"LGBTQ+ people can be visible in countries where laws are against them" - Tom Daley opens up on gender issues following retirement from diving

By Soumik Bhattacharya

Modified Nov 04, 2024 20:30 GMT

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Former Great Britain diver and five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley shed light on the LGBTQ+ laws of certain countries. This comes just a few months after Daley retired from diving following the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Daley announced his LGBTQ+ status back in 2013 via his YouTube channel. Four years later, Daley married American screenwriter and producer, Dustin Black. The couple also has two children and are strong campaigners for LGBTQ rights. Daley's partner, Black is also a board member of the organization, American Foundation of Equal Rights.

The former 30-year-old diver recently raised his voice over the LGBTQ laws of countries. In an interview with The Guardian, Daley stated that the laws of a country should be framed to help athletes of every stature to be true to their nature and compete.

He also stated that the laws of various countries don't support their LGBTQ communities and also urged his community to be true to their nature and be themselves. He said:

"The most important thing is that LGBTQ+ people can be visible in countries where the laws are against them. The more powerful thing is to be able to go to a country that’s hosting a sporting event and just being you and succeeding and doing well."

He added:

"It’s such a powerful and strong message and sends a message of hope. I think all we can do as LGBTQ+ people is to be visible, to be out there and be ourselves."

Tom Daley competed with Noah Williams at the last event of his career in Paris where he clinched a silver medal in the 10m synchro event. He eventually hung up his boots with five Olympic and eight World Championship medals.

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Tom Daley sets on a new endeavor a few months after retirement from diving

Daley during a pre-match conference during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (Image via: Getty)

Four-time Olympian Tom Daley is set to open a knitting exhibition in Tokyo, the place where he clinched two of his Olympic medals. The exhibition is scheduled to be held from November 8-25.

In an interview, Daley expressed his excitement around the exhibition. He also added that he has been busy with knitting and has developed some new styles that he aims to show to the world through the exhibition. He said (via The Guardian):

"I’m so excited about the exhibition. I’ve been working on designs and ideas I wanted to portray."

Tom Daley's talent for knitting also came in front of the world during the delayed Tokyo Olympics.