Olympic Mettle

Gus Kenworthy strikes back at haters over Pride photo

Out Olympian Gus Kenworthy has slammed homophobes for mocking an image of skiers with a pride flag.

The shot was released to promote Breckenridge Pride Week in Breckenridge, CO this April.

Kenworthy took his ire to Twitter after the image, which was shared by Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Instagram, attracted typical homophobic comments about having a week for “straight pride” or how the resort has “forced its beliefs” on visitors. The Olympic silver medalist tweeted out his frustration, which included a direct response to several bigots.

Related: Gus Kenworthy shuts down Twitter hater in epic takedown

“Always saddened by the homophobia on Pride posts,” he tweeted. “If seeing a rainbow flag while you’re on vacation upsets you then please do the world a favor and stay the f*ck at home. “Thank you to the many ski resorts that designate a week to making more people feel welcomed, included & safe!”

The Breckenridge resort, for its part, has also responded to the homophobia, albeit in a more subtle manner — replying to comments with rainbows and Pride Flags. The event will take place this April 3-7.

Kenworthy came out in 2015 in the hopes that his visibility would encourage other athletes to do the same and lead authentic lives. His coming out also earned him the distinction as one of the first action sports stars to do so. He’s since become a vocal champion of LGBTQ rights and harsh critic of the homophobic policies of the Trump administration.

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