Tokyo Olympics a historic step forward for the global LGBTQ2s+ community

by Christine Kinori

The Tokyo Olympics is drawing to its grand finale this weekend as Japan passes the baton to France and for the LGBTQ2s+ community across the globe, 2020 was historic . For the first time in Olympic history , there were at least 168 LGBTQ2s+ athletes competing in Tokyo making it the most inclusive Olympic ever .It is no surprise as to why it has been hailed as the Rainbow Olympics.

The sports world has not always been this welcoming when it comes to the LGBTQ2s+ community. It was only in 2014 , when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced a specific anti-discrimination clause to its host city contract. The Tokyo Olympics proves that the IOC and the world is on the right track when it comes to acceptance and embracing diversity . However, there is still a long way to go. This is clearly seen in the recent verbal attack by Russian State television. They used extremely offensive language in questioning LGBTQ2s+ athletes participation.

For most LGBTQ2s+ individuals across the world, the Tokyo Olympics gave them hope that the increase in numbers of LGBTQ2s+ athletes is a reflection of the growing acceptance not only in sports but the society at large. It has inspired many LGBTQ2s+ activists from different countries to use the opportunity to bring out the message of equality and inclusivity.

Japan activists are hoping to use the Games as a chance to raise awareness and public support for LGBTQ2s+ issues in the country. Although Tokyo passed the anti-discrimination law three years ago in accordance to the Olympic charter, it does not offer the same legal protections for non-athlete LGBTQ2s+ people. The activists are uniting with foreign teams to try and get Japan to pass LGBTQ2s+ protection related bills.

Some of these Olympians are using this chance to also raise awareness of the challenges the LGBTQ2s+ community faces in their respective countries. At least 10 of the openly queer athletes come from countries where being gay is criminalized and punishable by death or more than 10 year prison sentence. This is the case for Tongan swimmer Amini Fonua , who is risking her life and freedom to participate in the Games.

The Games have enabled athletes from different backgrounds and cultures to be exposed each other. It shows them the different ways different countries are dealing with sexual orientation .Athletes from countries such as Iran,China and Russia get to take the experience back home and educate people in their country on the toxicity of homophobia.

Other athletes are using the Games to publicly come out and declare their support for the LGBTQ2s+ community. Polish rower Katarzyna Zillman came out by publicly thanking her girlfriend when she won Silver in the quadruple sculls and explained that she wants to use her platform to help the LGBTQ2s+ community in Poland where there has been a rising wave of homophobia.

Tom Daley, a British diver used his platform during the Tokyo Olympics to encourage young upcoming LGBTQ2s+ from any country to embrace their sexuality and chase their dream to be in sports. He said he hopes to see even more LGBTQ2s+ athletes in sports and hope they know that they too can achieve their dreams .

The transgender athletes have also taken this opportunity to participate at the highest level of sports with no incidents. They have used this chance to pass the message that they too deserve to be allowed to be in the Games .Tokyo Olympics was the first time transgender athletes competed and they did great.

Hopefully , Paris will take notes from Tokyo and continue to push for equality in 2024. The LGBTQ2s+ community across the world has been inspired and moved by Japan’s commitment to giving a fair and conducive environment to the LGBTQ2s+ athletes. It has been a long time coming with a never-ending uphill battle but we can now see the changes. Let us hope for the day that sexual orientation won’t be used to discriminate athletes and the world in general will be more understanding to diversity.

Christine Kinori is a travel freelance writer. “I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new culture. I believe in equality and I want my daughter to live in a better world.”