Supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community

“I'm gay and proud of it,” says Special Olympics Quebec athlete Patrick Lanthier, “and I've been out for years.”

Patrick clarified that he officially came out of the closet at 16 years old, but had already figured out his sexuality at least a couple years earlier.

“Yes,” he added, “the Special Olympics are open to all sexual orientations in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

The sentiment was shared by Julien Carignan, another athlete from Quebec who said the Special Olympics movement is for “everyone, everywhere.” This is the reason why Carole de Vette—Julien’s mother—said she registered with Special Olympics in the first place.

“I am in a relationship with a man,” Julien said, adding, “I have a circle of queer friends and I try to be as loving and inclusive as possible.”

While practices and local tournaments are open to everyone in Special Olympics, Julien still had to earn a spot in the 2018 Summer National Games. At these same Games, Julien’s soccer team won their final match 2-1, bringing home a gold medal. He has also represented his community, by appearing in an artistic photoshoot of around 30 models with intellectual/developmental disabilities, published by Écomusée Du Fier Monde in Montreal.

Patrick said he fortunately works at a job where he is accepted for who he is, although going to school was difficult at times, because no one was publicly out as queer.  When he did open up about his sexuality, Patrick found a network of support.

“That's the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said, “to have people who appreciate me for who I am.”