10/06/2022
Michael Gunning, who has represented Team Jamaica at recent swimming world championships, speaks about his acceptance as a gay man in the sport and the support he has received from his Jamaican fellow athletes, in a new podcast for the series “Pride House”, a regular podcast available on many major pod platforms. Mr Gunning was speaking with the podcast ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham. He came out in 2018 on a reality television show, and believes that the international media has a role to play in breaking down barriers. Mr Gunning said, “In countries like Jamaica, coming out is a big thing – it should be a celebratory moment but we know that around the world, it’s not yet. I’m glad the youth of today have TV shows and different sources they can learn from and relate to. And if you’re an ally, educate yourself in Pride Month.” The African-Caribbean British newspaper “The Voice” welcomed Gunning’s openness about his sexuality and said that the “Pride House” podcast also addressed the history of J-FLAG, the main LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation in Jamaica.
