Laurie Hernandez Makes Broadway Debut and Comes Out as Queer

Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez joined the ensemble cast of the musical '& Juliet' on Broadway in spring 2026, performing the role of Charmion at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Her initial run was extended through July 12. Hernandez said the nerves before each show felt similar to those before Olympic competition.

She described the Broadway community as providing sustained support that differed from her earlier experiences in gymnastics.

Hernandez graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in spring 2026. She said the degree felt like her own accomplishment in a way distinct from her Olympic medals. She noted that entering college at age 22 after being homeschooled required overcoming self-doubt about her academic ability.

29, 2026, Hernandez publicly shared her relationship with Team USA trampoline athlete Charlotte Drury and identified as queer. She said she had felt different during her competitive years but had set those feelings aside while training. Hernandez met Drury while both were preparing for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.