Golden pride: Gays get big role in opening and closing ceremonies at Sochi ...

Mikhail Metzel/AP

On Russian President Vladimir Putin's watch, the government passed a law banning 'gay propaganda' that advocates 'nontraditional sexual relations.'

PRESIDENT OBAMA stood on ceremony Tuesday to send Russia a strong message about the way the host of the Winter Olympics treats its gays and lesbians.

The President named openly gay athletes to the U.S. delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies of February's winter games in Sochi, an inclusive effort that draws attention to Russia's national laws banning 'gay propaganda.'

Tennis great Billie Jean King will represent the U.S. in the opening ceremony, and Olympic medalist Caitlin Cahow, a women's ice hockey player, will perform the honor at the closing ceremony. Both women have publicly identified themselves as lesbians.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, whose sexuality has been the subject of rumors that she has mostly dodged, will lead the delegation in the opening ceremony.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said the delegation 'represents the diversity that is the United States.'

Russia's blatant discrimination against gays became law after a unanimous parliament vote in June, when the government passed a law barring 'propaganda' about 'nontraditional sexual relations.'

Also in the delegation is figure skater Brian Boitano, who refuses to discuss his private life but did address the effeminate side of his job in a 2002 Salon article.

The gold medalist described the stereotype with three words: 'sequins and glitter.'

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul and presidential adviser Rob Nabors will also represent the U.S. in the delegation.

But some prominent Americans will be noticeably absent - this will be the first time since 2000 that the President, vice president, First Lady or former President are not scheduled to attend the iconic event.

First Lady Michelle Obama went to the opening of the Summer Olympics in London in 2012, Vice President Biden led the U.S. delegation at the 2010 ceremonies in Vancouver, and President George W. Bush attended the Summer Games in Beijing in 2008.

With News Wire Services

clestch@nydailynews.com