Arts & Entertainment

World champion olympic pole vaulter Shawn Barber comes out

the athlete made the announcement on Facebook

Published

9 years ago

April 25, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube.)

World champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber came out as gay in a Facebook post on Monday.

“Gay and proud! Thank you to my parents for being such a great support. I continue to grow as a person and have a great support group. My parents are my greatest support and have helped me through a lot recently. To my friends, you are always my friends and I love you too!” Barber writes.

The 22-year-old already has checked off numerous accomplishments. Barber placed 10th at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and won the 2015 IAAF World Championship in Beijing.

He holds the Canadian national record for indoor and outdoor pole vaulting which he set in 2015. He also holds the NCAA Collegiate Indoor Record for 5.91 meters.

Photos

PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2026

Landon Shackelford

A scene from the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)