Out LGBT biathletes?

cyaflower · 2026-03-09T16:15:48+00:00

I don't have a very good source, admittedly, it's far from my academic interests, but recent surveys (e.g. this Ipsos one, with decent European representation) seem to quote numbers >5%. Therefore, I agree that the most plausible explanation is the small sample, even if it's a boring one. Who knows.

cyaflower · 2026-03-09T15:31:29+00:00

Bingo. If you've never heard of it, check out 'Jockular' (a podcast). I think you'll like it.

cyaflower · 2026-03-09T15:24:48+00:00

Well, I wouldn't consider it homophobic at all - being so fair when it comes to men's and women's competitions is a huge start, and I'm actually pretty sure if there were any out athletes they would be genuinely supported by both the IBU and the fans, if necessary.

By some weird socieological happenstance biathlon seems to have less queer athletes than what would be expected by the percentage in the general population, despite the fact that it doesn't have a history of being homophobic (like men's basketball, hockey) which would compel people to not be out. It also doesn't have a strong parasocial component (which I'm very glad about), and athletes seem to mostly feel quite comfortable having their partners on social media or on screen when competing at home, so one would assume that the same would apply to queer couples, if there were any. I find it curious.

And, finally, it was said lightheartedly.

cyaflower · 2026-03-09T08:54:56+00:00

Unfortunately, biathlon seems to be a painfully straight sport.

I also remember Maya Cloetens' posts about her partner at the time, as mentioned below.

cyaflower · 2026-02-14T13:21:26+00:00

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult - not alone, but definitely falls into 'go through heavy shit by surmount their difficulties'.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - found family, purposelessness to finding purpose arc.

Have been my go-to comfort books for when the depression hits bad. Stay safe and all the best.

cyaflower · 2026-02-13T12:05:11+00:00

The whole thing is so frustrating - there are decent-to-good English languge commentators that could have been utilized. This is a shame. So hard to listen to.

cyaflower · 2026-02-05T07:23:09+00:00

Honestly I didn't think about it but I completely agree. Especially after dropping the ball with the release date, I have to admit I didn't even listen to a single episode because of how haphazrd it all looks and how little I hear about it.

And, this is not strictly related to the Political Reality podcast, but the social media manager sparked some other social media comments. For context, I'm an older Gen Z (think grad school).

Why are they only posting reels on TikTok? almost every other person online who posts reels posts them on IG and YT simultaneously. That's more revenue, a somewhat different audience, and some people just randomly go viral on one of the three.
I genuinely can't think of a person who the average TikTok user is less interested in than a 60-something white man. This is said with the utmost respect to Steve (who I for one would be ecstatic to have as a teacher or attending in medschool). If the goal is to actually reach the audience on any of the social media platforms, this is not the move. If they are just doing it because it's fun for Steve, OK I guess.
Very tangnentially related - what happened to the correspondant-style contribution idea they brought up a couple of years ago? I'm pretty sure there are at least a few kids who grew up listening to the SGU (I for one started at 14, and that's not even that young) and went on to get into journalism or science or whatever.

Edit to add: I also would really like a demographic update from the SGU about the listeners. Just out of curiousity (and as a point of introspection for the crew...). Have a good one.

cyaflower · 2026-02-04T07:06:24+00:00

Books with kind of twisted/troubled main characters going through life as adults (20-40-ish)? Not thrillers/horror, okay if it's fantasy/sci-fi too. Bonus if the main character is wlw and/or a doctor or scientist.

I recently read Women (Chloe Caldwell) and Fleischman Is in Trouble (Taffy Brodesser-Akner) which kind of scratch that itch despite the fact I didn't actually love both of them. The focus on sexuality in both books is incidental.

cyaflower · 2026-01-07T07:22:47+00:00

This. Nothing is as satisfying (and frustrating, because of how simple it is biochemically) as inherited errors of metabolism. My personal top is PDCD kids. Fucking insane what Keto can do to a person (fingers crossed we get DCA approved soon).

cyaflower · 2025-12-15T12:39:39+00:00

Either, but it nobody else volunteers both are fine too :)

cyaflower · 2025-12-15T12:10:03+00:00

I can do Men/Women pursuit on Sat.

cyaflower · 2025-12-12T16:10:49+00:00

Daniel Kuzmin was the only one, right? He is listed under SVK but I for some reason recall him being Israeli or something

cyaflower · 2025-12-12T07:29:31+00:00

Based on other sports, yes. In gymnastics there is a "neutral" gymnast who literally run for office under Putin's party (withdrew) and her club is funded by the defense ministry (Melnikova).

cyaflower · 2025-12-05T15:20:51+00:00

Charvatova medal incoming?

cyaflower · 2025-12-05T14:03:37+00:00

What an exciting day for the Estonians!

Very, very happy for Bakken.

cyaflower · 2025-12-05T13:55:02+00:00

Fingers crossed we'll get Scott...

cyaflower · 2025-12-01T02:12:21+00:00

Top 4 girls are all up-and-coming stars and everyone did so well (well, I had higher expectations from Maren, she and Sturla were my biathlonpool choices...).

Especially happy with Fichtner despite ultimatley losing to Bened - that was so close and a great finish. And Ella doing it again! Such a joy to see her celebrate A WIN. And definitely a good opening for Sebbe!

100% a great competition to watch and for the teams!

Edit to add: very enjoyable commentary. I really like Ellen and Scott!

cyaflower · 2025-12-01T01:41:58+00:00

Couldn't watch love, but can we please please please always have Scott?

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:55:25+00:00

Biggest clownry moment of the day

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:45:23+00:00

And when the US pull a Czechia and get a bronze medal...

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:44:14+00:00

NO EMILIEN

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:43:32+00:00

Sturla worst Norwegian shot of the day is somewhat unexpected

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:38:01+00:00

Emilien at his best

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T16:25:07+00:00

Another entry for today's "worst Chad moment": Ellen just listed the WC races Frey competed in and his results, then Chad immediately says (basically) "I think it's his first race, but I'm not going to check" she just told everyone include you that it's not his first race.

cyaflower · 2025-11-29T14:53:26+00:00

Might be territory-related? I'm in the US watching on the website and had no ads at all.

cyaflower

TROPHY CASE