Arts & Entertainment
Canadian Olympic swimmer comes out in online essay
An Olympic athlete has come out as gay in an emotional online essay.
Canadian swimmer Markus Thormeyer, who competed in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay team in the 2016 Olympics, posted his coming out story on the website OutSports Wednesday, beginning his narrative by revealing that “the secret I was keeping” was “holding me back” when he began training with his team in Vancouver in 2015.
“Creating these intimate bonds with my teammates was amazing, but it also made me feel guilty at the same time.” the 22-year-old athlete writes. “They were exposing their most raw essence in the pool every day, but I would come to the pool emotionally guarded and not do the same. Following every interaction with my teammates, I would feel a bit sad because they weren’t getting to know the real me, just some surface-level shell I fabricated.”
He goes on to explain, “I wanted to keep it a secret that I was gay for multiple reasons. I was scared they wouldn’t accept me. I did not want to create drama in the training group, I didn’t know how they would react. I was scared of negative responses.”
He also says that he feared his sexuality would “compromise” the team’s chances of making the Olympics. “I didn’t want to take that chance, so I kept my walls up and generally avoided talks about sexuality and dating,” he says.
At first, the swimmer says, he “thought it would be easy” to hide his secret, but “the following months in the closet” were much more difficult than he imagined, and got “progressively harder every day.”
“Some days I dreaded going to the pool in fear that my sexuality would be exposed,” Thormeyer writes. “I’d show up late and leave early to social gatherings and workouts. Some days it would even spiral and I would question why I was swimming and be scared of my own goals.
“Having to deal with that was awful. Every day felt like a threat and not an opportunity.”
In the end, the pressure of keeping his secret led to an emotional breakdown.
“I felt helpless on my bedroom floor, but I also knew that I couldn’t keep living like this,” he reveals. “At this point I knew that I would either burn out and or take control of my destiny. I decided to take control (…) and come out to my teammates. I always wanted them to know I was gay, but now I was ready for them to know.”
Because he is “not a dramatic person,” he says, the swimmer decided to slip the revelation casually into a conversation that came up with his teammates about relationships.
“I casually said that I had never been on a date with a guy before and I was kind of scared of it. That I’d probably be a nervous wreck and ruin it.
“Then, without a sliver of judgment or skipping a beat, my friends told me that I’d probably be fine on a date as long as I just had a good time and just was comfortable being myself.”
The instant acceptance and support changed everything for the Olympic then-hopeful.
“Knowing that I had such amazing teammates supporting me so strongly regardless of my sexual orientation was one of the best feelings in the world,” he says. “There was no drama and it was exactly what I wanted.”
“Feeling safe in my training environment and having no distractions allowed me to push myself to new limits in the pool,” he goes on to add. “My training got better, I got stronger and my technique got sharper. Not only that, but I also broke down some walls between me and my teammates and our relationships flourished. Training with them fostered relationships that will last a lifetime.”
After coming out to his fellow competitors, the swimmer and 6 of his teammates went on to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Thormeyer himself has enjoyed continued success, winning the gold in the 200-meter backstroke and bronze in the 100-meter backstroke in the FINA Champions Swim Series in China. He plans to join the Olympic trials this Spring in order to qualify for this year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo Olympics.
He concludes his inspiring story by announcing his decision to join Team Canada’s OneTeam, an organization which promotes LGBTQ inclusion and respect in schools and sport throughout the country.
“I want to share my story and be able to spread the message that it’s OK to be gay. Life is much better when you fully embrace you for who you are.”
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and activist Jeanne White-Ginder spoke at a commemoration of World AIDS Day at the White House on Sunday, Dec. 1. Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were displayed on the South Lawn for the first time in U.S. history.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, there’s a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Here’s a sliver of what’s out there.
Arena Stage invites audiences “to step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of ‘Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.” DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.org
Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Center’s “Elf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra” (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is “Finn” (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TV’s “Doc McStuffins” and “Vampirina,” “Finn” is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.org
For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, there’s the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available. Nationalcathedral.org
At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity” (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org
For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents “A Swingin’ Little Christmas!” (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Tim Davis (“Glee’s” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, “Christmas Ballads.” Strathmore.org
Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of “A Hannukah Carol” (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways — or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org.
Historic Ford’s Theatre again presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickens’ classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you haven’t seen it, do. Fords.org
At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org
The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with “A Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Season” (Dec. 6-15). Folger.edu
In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents “Madeline’s Christmas” (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. It’s Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isn’t easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all that’s miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org
The Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovsky’s instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza “The Holiday Show” (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This year’s uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Love is Christmas,” and “Silent Night.” Gmcw.org
Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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