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A Jamaican swimmer who will be heading to the Commonwealth Games to promote LGBTQ+ participation in sport spoke about the reality of being LGBTQ+ in several Commonwealth countries. Homosexual activity is illegal in 35 of the 54 sovereign states of the Commonwealth Games with it being legal in only 19.

Michael Gunning is a Pride House ambassador for the Commonwealth Games this year. Pride House is an initiative aiming to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ supporters, athletes, organisations and staff at the Commonwealth Games.

Whilst Birmingham embraces inclusivity this summer, one country participating in the games that still punish people for being LGBTQ+ is Michaels country of Jamaica. And Michael has spoken out about the situation that people in those countries face.

He said: It really is heart-breaking, as in my eyes, gay rights should be human rights. Weve come so far here in the UK, and its easy to overlook the laws and guidelines around the world, but as the games are coming to the UK, I feel its our duty to be part of the change we want to create, he said.

I am proud to represent Jamaica, but no-one should feel fear of being their true self in-front of friends and family, and I know that so many people, especially in those countries that criminalise people for being LGBTQ+, are suffering in silence, and it's taking a toll on their mental health. I think we need to keep these conversations going around the world, and keep asking the governing bodies the uncomfortable questions that will help keep nations up to date within society.

Michael is Jamaica's first openly gay athlete. And Michael stressed that representation is a key factor in encouraging more athletes to come out."I think education. But also representation," he said.

"People being their authentic selves and being open about it. I think it's heartbreaking that there are so many athletes oppressing their sexuality - like I did for so long.

"Because I represent Jamaica, I am the first openly gay athlete for Jamaica, but I want to change that. I haven't done it to get attention, I've done it to bring representation to the front of what we do and get the ball turning to get those laws changed."

Michael competed in both the 2017 and 2019 World Aquatics Championships. Speaking about who inspires him, Michael spoke about how Tom Daley coming out saved himself.

"In many ways, Tom Daley saved me because after he came out, he led the way for so many around him, and I opened up to him so much about my own identity. Ive had so many athletes and people around the world confiding in me, and its been wonderful that just by being me, Ive managed to help and shine that light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/7/0/AAZiH8AADBNK.jpg

He's right.

If rights don't apply to homosexuals then you can't claim they are human rights. Human rights apply to everyone

We all deserve equality and respect. No Government should be able to demand that you can't love other adults except the ones they pre-approve. Fuck that.