Commonwealth Games boss wants to meet Tom Daley to discuss LGBTQ concerns
“We don’t set the rules for all the countries but what we do do is to create a platform to discuss things that we think are important."
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Mark Cant
The head of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has said she wants to meet with the British Olympic diver Tom Daley after his calls for countries to be banned from sporting events if they punish LGBTQ people.
It is illegal to be gay in 36 out of 72 countries competing in next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Katie Sadleir has said she wants it to be the most inclusive games ever.
Speaking as he collected the Sport award at the 2021 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards the gold medal-winning diver, Daley, announced it would become his mission ensure that countries which criminalise homosexuality and the LGBTQ community can’t compete in and host big sporting events in the future.
“We can create an opportunity to raise issues”
Commenting on how the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, where he won his gold medal with diving partner Matty Lee, were the most inclusive with more LGBTQ athletes than at any other games, Daley said there was still a way to go.
“It’s all well and good to be able to speak 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
“So, I want to make it my mission hopefully before the Paris Olympics in 2024 to make it so that the countries that criminalise and make it punishable by death for LGBT people are not allowed to compete at the Olympic Games.”
He’s also spoken out against countries competing in the Commonwealth Games in the past, reiterating that recently to GQ.
Sadleir, who took on her role at the CGF in November, has said, as quoted by The Guardian, “I can meet with Tom and we can create an opportunity to raise issues in a safe environment. What I can’t do is go into the countries and change their laws at this stage.
“We don’t set the rules for all the countries but what we do do is to create a platform to discuss things that we think are important.
“We have been working on the concept of a Pride House to create a safe space for athletes to come and discuss issues, to raise the profile of the community.”
In addition to the Pride House, the CGF is creating a Commonwealth Sport Pride Network, which is thought to be announced officially next week.
Watch Tom Daley’s full speech at the 2021 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards below:
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