European badminton champion Gilmour calls for greater LGBTQ acceptance in Asia
European champion Kirsty Gilmour used a press stop in New Delhi to urge broader acceptance of LGBTQ people across Asia.
Scotland’s European badminton champion Kirsty Gilmour, who publicly came out in 2021, appealed for increased LGBTQ acceptance throughout Asia during a media interview in New Delhi. Speaking after a practice session at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, she highlighted the significance of staying in a hotel that displays a large pride elephant and staff wearing rainbow pins, describing it as a reassuring sign for her and another LGBTQ teammate.
Gilmour, fresh from her historic European singles victory that made her Scotland’s first champion in that category, emphasized that the win could inspire a new generation of players in her small-population country. She pointed out that, despite Asia being the sport’s powerhouse, openly gay athletes remain scarce. Her comments came as the world championships are set to begin in the Indian capital on Monday.
Why it matters
A top athlete’s advocacy spotlights LGBTQ issues in a region where acceptance is limited, potentially influencing attitudes in a sport with wide Asian reach.
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