Sports

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Tokyo Paralympic Games welcomes record number of LGBTQ athletes

When the 2020 Paralympics kick off on Aug. 24, there will be at least 27 openly LGBTQ athletes from eight countries competing, according to LGBTQ sports site Outsports.  That’s more than double the 12 who competed at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, and it comes after record-setting representation at the Tokyo Summer Games, where at least 185 queer Olympians competed, according to Outsports.  Lauren Appelbaum of RespectAbility, a nonprofit that works to change how society views people with disabilities, said the increased visibility points to the “large intersection” between the LGBTQ and disabled communities. “We hope that even more out athletes […]

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UEFA banned rainbow adverts at Euro 2020 venues in Russia and Azerbaijan, Volkswagen claims

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Volkswagen has claimed that UEFA blocked the company from using rainbow-coloured banners on advertising boards at the Euro 2020 quarter-finals in Russia and Azerbaijan. The auto-maker, a years-long sponsor of the football competition, alleged that the governing body voiced “concerns with regard to the legal framework at the venues in Russia and Azerbaijan”. UEFA had approved pitch-side rainbow advertising from a raft of companies for all eight of the round of 16 matches in the Euro 2020 tournament. But Volkswagen officials told The Athletic that UEFA blocked them from extending its rainbow-hued LED advertising boards to St Petersburg and Baku, a decision […]

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Gay dad emphatically shuts down pathetic bigots after son qualifies for Olympics

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A gay dad has emphatically shut down homophobes who think queer people shouldn’t be parents after his son qualified for the Olympics. Jerry Windle is the proud father of Jordan Windle, a 22-year-old diver who recently qualified for the men’s diving team for the Tokyo Olympics. Tragically, both of Jordan’s biological parents died when he was just a baby. Jerry later adopted him in Cambodia and nursed him back to health after he had suffered from malnutrition, scabies and intestinal parasites. Jordan later started diving at the age of seven – and he is now set to achieve a lifelong dream of […]

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Trailblazing trans BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe is going to the Tokyo Olympics

Trailblazing BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe is going to the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first trans athlete to join the Team USA roster. Wolfe will travel to Tokyo as a reserve athlete, according to Huffington Post, and will only compete if one of the two qualifying riders – Hannah Roberts and Perris Benegas – drops out. The athlete, who has spoken openly about her trans identity and her Olympic dreams, said it is still “taking a bit to register”  that she’s going to Tokyo. Writing on Instagram, she reflected on how she has gone through “so much work” and come “so many obstacles” to get to […]

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Mexico football team issues desperate plea to fans: Stop your homophobic chants

Mexico’s national football team has begged fans to stop the homophobic chanting that’s led to FIFA banning spectators from two World Cup qualifier matches. FIFA slapped the sanctions on the Mexican soccer federation (FMF) last month after several matches were marred by fans chanting “p**o”, a homophobic slur that’s plagued Mexican football for years. “If we don’t have a chance to participate in the World Cup, that’s going to be awful for everybody – for us, the federation, for the players and for the fans and supporters as well,” Torrado told The Tennessean. “So we need them to continue supporting us, but in a good […]

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Olympic frontrunners forced out of Tokyo games over naturally high testosterone levels

Two Namibian sprinters have been blocked from competing in the women’s 400m at the Olympics because their natural testosterone levels have been deemed too high. Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, who are both cisgender women, were forced to undergo medical assessments while they were at a training camp in Italy. The tests were requested by World Athletics, according to the Namibia Olympic Committee, and their results “indicated that both athletes have a natural high testosterone level,” a statement continued. “According to the rules of World Athletics, this means that they are not eligible to participate in events from 400m to 1600m,” officials added. “Both […]

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Parents of ‘scared’ 13-year-old trans girl sue Florida over transphobic sports ban

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The parents of a 13-year-old girl have launched a federal lawsuit to challenge Florida’s reviled ban on trans girls taking part in school sports. Mounted by the Human Rights Campaign, one of the largest LGBT+ advocacy groups in the US, the lawsuit argues that the ban violates both the constitution and existing federal anti-discrimination law. It was filed on behalf of Daisy, an avid football player aged 13, and her parents. Under Florida’s anti-trans sports law, she will be forced to play either on the boys’ team or quit the sport altogether. “Playing sports makes me feel like I fit in,” Daisy […]

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NFL says ‘Football is gay’ in new commercial that makes clear its support of LGBTQ+ community

As Pride Month comes to a close, the NFL has released a new commercial that makes clear its support and embrace of the LGBTQ+ community.  The 30-second spot begins with the line, “Football is gay” as light cheering plays in the background. “Football is lesbian. Football is beautiful. Football is queer. Football is life. Football is exciting. Football is culture. Football is transgender. Football is queer. Football is heart. Football is power. Football is tough. Football is bisexual. Football is strong. Football is freedom. Football is American. Football is accepting. Football is everything. Football is for everyone.”  The video is a direct response to Carl Nassib’s […]

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New Zealand weightlifter to become 1st transgender athlete to compete at Olympics

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics after being selected by New Zealand for the women’s event at the Tokyo Games, a decision set to fuel the debate over inclusion and fairness in sport. Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87-kg category, her selection made possible by updated qualifying requirements. The 43-year-old, who will be the oldest lifter at the Games, had competed in men’s weightlifting competitions before transitioning in 2013. “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders,” Hubbard said […]

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Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib becomes first active NFL player to come out as gay

Carl Nassib, a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, has come out as gay in a historic first. Nassib, 28, on Monday said he made the announcement to increase visibility, and in doing so, made history as the first openly gay active player in the NFL. The athlete, speaking from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, said he finally felt comfortable enough to “get it off my chest.” “I actually hope that one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary, but until then, I am going to do my best and do my part […]

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