The LGBT Sport Podcast

It’s a bonus weekend episode of the podcast – where we’re shining a spotlight on another grassroots group making a real difference in the world of sport.

Karina Murray is from Sporting Pride – a volunteer-run community organisation working towards the goal of making Ireland’s sporting community the most inclusive in the world.

And honestly, she’s a fantastic advocate for the work that the group is doing.

There’s lots on the agenda in this one - how the organisation came about; how it drew inspiration and support from other groups; the role that the Gay Games played in helping it come about; the difference Sporting Pride is making; and Karina’s own sporting experiences.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also looking ahead to a special event they’ve got planned with Katie McCabe – the Arsenal footballer and Republic of Ireland captain – on Tuesday 23rd February at 7pm.

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It’s time for a special bonus episode of the podcast – think of this as a director’s cut!

Basically, we published our special episode looking at the history of the Bingham Cup, featuring the thoughts of loads of brilliant guests from right around the world.

One of the guests was Tom Crotty from the Sydney Convicts (the reigning Bingham Cup champions) – and his story was so fascinating that we wanted to bring it to you in full, and shine a bit of a spotlight on the Convicts as well.

So this is Tom’s story – of how he came back to rugby; of the difference that rugby has made in his life; of his experience of the first Bingham Cup and the importance of allies; and why he’s glad he came back to the game.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sydney Convicts

It’s the largest amateur rugby tournament in the world, and it’s named after a hero of 9/11.

And for this episode of the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast, we’re looking at the remarkable story of the Bingham Cup.

It’s another documentary-style show, as we look at the lives of Mark Bingham and Alice Hoagland; the growth of the tournament itself; and how the rise of the Cup is inextricably linked with the growth of inclusive rugby.

It’s a poignant listen about a brilliant event, and we think it’ll stick with you for a long time.

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PHOTO CREDIT: International Gay Rugby/ Candy Hoagland

It’s been exactly one year since Harlequins played London Irish at the Stoop in the Premiership in professional rugby union’s first-ever Pride Game.

The event also included a panel featuring LGBTQ+ people in rugby, and was a real celebration of inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

So, one year on, we thought we’d speak to the driving force behind the whole day about how it all came about.

James Swanson is Harlequins’ Customer Experience manager, and is a brilliant guest that takes us behind-the-scenes to learn more about how the Pride Game came together.

There’s also plenty of chat about the potential for a second Pride Game later this year; how Harlequins are breaking new ground with rugby union’s first-ever LGBTQ+ supporters club; and how allies, inside and outside the club, helped to make the day such a success.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Harlequins

It’s the 150th episode of the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast – and to mark the occasion, we’re switching things up a bit!

Instead of asking the questions, Jack is the one answering them – as he jumps into the hot-seat for the first time to talk in-depth about his experiences of being an LGBTQ+ person in sport.

The man asking the questions is award-winning sports broadcaster Ross Ellis, and there’s no topic that’s off-limits for this conversation.

From getting his start in sports broadcasting to starting the podcast; from his own coming out story to dealing with social media abuse; from the art of a good commentary to what’s next for the show – it’s all covered in this conversation.

After 149 episodes of asking the questions, it was about time this happened - and we hope you enjoy what you hear.

And honestly, thank you so much for the support you’ve shown in getting the show to this point – we couldn’t have done it without you.

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It’s LGBT+ History Month – and that means some of our podcasts are going to take on a slightly different flavour in February.

Instead of having just a single guest, we’re going to be putting out episodes that look at major sporting milestones, moments and themes for the LGBTQ+ community in sport.

And today, we’re focusing on the remarkable story of the Gay Games – and how one doctor’s dream of an inclusive sporting event based on the model of the Olympics became a reality bigger than he could ever have dreamed of.

From San Francisco to Hong Kong and everything in between, we’ll be looking at the Games’ growth; their importance; the memories of people who have taken part; and what the future holds for them.

It’s a cracking episode, looking at an event which, in its own way, has helped to change the sporting world.

And once you’ve listened to this, why not check out all of BBC Sport’s platforms to see some of the other amazing content that’s being put out for LGBT+ History Month.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Today, we’re hearing from someone who has been to more tournaments than you can shake a stick at - perhaps literally, in this case!

Lacrosse player Erin Walters-Williams (she/ her) is originally from Long Island, New York, but now lives in the UK.

A double European silver-medallist who has represented Wales at two World Cups, she’s also heavily involved with the administration, growth and diversity of the game – as part of both European Lacrosse and World Lacrosse as well.

And Erin’s story is a brilliant one to tell – open, honest and genuine.

From growing up in a community where sport took centre-stage, to the pressures of collegiate sport in the USA; from bouncing back from injury, to the reality of coming out, to realising her dreams in the sport … it’s a great conversation with someone we’ve wanted to have on the show for a while!

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PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL MARVIN

We’ve got a cracking episode of the podcast today where our main focus is on boxing – and a man who is determined to make his mark in more ways than one.

Martin Stark is the brains and driving force behind the first-ever World Gay Boxing Championships, which are set to be held in Sydney, Australia in 2023.

Some fight nights and test events are coming up in the not-too-distant future – and on the show today, we’re hearing all about how Martin has made the Championships happen.

It’s a journey that has had more than its fair share of challenges – from living with illness and overcoming near-death experiences; to taking a risk and trying something new; to driving through change and trying to create something from nothing.

But one thing that comes through clearly is Martin’s passion for the sport; for building inclusion; and making a lasting impression with these championships.

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If you are a professional wrestling fan, you will know Dave Bradshaw’s work.

He’s one of Britain’s top play-by-play commentators and has called some of the UK's biggest independent wrestling events over the past few years – as well as matches with the likes of Kenny Omega, Sami Zayn, Kurt Angle, Cody Rhodes and more.

For this month’s Wrestletalk magazine, Dave has written an article looking at pro wrestling’s relationship with, and portrayal of, the LGBTQ+ community.

And, for the first time, Dave has chosen to open up about his own sexuality – both in the article which is out today, and in this conversation with us.

We’re chuffed to bits he’s chosen to speak with us, and there’s loads to like in this episode.

Getting his break in the industry; the science of calling matches; working alongside your icons; his decision to open up about being gay; what made him hesitant to do it before, and why now is the right time; and the impact he hopes both the article and this conversation will have … honestly, we could go on and on.

We love this episode - because it's an honest, genuine chat with a really decent bloke who has chosen to share his story in the hope of showing that the professional wrestling business has a place for you, no matter how you identify or who you love.

And really, you can't say fairer than that!

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PHOTO CREDIT: WrestleTalk

This August, Copenhagen and Malmo will host one of the year’s most significant LGBTQ+ events in the form of Copenhagen 2021.

It’s a celebration of arts, culture, LGBTQ+ history and sport – with both World Pride and EuroGames a key part of the event.

It’s a lovely chat with two great representatives of inclusive sport in Europe, and it’s great to shine a light on what should be a top event this summer.

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