They usually say that after the Olympic Games, somebody's life changes forever, and a lot of times, it's the gold medalist. But I have a feeling that my life has changed forever.
I'm representing my country whether they like me or not.
Nobody loves me as much as I love me, so I guess I'll just be my own valentine.
It's my world, and the rest of us are living in it.
I would absolutely not go out of my way to meet somebody who I felt has gone out of their way to not only show that they aren't a friend of a gay person but that they think that they're sick.
I think what you think of as the American people embracing - I don't think, on paper, I embody anything of that perceived persona. I think that's what people are latching on to, that I'm different.
I remember seeing people who I thought were so confident and exuberant. I remember being young and watching Oprah and being like, 'Damn. That lady is so confident. She can talk to anybody.'
Sometimes when you're not confident in yourself, to see someone who doesn't care - and I don't care anymore. I really don't care - it gives you that confidence.
I don't find it distracting to be me.
I am usually wearing some sort of see-through when I am competing.
Being gay has never been a big deal to me, which is why it's a little funny to be getting all this attention about it.
I don't follow the rules!
As an athlete, I know that I'm such a perfectionist that I'll want to go out and keep working on something over and over until it's perfect. Part of growing up is learning to take a step back.
I always said that if I had the platform and the opportunity to share my story and make it easier for others, I would - so that, in a way, I can be the role model that I was looking for as a kid.
I know what it's like to be young and to feel like you don't belong.
Sometimes I just get attention, and I really don't know how it happens.
I'm not like a gay icon or America's gay sweetheart. I'm just America's sweetheart, and I'm just an icon.
I've gotten so many messages I could even get emotional thinking about it, but I've gotten so many messages from young kids all over the country that my story's resonated with them.
I was living in my coach's basement.
