I Would Be Illegal in Half Of Commonwealth Countries: Tom Daley’s Film On Gay Athletes
Out gay British Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley is receiving praise for his new documentary film ‘Illegal To Be Me‘ that explores the lives of gay athletes, many living in countries where homosexuality is illegal. Daley said the shooting the film exposed him to the fact that the laws against homosexuality in Commonwealth countries were a legacy of British colonialism. Tom DaleyIn a social media post, Daley revealed that he had been travelling around the world meeting other gay athletes for the film. “This year I have been travelling around the Commonwealth, visiting countries where same sex relationships are a crime,” said Daley. “I have spoken to athletes, advocates and activists to try and find out how they think sporting federations can better support and protect LGBTQIA+ athletes. The people in the documentary highlight the importance of visibility for queer people and it taught me an incredible amount about how we can continue the fight for equality,” said Daley. Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Daley had in October 2021 said that he was on a “mission” to get the Olympics to ban countries where homosexuality is punishable by death.Tom Daley (centre) with LGBTQI advocates and athletes at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.Last month, at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Daley along with six other LGBTQI athletes carried the Queen’s baton into the stadium. “In over half of the Commonwealth countries, homosexuality is still a crime and in three of those countries the maximum penalty is the death sentence.