“These past Olympic Games there were more out LGBT athletes than at any of the previous Olympics combined, which is a great step forward. Yet there are still 10 countries that punish being gay with death, that were still allowed to compete at the Olympic Games. That’s quite shocking to a lot of people. It’s all well and good speaking about those things but I think it’s really important to try and create change rather than just highlighting and shining a light on those things. I want to make it my mission before the Paris Olympics in 2024 to make it so that the countries that criminalize and make it punishable by death for LGBT people are not allowed to compete at the Olympic Games. I am incredibly lucky to come from Great Britain where I am able to be my true, authentic self and compete without worry of ramifications. Wherever you are born you should have that stress taken away from you. For those 10 countries where you can’t be yourself, they should not be allowed to be at the Olympic Games – or definitely not be allowed to host the Olympic Games. For example, the World Cup coming up in Qatar has extreme rules against LGBT people and women. I think it should not be allowed for a sporting event to host in a country that criminalizes against basic human rights. So, that’s going to be my mission now to change that. I really want to try over the next year or so work with the IOC or someone to try and create some kind of change.”–Olympic medalist Tom Daley, 27, telling the Attitude Sport Awards that he intends to lobby the International Olympic Committee to ban nations that target queer people for discrimination. He was joined by his former Olympic teammate Matty Lee, who also endorsed Daley’s mission.
dgsea06
Outstanding! Go for it Tom, it’s been a long time coming.
Good luck, I hope the IOC hears you.
RyanMBecker
I’m really impressed by Daley. He can easily just bask in his fame and success, raking in money from sponsorships. Instead, he has chosen to take on the Olympic establishment and individual countries. He actually risks losing endorsement deals since many companies shy away from political activism, even if they themselves are not homophobic.
RyanMBecker
Best of luck to Daley because it’ll be a tough climb. I don’t know if the IOC has changed but they were unsympathetic to LGBT causes in the past. In recent years, they’ve always excused themselves by claiming that they’re against discrimination but prefer to remain apolitical. However, they have a homophobic past. About 20 years ago, they threatened to sue the Gay Olympics for copyright infringement, so the competition was renamed The Gay Games (or informally, the Gaymes). The IOC claimed that it had nothing to do with homophobia. They did not, however, explain why other groups were allowed to use the word and its variants with impunity. For example, The Special Olympics, The Dog Olympic Games, The International Mathematical Olympiad, etc.
RyanMBecker
I’m not gay but I have to admit that Tom Daley is adorable, with those big puppy eyes. And the fact that he knits and crochets is a major turnon. I can’t believe that he’s already 27 (and a dad). I still remember watching him as a 14 yo novice at the European games. Only then, gays were calling him gay based on wishful thinking. Who knew that Daley would eventually join the tribe? With an American husband, no less. I wonder if Daley himself knew at 14.
jayceecook
You shouldn’t be commenting on any tribe you don’t belong to. Why are you here?
Jake123
@jayceecook they are entitled to speak on whatever they like, it’s called free speech. Besides you don’t know what’s their gender, or sexual persuasion all of which have a home on this app.
LumpyPillows
Jay, you’re a very negative soul, unlike Ryan. Think on that and address your toxicity.
jayceecook
@LumpyPillows Considering you don’t know either of us IRL you’re not qualified to make those statements. Besides, nobody is all saint or all sinner. Being blunt is not the same as being negative or toxic. And you’ve said some messed up things on this site before so you’re in no position to judge mate.
jayceecook
@Jake123 Actually I have a pretty good idea because he’s left similar comments on this site before. They almost always begin with “I’m not gay but…” or some form of that. Then what follows is usually a very gay (or bi, queer, pan, anything-not-hetero) statement(s). Considering they are using a male username and in the past have indicated they are one I don’t see what’s wrong with assuming they are. I find it a bit disturbing that somebody needs to come to this kind of site and constantly assert their heterosexuality when making a comment. I don’t assume the sexuality of most of the people who comment here unless they divulge it. I don’t really mention my own. It’s rarely relevant. If Ryan can’t say things without preemptively throwing out the “no h0m0” crap then there’s clearly issues he needs to address.
Also, please, please look up what “freedom of speech” actually means before you throw it around all willy nilly. Also, please be sure to defend the right wing h0m0ph0bes who swarm this site and leave hateful comments. Otherwise you’re a hypocrite.
Jake123
@jayceecook why does it bother you that they expresses their heterosexuality on this sight? You don’t know them or how they feels and their comment is completely innocent not trollish in any way so why attack them for it?
docfull
More lights need to be shined on the criminalization of LGBTQ people in some countries. If the IOC doesn’t let those discriminatory countries compete, I do wonder if that would be a bummer for the LGBTQ athletes that now wouldn’t be able to attend the Olympics. And will banning those countries from the Olympics actually lead to laws changing in those countries? I guess any push in the right direction is good, even if there’s a little bit of downside. Kudos to Tom for trying to do something about it. Hopefully more famous athletes will jump on board with him.
Brexit
It could be like with Russia, banning the national team but allowing individual athletes to compete under the Olympic flag. That way, athletes are not disadvantaged but the national sporting authority is punished.
As you say, we have to start somewhere.
barryaksarben
THIS is why he is beloved. He is trying to make the world better for gltbqia+. I am already seeing the posts bringing up every single horrible rumor about him to somehow tear him down. ALl the trolls that are right wing aholes that come here thinking we dont know who they are. But we know who they are so we dont take their crap into any account. NO ONE is perfect but he is pretty lose
Cam
Good for him! I wish him success.
LumpyPillows
Well, I can fully agree with you on this one.