Adam Rippon Has More Important Things to Talk About than Mike Pence

This openly gay Olympic figure skater is trying not to let Mike Pence rain on his parade. Adam Rippon is one of two openly gay U.S athletes at the Olympics. In January, he said he would prefer not to meet with VP Pence, who is leading the U.S. Delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics, stating in USA Today, “If it were before my event, I would absolutely not go out of my way to meet somebody who I felt has gone out of their way to not only show that they aren’t a friend of a gay person but that they think that they’re sick.”

Rippon blasted Pence’s alleged support of gay conversion therapy. The vice president has denied supporting the controversial practice, although it was a policy point from his agenda on a 2000 campaign website, which stated, “Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.”

Rippon has stated in press appearances that he doesn’t want his comments about Pence to overshadow his performance at the games but, simultaneously, he would be doing an injustice to himself and kids don’t feel like they can be themselves, if he didn’t speak his mind. His ability to stand up against political oppression while in the Olympic spotlight definitely shows off his courage and convections.

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