Ready for a summer glow-up story that blends athleticism, activism, and a side of VIP glam? Meet Sam Phillips, the openly queer gymnast who just wrapped his season with a seriously dazzling moment.
Sam kicked off his U.S. Open experience as part of a Pride in Sports panel alongside legends like Carl Nassib and Candace Parker, where he praised inclusion, saying, “sports are for everyone and should be everyone.”
And because he’s living his best life, he didn’t just stop there—after the panel, our star in a breezy light-blue polo got the royal treatment, stepping onto the iconic U.S. Open court to perform the opening coin toss, eyes shining, waving to the crowd, and crowing, “Had the best day today! So much joy and excitement!”
Now, talking real through the air, let’s zoom out and look at the full tapestry of Sam’s glow-up journey. He began as one of the most visible out gymnasts in the NCAA, first making his mark at Nebraska—shining through adversity and earning All-America status while also serving as SAAC President and founding advocacy groups on campus.
Since transferring to Illinois, Sam continued to soar—in more ways than one. He’s racked up accolades like Big Ten championships, All-American honors, Academic Scholar awards, and even a Nissen-Emery Award nomination—all while pursuing a master’s in management.
Meanwhile, speaking of out athletes who make stadiums swoon, Trey Cunningham recently reminded everyone that winning and queer joy look fabulous together, and his kiss-blowing victory is pure mood, darling, so take a victory lap with this gem here: B-Gay’s Trey Cunningham story.
Back to our gymnast du jour, Phillips knows visibility is a relay, and he’s happily grabbing the baton from tennis icons and pro pioneers who pushed open these gates long before the coin landed.
There’s still room to grow, especially when it comes to out men competing on tennis’s biggest stage, but moments like this one tell young athletes that the arena belongs to them too.
And while he’ll be back on the apparatus soon enough, do not be shocked when this charming showman keeps popping up at the glamorous crossroads where sports and pop culture flirt.
If you’re in the mood for another candid locker-room-to-spotlight journey, rugby trailblazer Keegan Hirst lays it all bare about shame, sex, and self-love in a read that pairs beautifully with a post-match spritz: B-Gay’s Keegan Hirst profile. 😉