Dutee Chand, India’s First Openly Gay Athlete Holds LGBTQ+ Flag At CWG

In a powerful message, India’s first openly gay athlete Dutee Chand held the pride flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This was an attempt to allow the people of the LGBTQ+ community to live without "fear of persecution or death".

Dutee Chand

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Dutee Chand is known as India's fastest woman runner who holds the 100m women’s national record. She is also the first and only openly gay athlete in India. In 2019, she came out as a lesbian which drew a lot of attention to her. While some people supported her, others were quite harsh and trolled her. Not only the public, but she also faced criticism from her family when she told them that she is in a same-sex relationship.

Standing Up For LGBTQ Community

Very proud to support @TomDaley1994’s initiative to address inclusion and recognition of LGBTIQ individuals in all Commonwealth Countries! https://t.co/b8a7pG5RIN

— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) July 29, 2022

After facing so much backlash, she didn’t back down and came back stronger as she decided to stand up for the community. Along with British synchronised diver and Olympic gold medallist Tom Dally, she participated in the Queen's Baton to shed light on homophobia.

The athlete held an LGBTQIA+ flag at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She told PTI that "LGBT+ athletes should be made to feel safe and comfortable, being their usual selves without fear of persecution or death.”

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Two months ago, Dutee received an invitation to join the four-time Commonwealth gold medal winner Daley and become the brand ambassador at the Birmingham games.

She said that "It was such an honour and IOA gave me permission to be a part of the march. This will be a moment to be cherished forever.”

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During the opening ceremony on Thursday, a historic statement was made as they unfurled the Pride flag and Daley also posted a picture with the LGBT athletes from across the Commonwealth.

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