Double Olympic Champion

Every individual deserves the autonomy to lead their lives authentically, standing shoulder to shoulder in unity.

In 2024, we find ourselves in an extraordinary era of open and enriching dialogues within both our communities and the realm of sports. Reflecting on my journey, where the absence of openly LGBTQ+ individuals in elite sports and the stringent regulations within the military posed significant challenges, the transformation to the present day must be applauded. It is heartening to witness the multitude of positive changes taking place.

As I celebrate the 20th anniversary of my triumph in Athens, I am filled with immense joy and a profound sense of liberation. Embracing my authentic self, I take pride in being a soldier, an athlete, and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The key lies in acknowledging that the conversation for progress must persist.

Drawing from my experiences as a global speaker in the corporate arena, I recognise that there are intricate discussions yet to unfold to foster acceptance for all. Effective communication, transparency, and a focus on our shared humanity are paramount. Every individual deserves the autonomy to lead their lives authentically, standing shoulder to shoulder in unity. This balanced coexistence can only be achieved through ongoing dialogue and a deep respect for different opinions and perspectives.

Racing driver & LGBTQ+ activist

I think that’s a big part of why I’m so proud to be visible, and so passionate to use that visbility to inspire more awareness and acceptance, to show what is possible when you believe in yourself and stop questioning your right to be valid.

If there’s a word that resonates heavily with me, it’s visibility. It’s the primary reason I struggled for so long growing up, because the only trans women I saw growing up in the 80’s were drag queens (on television). I was convinced that I could never be the person I wanted to be and simultaneously do the things I that excited me, like flying fighter planes or racing cars.

I think that’s a big part of why I’m so proud to be visible, and so passionate to use that visbility to inspire more awareness and acceptance, to show what is possible when you believe in yourself and stop questioning your right to be valid.

Thankfully time has moved on since I was a kid, I think social media has helped empower communities and younger generations have a much more expansive world view of what is possible in life these days. I know if I’d have seen someone like me when I was 7yrs old it would have been a total game changer.

Even so, we’re living in scary times and it feels like things are sliding backwards faster than they’re moving forwards right now. I don’t believe it’s ever been more important to take a stand and make a positive impact, to push back against the transphobia and be proud to be who you are. I think that’s what this photo says, it’s me doing the thing I love, as me, and I’m proud to have overcome so much to be here with a smile on my face.

Commodore Sailing & Cruising Association

While sailing is challenging and thrilling in equal measure, the opportunity to lead this diverse club to become ever more inclusive has been hugely rewarding.

From navigating the challenges of growing up in a time when being openly LGBTQ+ was fraught with uncertainty, to now leading the charge for inclusivity in both the legal sphere and the world of sports, my journey reflects our times.

As recently as the 1990s, it was almost impossible to be “out” as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, especially so for a pupil at the local Roman Catholic Comprehensive in the North East. You really had to be sure, as there was no way back if things didn’t work out! I am delighted this reality has now (hopefully) been confined to the history books in the UK.

As the Head of Intellectual Property and inclusivity at a top 100 law firm in London, encouraging my team members and others in the office to be themselves is at the forefront of our considerations. Indeed, my practice in this area of law only underscores that diversity drives creativity, growth and prosperity.

My role as the Commodore for the Sailing & Cruising Association, the UK’s leading and longest running LGBTQ+ club with around 400 members, has been the highlight of my life to date. While sailing is challenging and thrilling in equal measure, the opportunity to lead this diverse club to become ever more inclusive has been hugely rewarding. The Club was originally started in 1980s for gay men, but we now continue to strive to add more members from our wider LGBTQ+ community, with an increasingly diverse membership.

In all of my roles, whether it be Law or Sport, I am determined to remove barriers to progress and channel the transformative power of embracing one’s true self.

Ballroom Dancer

I mostly prefer to follow and feel a huge amount of joy, freedom and relaxation in allowing my partner to facilitate and direct my experience of dance and music.

I started dancing socially in my late teens mostly as a way to access a more sober-friendly nightlife scene, and danced salsa/bachata almost every night of the week for a while. I stopped any partner based dancing for the first three years I was transitioning medically due to the awkwardness of navigating heteronormative dance spaces; discovering Pink Jukebox a couple of years ago was a wonderful door back into the world of social dance, and I’ve since dropped in and out of tango, hustle and jive.

A large part of social dance is being attuned to the physical cues of your partner’s body - cis people tend to either shy away from or fetishise trans people’s bodies, but dancing with others in long established, intergenerational queer settings, I can feel seen in a more normal and frank way.

There is often an expectation due to the extremely gendered dynamics of most partner dances that I will want to ‘lead’ now that I’m generally recognised as a man, but I mostly prefer to follow and feel a huge amount of joy, freedom and relaxation in allowing my partner to facilitate and direct my experience of dance and music.

It’s truly our incredible community that’s propelled the club’s success. Personally, I’ve found amazing lifelong friendships here, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the ride.

Forget the stereotype of lycra-clad middle-aged men. LDN RIDERS is a cycling club that breaks the mould, welcoming cyclists of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and sexualities.

My own cycling journey began in my mid-30s during lockdown. It offered a much-needed escape, a chance to exercise, connect, and explore the outdoors. But finding riding buddies proved tricky. Existing LGBTQ+ cycling clubs didn’t quite click. So, in September 2021, with just 5 members, LDN RIDERS was born. Fast forward a year, and we’re the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ cycling club!

In a city like London, LGBTQ+ socialising often revolves around nightlife. LDN RIDERS offers an alternative – a chance to build connections with fellow cyclists who share lived experiences. It’s about inclusivity, not exclusivity. We have allies too! This is a space where you can feel seen, safe, and most importantly, welcome.

The beauty of LDN RIDERS is its versatility! We cater to a range of interests: Social Butterflies – those looking to make new friends (or maybe more), Fitness Fanatics who want to push their cycling limits and train with a supportive group and Night Owls who want to swap late nights for early starts.

I was honoured to be invited by SportingQueer to feature in this important showcase celebrating queer sportspeople. But, my first request was that I wanted the shoot to include other club members. It’s truly our incredible community that’s propelled the club’s success. Personally, I’ve found amazing lifelong friendships here, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the ride.

Julian Gregory, Founder, LDN RIDERS

From left: Phil Lee, Joaquin Caro, Alexander Fernandez, Corry Glanowski, Zhenyu Tang, Julian Gregory, Lee Clements, Farrah Herbert, Mark Stiven, George Oleniuc

Elite Disability Gymnast

I stand here today, as a multiple British champion, in a relationship with a wonderful woman and most importantly, as my true self.

When I first started gymnastics at the age of eight, if you had asked me what love was, I would have said gymnastics. I loved going upside down, flipping around and leaping through the air.

Fast forward 20 years, and when I think about love now, all I can think of is my girlfriend. We actually met at an adult gymnastics class and as soon as I saw her I knew she was going to be someone special in my life.

I had been in the closet for around four years, before eventually coming out. I was so nervous to do so, especially as a Christian, but I wanted to show that regardless of your sexuality that you are deserving of love.

So I stand here today, as a multiple British champion, in a relationship with a wonderful woman and most importantly, as my true self.

Ebony Riding Club

Being around horses, I find a sense of belonging that eludes me elsewhere. They offer a judgment-free space, where the bond between horse and rider is built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect.

From my earliest memories, horses have been my first love, a passion that has shaped my life in profound ways. Growing up, and even now, I’ve kept this passion somewhat guarded, fearful of judgment and increasingly concerned about the ethical implications of equestrian activities. My reticence, however, belies a deep and abiding love for these magnificent creatures.

Being around horses, I find a sense of belonging that eludes me elsewhere. They offer a judgment-free space, where the bond between horse and rider is built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. This connection is not merely about riding; it’s a partnership of souls, where the horse’s trust in their rider is a gift of immeasurable value, to be cherished and never betrayed.

This unique bond, this sanctuary where acceptance and understanding thrive, may explain why the equestrian world is a haven for many in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a place where love for horses bridges differences, creating a community united by a shared passion. For horse enthusiasts, our actions are driven by this love, a dedication to the well-being and respect of our equine partners. It’s a relationship that transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary connection that can exist between humans and animals.