Kirsty Gilmour Celebrates LGBTQ Representation at the Olympics

Kirsty Gilmour, the only openly LGBTQ badminton player at the Olympics, expressed her pride in being true to herself on the international stage. “To be your whole self, in public, is first of all a privilege and second of all, necessary,” Gilmour stated, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her sport. She believes that hiding any part of herself would hinder her performance, highlighting the vulnerability athletes face while pursuing their dreams. Gilmour's presence at the Olympics is particularly significant given the criminalization of homosexuality in several countries where badminton is a national sport, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to representing her identity proudly. In a light-hearted moment, she shared that she managed to take a selfie with fellow athlete Andy Murray, calling it a memorable opportunity. As Gilmour embarks on her campaign in Paris, she secured a solid victory in her opening match against Azerbaijan's Keisha Fatimah Azzahra, winning 21-13, 21-11. Looking ahead, she faces a more formidable opponent in sixth seed He Bingjao of China, a crucial match that will determine her progression to the knockout stages for the first time in her Olympic career. Reflecting on her journey, Gilmour noted her growth and preparation since suffering a significant knee injury during her first Olympics in Rio.