Olympic gold medalist and double world champion diver Tom Daley is determined to shine a light on an issue that he cares passionately about in new BBC documentary film, Tom Daley: Illegal to Be Me. With punishments including whipping, life imprisonment and even death, it is illegal to be gay in over half of the 56 member states of the Commonwealth.
The programme, which airs on Tuesday, August 9, follows Tom on his journey to some of the Commonwealth’s most homophobic countries to ask what the sporting world can do to help. Returning to the UK, Tom submits a manifesto of action points to the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The film begins with Tom showing off his trophy cabinet and discussing the medals that he has won at various events. “I start to question, should I feel a bit [weird] about these medals? Or should I be proud of them?” he says, “I would be illegal in 35 of the 56 sovereign states of the Commonwealth. It’s just outrageous." He describes his intention to change this at the 2022 ceremony and “take a stand” for inclusivity. Tom’s aim is to disallow any country with anti-LGBT laws, the chance to host the Commonwealth Games.
