Welcome Skateboards' professional skateboarder Nora Vasconcellos has officially come out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and she is living her truth loud and proud.
Vasconcellos has been dating Betty Connolly, and fans across the LGBTQIA+ world have been celebrating that they finally found someone special.
This is about being honest for Vasconcellos and letting people see who she really is.
Not everyone has been cool with it though.
Some skaters have started questioning her, saying it might just be a trend to join the queer community.
Others are split but are willing to accept that she is just doing her own thing.
Unfortunately, some reactions have been flat-out negative, with people hating on her for embracing the rainbow movement while still skating at the top of her game.
That is when skateboarding legend Ron Allen stepped up.
He noted that the criticism is unnecessary and uncalled for. Ron said, "Let this person be what she wants to be. Shame on you all talking about her skating. You need to stop. That sounds envious, just saying."
His words hit hard because they remind the community that it is not about trends or labels. It is about letting people be themselves without putting them down.
Other skaters have also started showing support.
YouTube skater Alex White said it is cool to see someone being honest about who they are in 2026, and that people should respect that.
This is a moment to embrace Vasconcellos's identity while still doing what she loves on the board.
The skateboarding community can be tough, and reactions like these show just how divided it can get.
But with legends like Allen speaking up, you already know that support is there for those willing to stand by their friends and celebrate them for who they are.
Vasconcellos’ story is inspiring to anyone who has felt pressure to hide who they are, and it shows that love, honesty, and confidence matter just as much off the board as on it.