that, it’s made us a lot stronger.”

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Glenn emphasized that her decision to speak out isn’t about stepping outside her role as an athlete, but it’s about acknowledging how policy shapes everyday life. “I hope I can use my platform and my voice throughout these games to try and encourage people to stay strong, uh, in these hard times,” she continued. “I know that a lot of people say, ‘You’re just an athlete, like stick to your job, shut up about politics,’ but politics affects us all.”

She added that silence isn’t an option when the issues are personal and far-reaching. “It is something that I will not just be quiet about because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives,” Glenn continued. “So, of course, there are things that I disagree with, but as a community, we are strong and we support each other. And brighter days are ahead of us.”

Glenn’s remarks about being told to “stick to your job” land amid a broader cultural debate over whether public figures, especially athletes and entertainers, should speak out on political issues at all.

Her comments come at the same time that Kevin O’Leary publicly criticized Billie Eilish for using her Grammy acceptance speech to condemn Immigration and Customs Enforcement. O’Leary argued that celebrities should avoid political commentary altogether, saying performers should “shut your mouth and just entertain,” a stance that sparked immediate backlash from fellow artists and fans alike.

Glenn’s comments quickly drew praise online, with many fans applauding her decision to speak out and use her Olympic platform to amplify issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities and beyond. “Thank you for your young and powerful voice!!” one supporter wrote. Another added, “Amazing!! Keep using your voice!!!”

Others framed her remarks as part of a larger movement, encouraging athletes to continue leading the conversation. “More of this!! When the people lead, the leaders will follow. And we need NEW leaders!” one comment read.

Many emphasized unity and solidarity, with one fan writing, “Kudos to you for using your voice to share your values! We are stronger together,” while another simply said, “Thank you for speaking out.”

Several fans also noted a broader shift at the Games, pointing out that Glenn is not alone. “I have been so happy with a lot of our athletes speaking out there at the Olympics,” one person wrote. “I hope it continues and we see more keep standing up and speaking.”

Glenn’s comments also come amid the ongoing concern among LGBTQ+ advocates about the direction of federal policy under Trump’s administration. From the moment President Trump began his second term, his administration moved quickly on a wave of executive actions, many of which directly impacted health care programs and policies affecting LGBTQ+ Americans. Several of those measures focused on how federal agencies address the health needs of LGBTQ+ people, particularly when it comes to access and protections.

Beyond health care and civil rights, Donald Trump has also repeatedly spoken out about transgender participation in sports. Trump has publicly argued that transgender women should be barred from competing in women’s sports, framing the issue as one of “fairness” while vowing to use federal authority to enforce restrictions if returned to office.

His remarks have been met with sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, athletes, and medical organizations, who say such policies unfairly target transgender youth and adults.