By Kevin Pawlak
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, the global spotlight is on the athletes who will redefine the boundaries of sport and representation. Among these remarkable competitors, queer athletes are not only aiming for the podium but also challenging stereotypes and inspiring a more inclusive sporting environment.
The Paralympic Games have long been a platform for showcasing athleticism beyond physical limitations and, in Paris, this will extend to a powerful statement on diversity. While LGBT representation in the Olympics has gradually increased, the Paralympics are also seeing a rise in openly LGBT athletes who are bringing visibility to queer athletes in adaptive sports.
One of the most prominent LGBT athletes set to compete in Paris is Hailey Danz from the United States, who has previously spoken about how sport helped her navigate her identity as a gay woman. Danz, a triathlete, has been a consistent performer in international competitions and will be one of the favourites in her events at the Paris Games. Her story of resilience, both on and off the field, continues to inspire many within the LGBT community and beyond.
In addition to Danz, the Games will feature several other out LGBT athletes, including competitors in wheelchair basketball, athletics, and swimming.
Let’s highlight a few remarkable athletes. These athletes not only compete for medals but also serve as advocates for a more inclusive world.
Emma Wiggs (Great Britain): Emma Wiggs, a paracanoeist, secured gold at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio and added gold and silver medals in Tokyo three years ago. Her achievements extend beyond the water, as she also competed in sitting volleyball during the 2012 London Games. Wiggs grew up in Watford and excelled at hockey. At 18, while on her gap year, she contracted a virus that initially paralysed her and left her with irreparably damaged nerves in her legs.
Valentina Petrillo (Italy): Valentina Petrillo is set to become the first out transgender athlete to compete at the Paralympic Games. Representing Italy in the women’s T12 200m and 400m for athletes with visual impairments, she embodies the spirit of inclusion and authenticity. Petrillo is 50 years old and was diagnosed as a teenager with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition, considers herself lucky despite the challenges she’s faced. She is almost blind.
Alana Maldonado (Brazil): Reigning judo champion Alana Maldonado represents Brazil for the third time at the Paralympics. She won gold in the 70kg division in Tokyo 2021 and dedicated her victory to her girlfriend back home, emphasizing that the gold medal belongs to both of them. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at the age of 14, a genetic condition that led to the progressive loss of central vision, she is visually impaired.
Lee Pearson (Great Britain): Lee Pearson, an equestrian, boasts an impressive 14 Paralympic gold medals. As the first out gay member of the British Paralympic team, he has been a trailblazer for LGBT+ representation in sports. His moving speech after winning gold in Tokyo emphasized the power of love and acceptance. Pearson was born suffering from Arthrogryphosis. a condition that makes the muscles in the arms and legs grow as scar tissue, leaving babies severely disabled. After 15 major operations, he now walks with the help of crutches and leg splints.
The inclusion of openly LGBT athletes in the Paralympics is a testament to the evolving culture of sports. For many of these athletes, the journey to Paris has been as much about personal identity as it has been about athletic achievement. The visibility of LGBT Paralympians serves as an inspiration for others who may face similar challenges, demonstrating that being true to oneself can coexist with excellence in sport.
The Paralympic Games, known for breaking barriers and pushing the limits of what is possible, are an ideal platform to showcase the diversity within the sporting world. With more athletes coming out, the Games are increasingly seen as a beacon of inclusivity, reinforcing the idea that sport is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The presence of Pride Houses at international sporting events, including the Paralympics, has also provided a safe space for LGBT athletes, fans, and allies to gather and celebrate their identities. These spaces have been instrumental in promoting awareness and fostering a sense of community among queer athletes.
As the Paris 2024 Paralympics draw near, the anticipation is building not just for the athletic performances but also for the broader social impact these Games will have. The increasing visibility of LGBT athletes at the Paralympics is a powerful reminder of sport’s role in advocating for a more inclusive society. With the world watching, these athletes are set to make history—not just by winning medals, but by showing that everyone, regardless of their identity, has a place on the world stage.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a landmark event, showcasing the best of human resilience and diversity. As LGBT athletes step onto the field, they will be carrying more than just the hopes of winning; they will be embodying the spirit of inclusion and the ongoing fight for equality in all areas of life. This moment in Paris could very well set the tone for future generations of athletes, encouraging them to embrace their identities without fear and to pursue their dreams with unyielding determination.
Paris 2024 Paralympics will start on August 28, 2024, at 8:00 CET and will be streamed live on Eurosport Channel.
Kevin Pawlak is the chief of station in Vienna for GAY45, a photographer, and writer. As a student at the University of Vienna, he is currently pursuing a degree in Media and Communication Science while further honing his artistic skills at the renowned Friedl Kubelka School of Photography.
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