The LGBT Sport Podcast

Megan Giglia's journey in elite sport began in the most traumatic way possible - when she walked into hospital with a headache like she'd never experienced before.

What happened next changed her life and started her on a remarkable journey that turned her into an international cycling star - a world champion and world record-holder who won Britain's first gold medal at the Paralympics in Rio in 2016.

We've not had a story like Megan's on the podcast before - and we think you'll find it every bit as fascinating and inspiring as we did. From physical health to mental health; from being an LGBT role model to video-gaming, we cover absolutely everything - and honestly, it was a real privilege to finally get to speak with Megan.

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For Huw Ware, getting involved in darts was a case of being in the right place at the right time -- and watching a match that got him hooked!

From there, he went on to play at an international level -- but officiating was the path he ultimately ended up following. Then, he ended up forging a path of his own - when he came out and as the first openly gay man in the sport.

We've wanted to have Huw on for a while - and he doesn't disappoint. Candid and funny, open and personal, Huw takes us inside the sport - giving us the lowdown on everything from the support he's had from the PDC, to some of the lower moments he's experienced since coming out.

Plus, why he won't play darts to relax anymore - and how his style of announcing the scores has evolved over the years!

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On September 25th 2018, we launched the BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast.

We would never - EVER - have imagined that twelve months later, we'd still be going strong. The fact we are is entirely down to you - for listening; for sharing on social media and, in the case of our guests, for coming on-air to tell their story to the world.

Your support means sporting stories from the LGBTQ+ community are now shared with more than 8 million people on the BBC Sport Twitter feed, and have helped to change the conversation about what it means to be LGBTQ+ in sport.

So, in this special episode, we revisit ten memorable moments from the last twelve months, featuring:

- Keegan Hirst

You can hear their stories in full in our archive - which includes 62 episodes, with guests from the grassroots to Olympic gold medallists. And, once again, thank you for the support you've given in making this podcast a reality.

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If you encountered homophobia on the terraces, would you turn round and tackle it?

That's the type of question that - sadly - is all too common for LGBTQ+ football fans, and one that Tom Carr is familiar with. The journalist set up the Argyle Pride supporters group for LGBTQ+ fans of Plymouth Argyle, and has been speaking to us for a brand-new episode of the podcast.

On the agenda - reconciling his identity as an LGBTQ+ person with his love of football; what could be preventing a male professional footballer from coming out in the British game; confronting homophobia when it happens in person; and getting started in journalism.

He gives the most eloquent description of what it's like to hear homophobia at a game that we've had in a long time - and we hope you enjoy hearing from him as much as we did.

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It's fair to say the Kings Cross Steelers have been on quite a journey over the past twenty-five years.

Last month, they were named Men's Team of the Year at the National Rugby Awards - but when they were founded back in 1995, they sometimes struggled to find opponents to play against.

Why? Well, the Kings Cross Steelers were the world's first-ever gay rugby team - and have been on quite a journey since they were first set up.

Josh Birch is the first team captain - and has been talking to us about mainstream recognition; spending a season unbeaten; the importance of inclusive clubs - and who he fancies to go all the way at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

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Sometimes, we speak with guests who have such a passion for their sport that they find it hard to contain. It literally spills out of them - and fires up everyone around them as well!

Luke Tuffs is one of those people - the manager of Knaphill FC, and a man who has loved football for as long as he can remember. He's someone we've wanted to have on the podcast for a long time - and he doesn't disappointed.

On the agenda in this episode - learning to get the respect of a squad; the pressure he puts on himself; his experiences of being LGBT in the amateur game versus the league structure; and who he'd like to match up against as a manager if *every* option was on the table.

It was cracking to have him on the show - and we really think you'll enjoy hearing from Luke as much as we did.

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We'll say this right now - Beth Allen is a lot of fun to chat with.

She's an All-American golfer and the 2016 LET Order of Merit winner - who found out she was a match as a kidney donor to her brother while waiting to play her first round at the Australian Open. When she's not on the course, she's encouraging others to get involved in the game, doing her own podcast -- and playing VERY competitive games of table tennis with her wife.

On the agenda with her - coming through the American collegiate system; the hole-in-one that changed her life; and getting stuck in a diamond bracelet!

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She describes herself as 'an average pool swimmer' at best - but it's probably fair to say that Vicki Carter is selling herself short.

She's competed at numerous Gay Games - and last month, she became the latest person to conquer the English Channel. Why? Well, partly to prove something to herself - but also to raise the money necessary to host the UK's first awards shows celebrating LGBTQ+ people in sport.

She's been speaking about her training; the mantra that kept her going; why it was something she wanted to do - and why she's so passionate about getting more LGBTQ+ individuals active.

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For one episode, we've decided to do something different.

To focus not on the training schedules and achievements of one amazing LGBTQ+ sportsperson – but on the reality of what it's like to experience homophobia and transphobia in sport.

After all, at a time when Kick It Out is reporting increased discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in football, and where reported transgender hate crimes in England, Scotland and Wales have increased by more than 80 percent, how could we not?

So, this compilation episode is seven of our previous guests, giving us seven different takes on the homophobia and transphobia that they've experienced.

We won't lie. It's pretty heavy -- but we felt it was important to do. And we promise, normal service will be resumed next time.

THE LIST OF VOICES YOU HEARD:

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Imagine having the final say on whether someone wins a gold medal -- or goes home with absolutely nothing?

That's the sort of pressure that falls on Alan Baser's shoulders as one of the most respected judges in the world of sailing. It's a vocation that's taken him across the globe, from World Championships to Olympic Games -- and it all began with a bit of messing around on a river in Plymouth.

He's been telling us about the life of a judge; about getting decisions right and not taking the work home with you; about how even he feels 'imposter syndrome'; and how singing in a choir helps him relax!

He's a brilliant guest - and we think you'll like him as much as we do.

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