Pride Month is about more than rainbow flags and celebration parades. At its core, Pride is a declaration: I am proud of who I am.

We know that kind of self-love doesn't always come easy. For preteen and teenage girls especially, confidence is often shaken by self-doubt, social pressure, and comparison. But Pride reminds us: real confidence is about accepting and loving your most authentic self.

Whether your daughter is LGBTQ+, questioning, or simply learning how to love who she is, Pride Month offers a chance to reflect on what it means to live with zero self-limitations.

Did you know? At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a record 193 LGBTQ+ athletes competed; taking up space on one of the biggest stages in the world, and declaring, “I am here, I am worthy, and I am confident in my ability to succeed.”

Below, we take a look at five inspiring LGBTQ+ athletes that represent both incredible strength and vulnerability.

Hilary Knight

“My mantra is, ‘Dare to be …’ I leave it open-ended, because depending on the mood, the weather, the day, you might need a different power word.”

Hilary Knight (she/her) is a four-time Olympian, Olympic gold and silver medalist, ten-time world champion, and current captain of Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWSL) Boston Fleet. With over 100 career points at World Championships and 262 collegiate points, she ranks among the greatest players in women’s hockey history. Off the ice, she’s a fierce advocate for gender equity and equal pay, and played a foundational role in creating the PWHL.

Hilary is a powerful example of resilience, equity-driven leadership, and courage—she inspires young teens to be bold, take risks, and believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference.

Chelsea Gray

“It’s super simple… be you. I am a minority in every sense of the word; I’m a Black woman that’s married to another Black woman… people are going to judge you regardless, just be you.”

Chelsea Gray (she/her) is a three-time WNBA champion, six-time All-Star, and a powerful advocate for equality.

As a proud Black lesbian athlete, wife, and mom, she embodies authenticity, courage, and resilient leadership. By boldly speaking out for social change and showing young people that their identity and presence matter, Chelsea inspires teens to be themselves and embrace their unique skills, talents, and quirks.

Nikki Hiltz

“It’s okay to be different. We’re all different. And that’s what makes us special and unique.”

Nikki Hiltz (they/them) is an American middle-distance runner, specializing in the 1500-meters and the mile, and holds the second fastest time ever recorded by an American in the women’s 1500-meter race. They represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing seventh in the women’s 1500-meter final.

Nikki is also a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within sports and beyond. By standing proudly in their identity as trans and non-binary, plus using their platform to advocate for inclusion and acceptance, Nikki inspires teens to know that they are enough just as they are.

Tziarra King

“Look for that inspiration in any form… find those qualities that you love and kind of channel that into who you want to be… even though you don’t see it, you can absolutely be it.”

Tziarra King (she/her) is an American professional soccer player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) known not only for her powerful presence on the field, but also for her unwavering commitment to authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness. A former Seattle Reign athlete, Tziarra made history as one of the few Black and openly queer athletes in professional women’s soccer—and she’s used that platform to advocate fiercely for representation, equality, and self-expression in sports and beyond.

Tziarra (and her wife, the incredible fellow pro player Jess Fishlock) is a powerful role model for teens, especially those navigating their identities, as she reminds them that confidence is built through self-acceptance and courage to show up as who you are.

Kacey Bellamy

“If we can help little girls feel confident and believe in the things that we are doing, it’s a game changer.”

Kacey Bellamy (she/her) is a retired American ice hockey defenseman and three-time Olympic medalist, known for her powerful presence on the blue line and leadership on and off the ice. She’s also a ZGiRLS Confidence Program mentor! She represented the United States in three Winter Olympics, winning silver in 2010 and 2014, and gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.

Kacey is a passionate advocate for girls and women in sports. By using her platform to uplift the next generation and lead by example, she inspires confidence, courage, and belief in what’s possible.

Educational LGBTQ+ resources for both parents and teens:

- The Trevor Project: Offers crisis services, peer support programming, and advocacy resources for allies.

- It Gets Better: Offers a glossary of gender-inclusive language to help LGBTQ+ individuals express who they are, and help allies understand how their LGBTQ+ loved ones wish to identify.

- PFlag: Offers extensive LGBTQ+ educational resources for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to best support their LGBTQ+ children and family members.

You’re doing great. ZGiRLS is here for your family.

ZGiRLS equips girls aged 11-14 with the mental health tools and resources to build lifelong confidence, resilience, and unwavering self-worth. Learn more about how we help tweens and teens realize their fullest potential.

LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Inspire Confidence In Teens