In recent years, the LGBT sporting community has grown and with this growth, there have been many impactful moments that have affected the sporting world.
Tom Daley waving pride flag
In the 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Tom Daley waved the flag for pride. The moment sparked the conversation of equality for all the LGBT+ community. It was also significant as it displayed resilience as 35 Commonwealth countries have anti-LGBT+ laws.
Jake Daniels coming out
Footballer Jake Daniels became the first active male professional footballer to come out publicly as gay since Justin Fashanu 30 years earlier. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “I am ready to be myself, be free, and be confident with it all.”
Jake received support from the LGBT+ community and the football world including Gary Neville, Harry Kane, Gary Lineker, and many others. This highlighted the growth of the football world as Jake no longer stands alone at a time when he was most vulnerable.
Chris Eubank Jr armband
In 2023 Liam Smith’s questioning of Eubank Jr’s sexuality at their press conference was frowned upon with Smith insinuating that Eubank Jr was gay. Eubank Jr then proceeded to wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBT+ community. On Instagram he captioned the photo: “We don’t discriminate… we don’t alienate. We want boxing & sport as a whole, to be all inclusive.”
England Women’s Team
The UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 sparked the discussion around the inclusion of LGBT+ in sports. This was particularly relevant as seven of England’s Lionesses are openly proud members of the LGBT+ community. The Lionesses created history by winning their first Euros. Lioness captain Beth Mead, alongside USA women’s national team captain Megan Rapinoe, has been flying the flag of LGBT+ and continues to speak out against injustices.
Konstantinos Patas