QUESTION

Any advice on having crush on my same sex teammate? Knowing if she’s queer, how it will affect team dynamic, etc?

Answer

Great question! Building a solid friendship can give you a better sense of who she is and whether she may share your interest. If you sense that she might, and decide to share your feelings, I’d do so privately and respectfully. It’s important to communicate that you value her friendship and  the team dynamic regardless of her response. I’d stay prepared for any outcome, as she might not feel comfortable discussing her orientation yet. No matter the outcome, remember to respect yourself, your crush, and your teammates.

Emma Gee & Nikki Hiltz
She/Her & They/Them

Emma Gee is a queer professional track athlete specializing in the 3000 meter steeplechase & currently training for the 2024 Track & Field Olympic Trials. She was the first LGBTQ+ athlete to come out publicly at BYU and actively works to challenge anti-queer policies at religious institutions through her Queer Athlete Podcast and as co-race director of the Pride 5K.

Nikki Hiltz is a trans nonbinary professional track athlete, and is the first openly non-binary runner to win a USA Track and Field championship title. The middle-distance specialist is a 4 time USATF National Champion, a seven-time NCAA All-American, World Championship finalist, Pan American Games gold medalist, World Indoor Silver Medalist and American Record Holder.