Karina Manta on Instagram

[Jot the Dot Dot]

Never heard of her before this. Figure skating's first bi lady skater? http://www.instagram.com/p/BoYGt4bFwif

 

[VGThuy]

I think she may be the first openly bi lady skater while still competing. Fumie Suguri came out as bi as well, but she did it a few years ago.

 

[Sylvia]

to Karina! Her full message is posted on YouTube: I'm With You

Copying over all the related posts from the U.S. Dance thread (many thanks @chameleonster for your initial post there on Tuesday):

Meanwhile some personal news from Karina Manta:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoYGt4bFwif/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1scekk6hmy9or

[Sarah Rasher's blog post] http://thefinersports.com/2018/10/karina-manta-keeps-ice-dance-queer/

Can't wait to see them make their GP debut [at Skate America] in a couple weeks!

That’s great! I think she is the first active female skater to come out. I’m glad she finally felt comfortable doing so.

Props to Karina for her bravery in coming out! We're lucky to have her in this sport.

And that blog post is

ITA. Thanks to Karina Manta for taking this step in such a sweet, forthright and creative way. I've always enjoyed Manta/Johnson's skating! I will continue to enjoy watching their skating journey. it's nice to know more about who Karina is, but her revelations don't affect anything about how I view and admire her skating. It is great though that her openness will surely provide inspiration to others of all ages, athletes and non-athletes alike. And it is a bold step for a female to take in the sport of figure skating! Kudos to Karina for her courage!

 

[SamuraiK]

WOW, that takes guts!!! Im very happy for her and good luck on her GP debut..

 

[Sylvia]

National Coming Out Day was yesterday (October 11) and Manta & Johnson both posted on their IG accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Boz2d_vFCTb/?taken-by=karinamanta

Wishing you all so much love that it cannot be held within yourselves. #nationalcomingoutday

https://www.instagram.com/p/Boz6J0qHhDr/?taken-by=joejohnsonice

Dear little me,
Someday, you’re gonna be older. Not much taller, but older. And it’s hard to believe that despite those thrift store pants you’re rocking and those two beautiful teeth you’re smiling with, you’re not gonna like yourself for a few years. You’ll wonder why you’re so different, and why something inside you is broken. But that’ll pass. You’re gonna surround yourself with people that make you feel good. You’ll grow to accept, and love, those things you used to not like very much. So keep after it. Listen to whatever the hell you want, and binge watch Naruto with a tub of tollhouse cookie dough when you’re sad. You deserve it. And someday, you’re gonna be yourself, and it’s gonna feel really, really good. I love you, little guy. #nationalcomingoutday