An openly gay couple has appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue for the first time, joining other LGBTIQ+ athletes including American figure skater Adam Rippon.
Seattle-based sporting power couple Sue Bird, of basketball team The Storm, and Megan Rapinoe, of soccer team The Reign, have appeared on the highly anticipated 10th anniversary cover of the magazine's annual special.
“I think neither of us really wants to just do things and be like, ‘We’re the gay couple,'” Rapinoe told ESPN.
She continued: “But to have this really unique vehicle to actually do that, to celebrate who we are in our sport, but also the fact that we’ll be the first gay couple, is pretty special. It’s pretty amazing to think about, especially in the times we’re in."
"Just think of how far we’ve come, but also the current climate and defiance in the face of that. Not only are we female athletes, but we’re dating as well. It’s kind of badass."
The couple said that it was important for there to be ongoing visibility for members of the LGBTIQ+ community, particularly in sport.
“What better time than when we need to be celebrating things that are different about us and accepting them and trying to understand them better?" Rapinoe, 32, remarked.
She added: "It’s pretty incredible to be in this moment."
The Body Issue has long been celebrated for challenging traditional notions of beauty, inviting readers to "celebrate athletic prowess in all its forms".
The magazine's first issue, released in 2009, featured tennis champion Serena Williams on the cover.
