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Tag: Gareth Thomas

All the latest breaking news on the former rugby champ Gareth Thomas. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Gareth Thomas.

  • Journalist told Gareth Thomas’ parents about his HIV status

    Journalist told Gareth Thomas’ parents about his HIV status

    Rugby champ reveals a journalist told his parents about his HIV status.

    Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas has criticised the journalist who revealed his HIV diagnosis to his parents before he had told them, in an emotional interview on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning.

    Speaking to Nicky Campbell on 5 Live Breakfast the former Welsh captain shares his anger that he was not able to break the news to them himself.

    “They love me, they love me whatever,” he says. “But you know I can never have that moment back to sit down with them and be able to explain to them why their son is going to be OK and is going to be able to live through this and live a normal, healthy life.

    “Because that person came and took that moment away from me. My parents will say that they’re  fine because that’s my parents.  But I can’t really tell you how they felt because I can’ t imagine how they felt.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    He says that he resents the intrusion into his personal life, and regrets not being able to reassure them about his diagnosis:

    “Can you imagine somebody coming to your door, can you imagine someone coming to your door and saying something so personal and so intrusive to you about the thing and the person that you would love and protect through anything?  Can you imagine how that would feel?  I can’t, I can’t so I can’t really tell you.

    “But what I can tell you is that I’ve got the best parents on the planet because to this day they stand by me and they believe in me and they believe in what I’m doing now.”

    Gareth was speaking ahead of a documentary Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me on BBC One tonight.

    Listen to Nicky Campbell’s full interview with Gareth Thomas on today’s BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast on BBC Sounds:

  • Former X Factor winner compares HIV to smoking and obesity

    Former X Factor winner compares HIV to smoking and obesity

    A former winner of X Factor, Steve Brookstein has been slammed on Twitter after making comments on the “hypocrisy of gay men”, and calling HIV a “burden” on the NHS.

    Steve Brookstein has angered users on Twitter after a flurry of tweets about Gareth Thomas and his HIV status. He also took a swing at gay men, calling them hypocrites when talking about HIV.

    Gareth Thomas recently revealed that he was living with HIV, after being forced to reveal his status by blackmailers.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Taking to Twitter, the singer, who won the very first season of X Factor, wrote a series of Tweets aimed at Gareth Thomas and likening HIV to smoking and obesity.

    He wrote, “I don’t give a damn what he does in his private life that’s his business. I do however think we should treat HIV the same way we treat smoking, obesity and drinking. It is a public health issue. We need to help but also educate.”

    He continued,  “The hypocrisy of gay men discussing HIV is astonishing. They don’t like HIV being compared to obesity or smoking. Yes it is unfortunate and treatable but so is obesity and smoking.”

    One follower replied, “I’d love to know if you know the circumstances under which Gareth actually contracted HIV? Was it a choice? Like putting food and fags in your mouth are? I highly f***ing doubt it.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    While another wrote, “Another added: “Its a disease you can get even while taking all precautions. Obesity and smoking are ppl failing to control themselves, over and over again. Hardly the same you moron.”

    Burden on the NHS

    However, in one tweet, he claimed that HIV was a “burden on the NHS” just like obesity, writing, “As yet I’ve not had one person make me even think about changing my mind. HIV is preventable, it is a burden on the NHS and people need educating. Just like Obesity. If you find that offensive that’s your problem. Bye.”

    One user, DolanTalk offered to meet with Brookstein to educate him on HIV, offering “How about me meet and I educate you. Smoking and obesity are both related to addictions. Someone who is HIV+ isn’t that by choice. Honestly, I’m up for you educating you…”

    To which Brookstein replied,  “All preventable. Same as accidents in extreme sports. My point is that there are many things that are a burden to society. I’m not suggesting any should be stigmatised. Drunks in A&E on a Saturday night are a burden and need educating. HIV is also preventable”.

    “Hate from homosexuals”

    He also questioned why he was getting “hate” from gay men. Saying, “…I am getting hate from homosexuals for talking about it. Why is that?, The reason gay men are offended is because Gareth Thomas is gay. If I had made my comment about a straight man with HIV you people wouldn’t say a word.”

    The singer then published a bizzare poll in which he asked his followers, “Before any more homosexuals come to me all offended answer this: Which of the following is NOT preventable?, Obesity, Smoking, HIV or Death”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Gareth Thomas comes out as HIV-positive after blackmailers threaten to out him

    Gareth Thomas comes out as HIV-positive after blackmailers threaten to out him

    Gareth Thomas has recorded a video to come out about living with HIV and to break the stigma surrounding it.

    The Welsh rugby icon, Gareth Thomas recorded a video saying that he was sharing “his secret” about living with HIV after blackmailers threatened to out him.

  • Who are the LGBT stars who have starred in Celebrity Big Brother

    So the 20th series of Celebrity Big Brother has just launched. We thought we’d see which LGBT celebs have starred in the ever popular show.

    Generally speaking, LGBT celebs tend to do well in Celebrity Big Brother. There have been two openly gay winners, Rylan and Julian Clary. There have been three runners-up, Sue Perkins, Austin Armacost and Michael Barrymore. However, some LGBT celebs have caused controversy and were booted from the house, including Tila Tequila and Christopher Biggins. There have been two trans women to take part in the show.

    There have been:

    Lesbian 3

    Bisexual 8

    Gay 14

    Trans* 3

    Honourary 1

    Total 29

    Series 2

    Sue Perkins, came 2nd

    Former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins wasn’t as famous back then as she is now. Series two of CBB was just ten days long and she managed to stay right till the last day but didn’t win the series. That honour went to former Take That singer Mark Owen.

    Series 4

    Jodie Marsh, first evicted.

    Jodie Marsh who said she was bisexual after being celibate for 4 years didn’t fair well during her time on the show. She was the first evictee from the series. In an exclusive interview with THEGAYUK.com she told us that only gay porn gets her off now.

    Michael Barrymore, came 2nd

    His appearance in Series 4 of Celeb Big Bro was largely considered Michael Barrymore’s comeback to mainstream television following the death of a man at his home. He managed to spend 22 days in the house and was crowned runner up of the series.

    Pete Burn, came 5th

    Peter Burns came fifth the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother. There were hopes he’d be invited back for the ‘All-Stars’ version of the show, but he died a few months before the start of the 17th series.

     

    Series 5

    Ian H Watkins, came 4th

    Ian, or as many of our readers will know him as “H” from Steps, came out officially on the day he entered the house. He was in one of the most talked series ever, after a “race row” between a number of the housemates and Indian actor Shilpa Shetty. He eventually placed fourth.

     

    Series 7

    Alex Reid, winner

    Alex, who has spoken about how he might consider himself transgender or a cross gender-dresser in 2015 managed to win the 7th series of the show. During her time in the Big Brother house ex-wife Katie Price talked about how much Alex liked butt play.

     

    Series 9

    Gareth Thomas, came third

    Rugby’s first out player, Gareth Thomas, finished 3rd in the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

     

    Series 10

    Jasmine Lennard, first evictee

    Jasmine didn’t fair too well in the tenth series as she was the first celebrity to be booted from the show.

    Julian Clary, winner

    Julian won the hearts of the nation and was crowned king of the house.

    Julie Goodyear MBE, came 7th

    Coronation Street actor, Julie Goodyear, managed to stay the course for 22 days and was the seventh celeb to be evicted.

     

    Series 11

    Rylan Clark, winner

    King of the presenters, Rylan Clark managed to win the 11th series just weeks after being booted from the X Factor.

     

    Series 12

    Louis Spence, came 7th

    Louis managed to dance and prance his way through the 12th series of CBB placing 7th overall.

    Lauren Harries, came 3rd

    Lauren was the first openly trans person to star in Celebrity Big Brother. She came third in the 12th series of CBB. In December, Lauren gave heavy hints that she’d be joining the 17th series, but so far she’s not appeared.

     

    Series 13

    Lee Ryan, came 7th

    Lee went in a straight man, however, a sexual revelation during a conversation with some housemates made many viewers believe that he is bisexual. Even his fellow Blue bandmate, Duncan James tweeted that he thought he was the only “only bi/gay in the band”. Lee lasted 24 days in the house.

    Ollie Locke, came 3rd

    Ollie announced that he was bisexual before entering the house and admitted that he had never slept with a man. He has since come out as gay.

     

    Series 14

    Leslie Jordan, 2nd evictee

    Will and Grace actor Leslie got more than he bargained for when he joined series 14. A few spats with Frenchy saw his best undies destroyed by the star.

    Kellie Maloney, came 9th

    Kellie Maloney became the second trans woman to enter the BB house. She won the nation’s hearts with her public transformation. Kellie also reveals that Tom Selleck would be her perfect man.

     

    Series 15

    Kavana, came 7th

    Boybander Kavana, didn’t get much airtime in the 15th series thanks to huge personalities like Michelle Visage, Perez Hilton and Katie Hopkins.

    Michelle Visage, came 5th

    Okay, so Michelle Visage is an honorary member of the LGBT community. She did herself proud in the house and even managed to make Katie Hopkins seem approachable.

    Perez Hilton, came 6th

    Apparently, possibly, the most talked about housemate in the history of the show. Execs were so eager to have him back for the latest series but failed to meet his “double the money” demand.

     

    Series 16

    Austin Armacost, came 2nd

    It didn’t take long for Austin to get naked in the BB house, in fact, it was just a couple of hours. He managed to bromance his way to the finals with James Hill.

    Tila Tequila, ejected

    The less said the better, to be honest. She got kicked out when BB execs realised that she had written some offensive messages on social media.

     

    Series 17

    Christopher Maloney, came 8th

    Christopher failed to make much of an impact in this season of CBB – although proved himself to be the nice guy.

    John Partridge, came 5th

    John Partridge proved popular and likeable during the 17th series of CBB.

     

    Series 18

    Christopher Biggins, ejected

    Poor Christopher Biggins didn’t last long in CBB after a number of offensive conversations, Biggins was booted off the show.

    Marnie Simpson, came 4th

    Bisexual star Marine Simpson fell in love with Lewis Bloor and his massive penis. Their love story was the stuff of true boredom.

    Samantha Fox, came 7th

     

    Series 19

    Austin Armacost was once again invited back to the house but didn’t get very far after he was evicted in a cruel twist when housemates voted him the dullest. He was in the house for 11 days.

    Series 20

    Jemma Lucy

    Entered the house on day one. In her opening VT, Jemma proudly stated she was bisexual.

    Trisha Paytas

    Entered in the house on day one – and spoke with Jemma about dating both men and women.

     

     

    • Claims of sexuality made during various times and by various news sources. If an assertion of sexuality or gender is wrong please email the newsdesk for correction.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Jump Celebs revealed

    The Jump Celebs revealed

    Channel 4’s The Jump is returning to our screens…

    The Jump 2017 celeb line up announced
    CREDIT Channel 4

    The Health and Safety dept have been called in and The Jump 2017 lineup has been announced.

    Series four of the show is due to be filmed in Austria and Channel 4 execs have roped in Davina McCall for hosting. Despite broken ankles, sprained everythings and even a broken back a whole galaxy of stars have signed up for the new season.

    So who are the celebs?

    Olympian Bradley Wiggins

    Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews

    X Factor hottie Jake Quickenden

    TOWIE’s Lydia Bright

    Model and Musical theatre star Caprice

    Paralympic medalist Kadeena Cox

    Model Vogue Williams

    Footballer Robbie Fowler

    BB star Josie Gibsons

    Olympian Jade Jones

    Olympian Louis Smith

    Former rugby star Gareth Thomas

    Rugby star Jason Robinson

    Comedian Mark Dolan

    Aristocrat Emma Parker Bowles

     

  • The LGBT stars who have starred in Celebrity Big Brother

    The LGBT stars who have starred in Celebrity Big Brother

    So the 19th series of Celebrity Big Brother has just launched. We thought we’d see which LGBT celebs have starred in the ever popular show.

    which gay stars have appeared in Celebrity Big Brother
    Celebrity Big Brother 2017 | Channel 5

    Generally speaking, LGBT celebs tend to do well in Celebrity Big Brother. There have been two openly gay winners, Rylan and Julian Clary. There have been three runners-up, Sue Perkins, Austin Armacost and Michael Barrymore. However, some LGBT celebs have caused controversy and were booted from the house, including Tila Tequila and Christopher Biggins. There have been two trans women to take part in the show.

    There have been:

    Lesbian 3

    Bisexual 6

    Gay 14

    Trans 3

    Honourary 1

    Total 27

    Series 2

    Sue Perkins, came 2nd

    Former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins wasn’t as famous back then as she is now. Series two of CBB was just ten days long and she managed to stay right till the last day but didn’t win the series. That honour went to former Take That singer Mark Owen.

     

    Series 4

    Jodie Marsh, first evicted.

    Jodie Marsh who said she was bisexual after being celibate for 4 years didn’t fair well during her time on the show. She was the first evictee from the series. In an exclusive interview with THEGAYUK.com she told us that only gay porn gets her off now.

    Michael Barrymore, came 2nd

    His appearance in Series 4 of Celeb Big Bro was largely considered Michael Barrymore’s comeback to mainstream television following the death of a man at his home. He managed to spend 22 days in the house and was crowned runner up of the series.

    Pete Burn, came 5th

    Pete Burns
    By AndyCrazyTeen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
    Peter Burns came fifth the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother. There were hopes he’d be invited back for the ‘All-Stars’ version of the show, but he died a few months before the start of the 17th series.

     

    Series 5

    Ian H Watkins, came 4th

    Ian, or as many of our readers will know him as “H” from Steps, came out officially on the day he entered the house. He was in one of the most talked series ever, after a “race row” between a number of the housemates and Indian actor Shilpa Shetty. He eventually placed fourth.

     

    Series 7

    Alex Reid, winner

    Alex, who has spoken about how he might consider himself transgender or a cross gender-dresser in 2015 managed to win the 7th series of the show. During her time in the Big Brother house ex-wife Katie Price talked about how much Alex liked butt play.

     

    Series 9

    Gareth Thomas, came third

    Rugby’s first out player, Gareth Thomas, finished 3rd in the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

     

    Series 10

    Jasmine Lennard, first evictee

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    Jasmine didn’t fair too well in the tenth series as she was the first celebrity to be booted from the show.

     

    Julian Clary, winner

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    Julian won the hearts of the nation and was crowned king of the house.

     

    Julie Goodyear MBE, came 7th

    Coronation Street actor, Julie Goodyear, managed to stay the course for 22 days and was the seventh celeb to be evicted.

     

    Series 11

    Rylan Clark, winner

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    King of the presenters, Rylan Clark managed to win the 11th series just weeks after being booted from the X Factor.

     

    Series 12

    Louis Spence, came 7th

    Louis managed to dance and prance his way through the 12th series of CBB placing 7th overall.

    Lauren Harries, came 3rd

    Lauren was the first openly trans person to star in Celebrity Big Brother. She came third in the 12th series of CBB. In December, Lauren gave heavy hints that she’d be joining the 17th series, but so far she’s not appeared.

     

    Series 13

    Lee Ryan, came 7th

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    Lee went in a straight man, however, a sexual revelation during a conversation with some housemates made many viewers believe that he is bisexual. Even his fellow Blue bandmate, Duncan James tweeted that he thought he was the only “only bi/gay in the band”. Lee lasted 24 days in the house.

    Ollie Locke, came 3rd

    Ollie announced that he was bisexual before entering the house and admitted that he had never slept with a man. He has since come out as gay.

     

    Series 14

    Leslie Jordan, 2nd evictee

    Will and Grace actor Leslie got more than he bargained for when he joined series 14. A few spats with Frenchy saw his best undies destroyed by the star.

    Kellie Maloney, came 9th

    kellie maloney
    CREDIT Channel 5

    Kellie Maloney became the second trans woman to enter the BB house. She won the nation’s hearts with her public transformation. Kellie also reveals that Tom Selleck would be her perfect man.

     

    Series 15

    Kavana, came 7th

    Boybander Kavana, didn’t get much airtime in the 15th series thanks to huge personalities like Michelle Visage, Perez Hilton and Katie Hopkins.

    Michelle Visage, came 5th

    Okay, so Michelle Visage is an honorary member of the LGBT community. She did herself proud in the house and even managed to make Katie Hopkins seem approachable.

    Perez Hilton, came 6th

    Apparently, possibly, the most talked about housemate in the history of the show. Execs were so eager to have him back for the latest series but failed to meet his “double the money” demand.

     

    Series 16

    Austin Armacost, came 2nd

    Austin and James.

    It didn’t take long for Austin to get naked in the BB house, in fact, it was just a couple of hours. He managed to bromance his way to the finals with James Hill.

    Tila Tequila, ejected

    The less said the better to be honest. She got kicked out when BB execs realised that she had written some offensive messages on social media.

     

    Series 17

    Christopher Maloney, came 8th

    John Partridge, came 5th

     

    Series 18

    Christopher Biggins, ejected

    Christopher Biggins
    CREDIT Channel 5

    Poor Christopher Biggins didn’t last long in CBB after a number of offensive conversations, Biggins was booted off the show.

    Marnie Simpson, came 4th

    Bisexual star Marine Simpson fell in love with Lewis Bloor and his massive penis. Their love story was the stuff of true boredom.

    Samantha Fox, came 7th

     

    • Claims of sexuality made during various times and by various news sources. If an assertion of sexuality or gender is wrong please email the newsdesk for correction.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • LGBT Peoples We’d Like To See As The Next Bond

    Much is being said about who is destined to be the next Bond and well here at THEGAYUK we’d like to see a bit of diversity…

    So if Spectre is Daniel Craig’s last film in the Bond franchise and the job is up for grabs, we’ve got some suggestions from our very own community.

    1) Paris Lees

    Embed from Getty Images

    Although we can’t find her age (how you do this in this modern age of Wikipedia, Google and FB is a dark art – something that could come in handy for a Bond), so we’re guessing she’s mid to late 20s, Paris Lees might be a little too young to play Bond, but how magnificent would she be. Outspoken, witty, dresses to kill,  well connected and knows how to mix a good cocktail we’re told.

    2) Andrew Hayden-Smith, 32

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen for THEGAYUK

    Swave, British, easy on the eye and Northern – we’ve yet to have a Tyne And Wear bred Bond and we think it’s about time. He’d be the youngest Bond to play the part if he got it, but since Bonds need to last a decade we could definitely see Hayden-Smith maturing into the role nicely.

    3) Sue Perkins, 46

     CREDIT: (C) Love Productions – Photographer: Des Willie

    Sue Perkins’ got the smarts and the sense of humour. She exudes confidence, which is a must for any Bond.

    Bond, Sue Bond – no wait doesn’t she already exist?

    4) Martyn Andrews, 36,

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen / THEGAYUK

    Former cover star for THEGAYUK, Martyn is an international man having travelled the world extensively. He’s multi-lingual and a genius when it comes to Russian politics having served at a journalist for RT for nearly 10 years. At over 6’3″ he’d be one of the tallest Bonds to date.

     

    5) Wentworth Miller, 43

    CREDIT: ©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos

    CREDIT: ©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos

    The perfect age for a Bond – plus Wentworth Miller’s got that whole prison thing going for him.

    Plus he looks amazing in a suit – so what more do you really need?

     

    6) Alan Cumming, 51

    CREDIT: kathclick/bigstock

    CREDIT: kathclick/bigstock

    Scottish born Alan Cumming, showed his Machiavellian side in The Good Wife, we think Alan could definitely pull off a gay bond. At 51 he may be a little too old – as Bonds should ideally last about 10 years in the role – which means by his last film he’d be into his 60s. He wouldn’t be the first Scot to play Bond, rather famously Sean Connery embodied the role and is considered one of the best Bonds ever.

    7) Asifa Lahore

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen for THEGAYUK

    Can you imagine audience reactions to Britain’s most famous Muslim Drag Queen as Bond. It gives us shivers now, which is why we’re nominating her for the role. Asifa could be her own Bond girl as well – saving money on the budget.

     

    8) Gareth Thomas

    Embed from Getty Images

    How’s about a Welsh Bond? Physically fit, a man’s man and knows a thing or to about the important of blending in with your crowd. Although Bond often works alone you need a man who knows the importance of teamwork.

     

    9) John Partridge, 44

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    CREDIT: Channel 5

    He’s got the looks and he’s the perfect age. EastEnders’ bad gay boy would be perfect for James Bond. Plus he looks divine all suited and booted. Aside from the perfect look, he’s got a heart of gold and he loves his mother – we’d like to see more of this fluffy side to bond.

     

    10) Seann Miley Moore, 26

    Hey if we’re going to totally f*ck with the heteronormative brand of James Bond we might as well suggest Seann Miley Moore. The X Factor star moved from Sydney, Australia to London to make his dream come true, proving that he’s ready to move mountains to get the job done.

    He wouldn’t be the first Aussie to take the part, George Lazenby played Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

    ALSO READ: Bond… Real Bond Interview with the stunt man for James Bond

  • Gareth Thomas Strips Off To Remind Us About Pneumonia

    Former rugby champ Gareth Thomas has stripped off and painted his body to remind us that pneumonia can strike even the healthiest of us.

    Last year 40-year-old Gareth Thomas was struck down by pneumonia, a virus that claims the lives of over 50,000 of us in Britain every year. Even those, like Gareth who are healthy and active can be affected by it. As many as one in one hundred of us will develop the chronic condition, brought on by a bacterial infection which causes the tiny air sacs in your lungs to become inflamed and swell up with fluid, something that is very uncomfortable and debilitating.
    Thomas who is fronting the campaign ‘Expect the Unexpected’ said,

    “I was getting ready to take part in a pantomime last December, but had been suffering with a cold for a while,

    “Once a cough came, everyone agreed I should go and see a doctor, who confirmed it was the back-end of a cold.

    “I left it at that but I didn’t feel any better and it started to get worse and worse.

    “The breaking point came in bed one night when I was coughing so hard I was sure I’d broken my ribs – I knew what broken ribs felt like, and I had that feeling. I was so tired of being ill, so frustrated and in so much pain that I started crying. I couldn’t take any more so decided to go to hospital.”

    Doctors and healthcare professions are urging Brits to keep an eye on coughs and colds that won’t go away. Those living with HIV and other immune system issues should be especially aware about pneumonia symptoms, which you can read in the table above.
    Dr Ben Marshall, a consultant in respiratory medicine and expert in the field of pneumonia from University Hospital Southampton comments,

    “We find that there is still a lot of confusion between pneumonia and a ‘really bad cold.’ Symptoms are very similar, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. However, pneumonia is usually much worse, it is an infection in your lungs that requires antibiotics and can sometimes lead to hospitalisation. The risk of pneumonia increases with age and for those living with chronic conditions. If you are considered vulnerable, there are ways by which pneumonia can easily be prevented, please consult your local GP, nurse or pharmacist in this instance”

    Thomas adds,

    “I now know to listen to my body; if I catch a cold this Christmas that seems to last longer than it should I’ll chat to my doctor, rather than try and tough it out.

    “I’d definitely talk to my doctor about a vaccination, 100%. I would never want to go through this again and never want anyone else to have to experience it.

    “I would take prevention for pneumonia as seriously as I take my flu jab, the flu is a walk in the park compared to pneumonia.”

  • INTERVIEW | Gareth Thomas; Kicking Theatre Into Touch

    Gareth Thomas. One of the most capped Welsh rugby players ever to take to the field for his country. The second highest try scorer in Welsh rugby history. Patriot for his beloved Wales. Lynchpin to his team. And gay.

    (more…)

  • Best of CELEB #CockInASock (NSFW)

    Our timeline has been filled (and we’re not complaining) of lads here there and everywhere putting their cocks in socks – and we’re loving it. (more…)

  • Gareth Thomas: ‘What Tom Has Done Is Very Significant’

    Gareth Thomas: Tom Daley will inspire young gay people, Ex-rugby international hopes many take inspiration from Olympian’s honesty and future success.

    Writing in his blog at Sportlobster openly gay former rugby star Gareth Thomas shares his thoughts of Olympian, Tom Daley’s ‘coming out’ video.

    “Hopefully this will give other kids and adults the strength to be honest and take a lot of inspiration from his story,” says ex-Wales rugby international, Gareth Thomas, who announced he is gay in 2009, becoming one of the first openly homosexual male athletes in any major sports team.

    “I don’t think someone coming out is enough – I think it’s his story after coming out that will inspire others. If he goes to Rio and wins the gold medal and has a fantastic life after that it will show other athletes that being honest and open is a good thing to do. Hopefully he can re-focus now and concentrate on his sport and show that being a gay athlete doesn’t define who you are.

    “Tom now needs to be true to who he is and not be who anyone else wants him to be. He has a big responsibility as he is now potentially responsible for many people having the confidence to come out publically about their sexuality. His announcement will change people’s lives and make lives better. He is now a role model who has influence over thousands, maybe even millions of people so that’s a huge amount of responsibility, which I’m sure he’ll take seriously once he realises just how much influence he has.

    “I came out to my family and close friends, and then two years later I came out in a newspaper. Often people ask me why I felt I had to come out, as it’s not an issue for them. We’re now in an age dominated by social media and so many people are interested in celebrities and their lifestyles outside of what they do for a living, that you have to come out publicly if you want to walk down the street hand in hand or go to a pub and drink without people talking and spreading vicious rumours. I came out in a public way because I wanted to live my life in a way that I wanted to and not be judged by people.

    “I thought it was very personal the way Tom made the announcement – you’re watching on YouTube and it’s almost like he’s talking to you. I thought it was a very humbling and genuine way of doing it and I take my hat off to him. People might look at the life he is living and think it’s fantastic but he’s been through a lot. You could see in his eyes that all he really wants is to be Tom Daley the diver and not have lots of people questioning him for his sexuality.

    “What Tom has done is very significant in other ways, because he’s so young and he’s fairly near the start of his career – it’s a great positive message to the world. For him to do it at such a young age is not only testament to him but to society. When I was playing it just wouldn’t have been possible to come out at his age in the rugby world. It was very much a different place then and I wouldn’t have found the acceptance that I found when I eventually did do it.

    “Tom is a great diver and this is just a declaration of who he is sexually, not a declaration of who he is as a person. I’ve watched him in the Olympics and, like most of the nation, felt like I was standing on the edge of every diving board with him. I know he’s a hugely successful young lad with a great life ahead of him. I just hope that this announcement makes his life even better.

    “I was never under pressure to come out and I didn’t do it because I wanted to be some kind of flag-bearer, it was just a position that I was put in. The more people that come out as being gay, the better the world is.

    “The world is constantly changing and people get educated every single day. When I first started playing rugby, being openly gay and progressing at the sport wasn’t possible. Now it’s been proven that it can be done, not just in rugby but across all sports.”

    Work has begun on the movie of Gareth Thomas’ life story, with Oscar-nominated Mickey Rourke, who owns the rights to the film, playing his part.

    Read Gareth Thomas’ Sportlobster blog: https://sportlobster.com/news/20567/congratulations-tom-daley-why-your-announcement-is-great-for-sport.html