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Not only are top officials opting out of the official U.S. delegation to the Sochi Olympics in protest of Russia’s anti-gay laws, they’re sending openly gay Olympic athletes in their place. And Brian Boitano announced Thursday that he is one of them. “I am many things: a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just part of who I am,” the Olympic figure skating gold medalist said in a statement, coming out publicly for the first time. Boitano was appointed by President Obama to participate in the opening ceremony delegation along with openly gay tennis Star Billie Jean King. Olympic ice hockey medalist Caitlin Cahow, who is also gay, was chosen to represent the U.S. in the closing ceremony delegation.