Brazilian Olympic skateboarding star Rayssa Leal has shared that she is bisexual, making her one of the latest well known skateboarders to openly be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
RELATED: Bam Margera Shows Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community at a Pride Parade, Waving the Rainbow Flag
The 18-year-old pro skateboarder revealed the news through a TikTok post that many fans in Brazil quickly recognized.
Leal used the song "Take Me," which has become associated with a popular coming out trend on Brazilian TikTok. While the post itself did not include a direct statement, many followers understood the meaning behind it.
After questions from fans, Leal confirmed in the comments that she is bisexual, according to reports from CNN Brasil. The interaction quickly spread across social media as fans congratulated her and shared messages of support.
Leal has been one of skateboarding's biggest names for years despite her young age.
She first gained worldwide attention as a child after a video of her skating in a fairy costume went viral.
Since then, she has continued to build an impressive career, becoming one of Brazil's most recognizable athletes.
She made history at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 by winning the silver medal in women's street skateboarding at just 13 years old, making her one of the youngest Olympic medalists ever.
She followed that performance with another Olympic podium finish at the Paris Games, earning the bronze medal while continuing to compete against the best skateboarders in the world.
RELATED: The GOAT Chris Cole Honors Pride Month with Respect and Solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Beyond the Olympics, Leal has also claimed two Street Skateboarding World Championship titles and remains one of the favorites heading into the qualification period for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Her announcement has also been welcomed by many within skateboarding, where LGBTQIA+ representation has continued to grow over the past several years.
More skaters have felt comfortable sharing their identities publicly, helping younger riders see that there is room for everyone in the community.
RELATED: Pro Skater Nora Vasconcellos Came Out as Gay and Says, “Better Late Than Straight”
Support from allies throughout skateboarding has also become more visible.
Skate brands, photographers, media outlets, event organizers, and fellow professionals have increasingly shown support for LGBTQIA+ skaters through collaborations, Pride collections, community events, and public messages celebrating inclusion.
READ MORE: Nike SB Supports The LGBTQIA+ Community w/ “Be True” Dunk Low For Pride Month
While skateboarding has traditionally been seen as an individual activity, it has also become a place where many people find friendship and acceptance regardless of their background or identity.
As more skaters choose to openly share who they are, the community continues to grow into one that welcomes different experiences and perspectives.
The announcement does not change what fans already admire about her. She remains one of the most talented street skateboarders of her generation, with plenty of major contests still ahead.
READ MORE: Vans Celebrates Pride Month with Queer Surf-Inspired Skate Collection
Her decision to be open about her identity simply allows fans to know another part of who she is beyond the contest results and podium finishes.
Leal's story adds to the growing number of LGBTQIA+ voices in skateboarding.
Along with the support of allies across the skate community, her announcement reflects how the culture continues to become more welcoming for the next generation of skateboarders.
Brazilian digital influencer and content creator Vɪᴛᴏʀ Sᴀɴᴛ'Aɴᴀ 18ᴋ Posted:
"Rayssa Leal publicly comes out as bisexual at 18 years old 🏳️🌈"