England’s Tom Daley used the platform of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to raise awareness for the plight of fellow LGBTQ athletes in other, less-tolerant Commonwealth nations.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Daley, seen here carrying the Queen’s Baton while pride flags fly in the background, said he couldn’t fathom life in some of these countries as a gay man.
“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.
“LGBT+ athletes must be safe and feel comfortable being their authentic selves without fear of persecution or death.”