The LGBT Sport Podcast

They say that when you're passionate about something, you'll do almost anything to make it happen.

And Jack Gemmell and Caitlin Black have done exactly that to raise the money they needed to make the short-film 12th Man, which looks at what it's like to come to terms with your own sexuality within the context of an uber-masculine Scottish football team.

To make it happen, the pair launched their own crowd-funder and took on an extraordinary physical challenge that took them into the heart of Scottish football - and both Jack and Caitlin are on the podcast today to talk about how it all came together.

We really like it, and we think you will as well.

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She's been part of the England rugby keague set up for more than a decade - the captain of the national side and part of the World Cup squad on three separate occasions.

And when Emily Rudge isn't representing her country on the grandest stage of them all, she's playing for St Helen's in the domestic league, and teaching PE at her local school.

We *think* it's the first time that we've had an England captain on the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast - and Emily is an absolute cracker of the guest who really doesn't disappoint.

There's so much to enjoy in this podcast - from inclusivity in rugby league, to the importance of getting kids into PE at a young age, to the huge role her Dad played in getting Emily into rugby league and helping her succeed in the sport.

We really loved having Emily on and we think you’ll love this episode as well - so listen, share and enjoy!

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In another world, the football season is preparing to reach a dramatic conclusion. Titles are being won, relegation battles fought, trophies lifted - at all levels, this was supposed to be the business end of the footballing year.

Daniel Crump is the captain of Charlton Invicta - an LGBTQ+ friendly side based in London. He's a brilliant guest - as we take a look at his life growing up in football; why he is such a huge lover of the beautiful game; what took him to Charlton Invicta and the pride he feels being associated with the side; and Spurs.

Yeah, to be honest, we talk about Spurs a lot - but we hope you don't mind, as Dan is such a cracking guest!

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Lucy Shuker is one of the most successful wheelchair tennis players the UK has ever produced.

A veteran of three Paralympics and a bronze medalist at two of them, she's also reached the finals at Wimbledon and the Australian Open - in fact, she's a regular at all the Grand Slams - and is a near-constant part of the world's Top 5 rankings as both a singles and doubles player.

We've wanted to have Lucy on the pod for a while - and now we've finally made it happen, it really doesn't disappoint!

From how she got back into sport again after her accident, to falling in love with a woman; from the moment Lucy won her first Paralympic medal, to her hopes for what will be a fourth consecutive Paralympics, this is an interview that will stick with you for a long, long time - and we really think you'll enjoy it.

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It’s a landmark episode of the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast – as we reach 100 episodes.

For a big show, you need a big guest - and that’s exactly what we’ve got with Chris Mosier.

He’s someone who is used to accomplishing firsts. A Hall of Fame triathlete, Chris is also an All-American duathlete who made history as the first transgender man to represent the United States in international competition. And then, earlier this year, he made history again – when he became the first trans-man to compete in a US Olympic Trial, when he entered the race-walking event.

Chris is also the first trans-man to feature in a Nike commercial and the first trans-athlete to appear in ESPN’s Body Issue – and we’re over the moon that he’s joined us to talk about all of that and more on our 100th episode.

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If you’re a wrestling fan, you’ll know that this week tends to be the most exciting one of the whole calendar – where established behemoths like WWE and smaller, independent companies alike schedule some of their most important shows.

And while coronavirus means this year has been different to many others that came before it, we thought we’d embrace pro-wrestling at one of its peak times by having a look back at four guests from this unique blend of sport and entertainment who have joined us on the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast over the years.

So, over the course of this ‘Revisited’ episode, you’ll hear from:

- Mike Parrow – one half of the ‘The End’ tag-team and a stalwart of Japanese wrestling, talking about his coming out.

They all have fascinating stories to tell from their time in the wrestling business – and unique takes on what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ in it as well. So, give it a listen!

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If you're a cricket commentator, it doesn't get much better than hearing your name on the roster for the iconic Test Match Special programme.

On one more occasion, that's something the brilliant Scott Read has been able to experience - including during last year's World Cup in England. So what's it like to join such an iconic show - and does the thrill ever leave you?

Scott is a fantastic guest in an episode that details his journey from starting out in Burnley (including watching his hometown club's ascent to the Premier League) to sharing a commentary box with some legendary broadcasters - to why he feels sport is becoming more and more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Plus, we have a bit of a natter about a proper commentary bugbear - when you know a big moment is coming up, but you have to hand over to your colleague to describe it!

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When it comes to guests, Jade Konkel is a bit of a gift - because there's so much to talk about.

The rugby union star made history when she became Scotland's first-ever female professional - and now plays for both her country and Harlequins Women.

She's also martial arts black-belt, a personal trainer - and at the end of last year, she got a massive surprise when she went out to propose to her girlfriend, only to find out her girlfriend was about to propose to her at the exact same time.

We absolutely loved having Jade on - and honestly, we think she'll brighten up your day as well, so give her a listen.

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As a child, Mike Minay used to go along to Maine Road to watch Manchester City as a fan.

Now, he gets to follow their progress around Europe as the club’s commentator for BBC Radio Manchester – and has seen them play everywhere from Wembley in the League Cup Final to the San Siro in the Champions League.

So how did Mike get to where he is now; what are some of the tips he gives to other aspiring young commentators; and what have his experiences been like as a gay man in the world of sports media?

We absolutely loved this episode - two commentary nerds geeking out and having a chat about the beautiful game - and we think you'll like it as well.

PS. Mike had been up from about 5am when we recorded - so we're even *more* grateful he took the time to chat to chat with us!

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For more than two years, the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast has been shining a spotlight on the contributions made by amazing groups and individuals in the world of sport who happen to be LGBTQ+.

In this special 'Revisited' episode, we catch up with one of our favourite interviews from the archives – as transgender rallying champion and columnist Rowena Purdy shares her remarkable story.

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