Tom Daley furious at FINA’s decision to ban trans female swimmers from competing
As already reported, last week FINA announced a new ruling that bans transgender women from competing in elite swimming events. Diver and Olympic medalist Tom Daley has spoken out on the matter, saying that he’s furious at his sport’s governing body for that decision.
Speaking to iNews at the British LGBT Awards that took place this past Friday (June 24) in London and where he was named Sports Personality of the Year after winning gold in the 10 meters synchronized platform diving event at the Tokyo Olympics, Daley said, “I was furious. You know, like most queer people, anyone that’s told that they can’t compete or can’t do something they love just because of who they are, it’s not on.
“It’s something I feel really strongly about. Giving trans people the chance to share their side.”
Daley has previously criticized sport’s governing bodies and has called for a ‘rethink’ on where elite global sporting competitions are held, questioning the decision to award the soccer World Cup to Qatar and the F1 Grand Prix to Saudi Arabia – countries in which homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment.
In October, 2021, and after collecting the Attitude Sport award at Virgin Atlantic’s 2021 Attitude Awards ceremony, the diver said, “The World Cup coming up in Qatar has extreme rules against LGBT people and about women. And I think it should not be allowed for a sporting event to be hosted in a country that criminalizes basic human rights. So that is going to be my mission now to try and change that.”
Later, in a message that was part of the C4’s Christmas’ special, Daley added, “In 2022, the World Cup is being held in the second most dangerous country on Earth for queer people, Qatar. Why are we allowing places that aren’t safe for all fans and all players to host our most prestigious sporting events? Hosting a World Cup is an honor. Why are we honoring them? Holding a Formula One grand prix is an honor. Why are we honoring Saudi Arabia?”
Daley has acknowledged that he personally has been lucky to be able to live his life as an out gay man with his husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and their son Robert – but has stressed that the sports world has a long way to go. And here at Q+, we want to thank Daley for his continued efforts to speak up for our community and for always using his platform to fight the good fights.
