A good role model. He will inspire others
London – 2 December 2013
“Tom Daley’s coming out video is very moving. He speaks from the heart. I’m really proud that he’s been upfront about his sexuality. It will help give confidence to other young gay and bisexual men. He’s a great role model for them,” said Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
Watch Tom Daley’s video here:
http://youtu.be/OJwJnoB9EKw
“Sadly, most gay Olympic athletes are still in the closet because they fear the consequences of coming out. British and IOC officials are not doing enough to make sport an accepting, safe space where gay competitors feel able to be open. Many don’t feel they’ll be supported.
“Of the thousands of athletes at the 2012 London Olympics, only a handful were open about being gay. That’s a damning indictment of sport. It shows that homophobia, or fear of homophobia, are still very real obstacles to sports stars being open about their sexuality.
“It’s interesting that a succession of top Olympic divers have been gay or bisexual: Greg Louganis, Matthew Mitcham and now Tom Daley. What is it about diving and gay men? Why aren’t as many champion swimmers openly gay?
“Of all the many sports, football is the last great bastion of homophobia. Of the 5,000 professional players in the UK, none are openly gay or bisexual. According to statistical averages, there are likely to be around 500 gay or bisexual professional footballers in Britain,” said Mr Tatchell.