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by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL — In his new memoir, "Welcome to My World," figure skating champion Johnny Weir reveals he's gay.

On the cover, he's wearing black high heels, a black fur and posing under a disco ball.

In excerpts published in People magazine, Weir talks -- somewhat obliquely -- about his sexuality.

"In a sexual way, I'm gay," he said. "I would marry a woman tomorrow if it struck me. I don't think sex and relationships necessarily have to go together."

Although Weir's figure skating costumes might strike any unbiased observer as flaming, Weir insists that his sexuality doesn't play into his performance on the ice.

"I don't feel the need to express my sexual being because it's not part of my sport," he said.

Weir said that the recent string of gay teen suicides had a lot to do with his decision to come out of the closet.

"With people killing themselves and being scared into the closet, I hope that even just one person can gain strength from my story," he said.

Last year, Weir helped raise money for The Trevor Project, a non-profit focused on cutting down on the suicide rate among gay and lesbian youth.

Weir placed sixth in the most recent Winter Olympics and third in the most recent U.S. Nationals.

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