Tom Daley won gold in Tokyo (Adam Davy/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Tom Daley has called for LGBTQ+ athletes to be protected as he called out the level of homophobia that takes place in many Commonwealth countries.
Ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham from Thursday, Daley admitted that he’s attended many events around the Commonwealth where he didn’t feel safe leaving the venue.
In 35 out of the 56 Commonwealth nations, homosexuality is considered a crime. Several countries have severe punishment against same-sex relationships and in some, it is even punishable by death.
Daley - who came out as gay in 2013 - said he “couldn’t imagine” what life was like for LGBTQ+ athletes attending from such countries.
In a statement released earlier this week, the British Olympic diver said: “I’ve experienced homophobia all my life, competing in countries where it’s illegal to be me and where I don’t feel safe to leave the venue I’m competing in.
“If I feel like that as a privileged man, I can’t imagine what day-to-day life is like for LGBT+ people around the Commonwealth.”
He added: “LGBT+ athletes must be safe and feel comfortable being their authentic selves without fear of persecution or death.”
Daley previously travelled to a number of Commonwealth countries where discrimination against LGBTQ+ people was rife, as part of a documentary called Tom Daley: Illegal To Be Me.
The film, due to be released next month, will include Daley having frank conversations with LGBTQ+ athletes, including Jamaican athlete Michael Gunning and India’s first openly gay athlete Dutee Chang.
The opening of this year’s Commonwealth Games will be held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium today. Team England will be represented by an 18-person squad throughout the coveted games.
However, Daley will not be taking part in this year’s games because he is taking time off from competing to spend more time with his husband and son.
He wrote on Instagram: “I won’t be competing in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.”
“Before the Olympics last year, my coach and I decided I would take a year out from the sport to have some time to rest and be with my family.
“Can’t wait to watch all my team mates kick some butt this summer.”
