( CNN ) -- Over the last few weeks there has been a great deal of media attention given to the members of the United States ' presidential delegation to the Sochi Olympics . Yes , it does include people , like myself , who are openly gay and it also includes delegates who are openly straight . The important part here is the delegation is inclusive and it is representative of the face of America . Delegate members Brian Boitano , Caitlin Cahow , Eric Heiden and Bonnie Blair are world-class athletes , Olympians who have all won medals when they represented our nation in Olympic competition . Janet Napolitano , William Burns , Ambassador Michael McFaul and Robert Nabors are respected leaders on the world stage . The delegation is an impressive collection of athletes and world leaders and it just so happens some of us are gay . Our real role in going to Sochi is not to demonstrate or disrupt the Olympics , but to support the men and women of Team USA . I have been traveling to Russia since 1962 and I have complete respect for the Russian people . It is a privilege to be asked to be part of the Presidential Delegation and a personal thrill to be able to watch our Olympic team compete in Sochi . READ MORE : What one gay Russian model thinks of law . Is our nation making a statement on Russia 's anti-gay propaganda law by sending gay men and women to represent us in Sochi ? Perhaps we are . As Brian Boitano said in a recent interview , `` I think the statement is already being made by us being on the delegation â€ ” Billie Jean and Caitlin â€ ” and us standing together , united as gay people showing that there is freedom of speech and we are successful human beings and athletes . I think that speaks measures . '' While I am not planning to protest or demonstrate , I am concerned with the treatment of the LGBT community in Russia and throughout the world . I want the LGBT community living in Russia to know they are not alone and I hope others realize this is not only a gay rights issue , but a global concern for human rights and equality . As I said when I was named to the U.S. delegation , I hope these Olympics will be a watershed moment for the universal acceptance of all people . READ MORE : Will social media foil Putin 's Sochi plan ? Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing , especially if it may not be the most popular thing . The mere mention of the gay members of our delegation has people talking and you do n't make progress in anything without having a constructive dialogue . I have a saying that 98 percent of winning is showing up . So we will show up in Russia . We will support our athletes and cheer them as loudly as possible . And we will keep the equality conversation alive . READ MORE : Is Russia about to pass another anti-gay law ? READ MORE : How safe is Sochi ? Travelers weigh options . SEE MORE : Interactive map of region 's security hotspots .
King is one of several gay members of the U.S. Presidential Delegation to Sochi . King says Obama 's nomination of several gay athletes to the delegation sends a message . King says she is concerned with treatment of LGBT community in Russia . King : This is not only a gay rights issue but a human rights issue .