The LGBT Sport Podcast

If you're a fan of AFC Bournemouth, you've probably seen Sophie Cook's work.

She spent years snapping photos of Eddie Howe's side as the Cherries' official club photographer - but she has also had a story of her own to tell, as the first transgender person to ever work in the Premier League.

We're delighted to have Sophie on the podcast - talking about her love of photography; the bizarre place she had what she calls her 'epiphany about being trans'; and the reaction of the AFC Bournemouth squad to her news.

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Fred Rosser is a professional wrestler who made history when he became the first openly gay active member of the WWE roster. Wrestling is still his passion - but equal to it is his desire to tackle hatred and bigotry in all forms through his #blockthehate movement.

He joins us to talk about when he first started to love wrestling; the reaction of the WWE roster when he came out; the difference of having positive LGBTQ+ role models; his passion for social activism - and some of his favourite matches.

Plus, he tells us why he's keen to come to Britain to get involved with any Pride events happening in the UK.

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Caroline Matthews loved playing basketball - so when she was told she had to stop for health reasons, you'd think that would be the end of her journey in sport.

Instead, Caroline went on to become one of the biggest names in British wheelchair basketball and a two-time Paralympian - who has also been recognised in the New Year's Honours.

She's a fantastic guest - and says her wife is her rock who helped to make it all possible.

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We're taking a Christmas break on the podcast - so, to tide us over into 2019, here's a special extended edition with some of the most memorable guests we've had on this year.

It features people from around the world, in all sports and from all walks of life - and don't forget, these are just a few of our edited highlights, with loads more sitting in the archive for you to listen to whenever you'd like.

From us, a MASSIVE thank you to all of you for the support you've given us in 2018 - as we know we wouldn't even exist without it. We couldn't do it without you!

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She's a world champion and Olympic medallist - who had the honour of carrying the British flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

It's fair to say not much phases judo star Kate Howey - but last month, she did something she'd never done before by writing publicly about her sexuality for the first time. It's something she says took her thirty years to do - and we're delighted she's agreed to speak with us for her first broadcast interview since then.

Also on the agenda - how she got into the sport; avoiding bad food over Christmas; and how to avoid tripping when you're carrying your country's flag.

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How does a young man from Scotland go on to become one of the most respected names in European baseball?

That's exactly the journey that Thomas Haywood has been on over the past few years - and it's something that's taken him to all sorts of places as one of the top umpires on the European circuit.

He's our guest on this episode of the podcast - as we look at how he got his start in the game; his experiences of being LGBT in baseball; and the work he does with the charity OutdoorLads.

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At the end of November, Stonewall FC stepped out at Wembley to play Wilberforce Wanderers as part of this year's #RainbowLaces campaign.

It's something that Stonewall FC founder member Aslie Pitter would have struggled to imagine when he started playing football as a youngster. In this episode, he tells us about some of the racism and homophobia that he received starting out in the sport - and how he managed to overcome it.

Also on the agenda - the emotions he felt attending the match at Wembley, and why he doesn't put 'Pitter MBE' on the back of his shirt!

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Our guest today is an award-winning author, a journalist, an advocate - undoubtedly one of the smartest men we've ever spoken to - and the first trans man to ever box at Madison Square Garden.

Thomas Page McBee stepped into the ring at the most hallowed venue in combat sports for charity - and used his own experiences learning the art of boxing to examine stereotypes and perceptions about gender and masculinity.

His new book Amateur looks at those issues, as Thomas details his own his journey - and we do the same in this podcast.

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Verity Smith has always loved rugby - in fact, he can thank his grandparents for that!

But as a transgender man, he's also had to deal with his share of abuse since coming out - and today, he's telling us about the journey he's been on. It's one of bravery and courage - and one he hopes will inspire other trans individuals to give sport a chance.

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

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Imagine starting your own LGBT+ supporters group, and then using THAT as a way to help combat isolation in older people.

Pretty incredible, right - but that's exactly what Piero Zizzi has done with Proud Baggies, and why we're so delighted to have him on the podcast.

We talk about why he stayed in the closet around football for a long time; how Robbie Rogers inspired him to come out; and about the Proud Baggies' new 1968 Club.

Plus, as a bonus this week, we'll take a look back into the archives of the show (when it was called 'The Other Side') - and hear from Joanie Evans, as she discusses her role as the Co-President of the Federation of Gay Games and how she got into football.

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