Gay climber athlete kisses boyfriend after qualifying for Olympics, showing the power of visibility in sports
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For eight years, Campbell Harrison had been “desperately dreaming” about making it to the Olympic Games, a journey that intensified after his disappointment of missing out on Tokyo 2020. Positioned third after the boulder section of the Oceania qualifier in Melbourne for Paris 2024, Harrison showcased his best in the lead discipline, scoring a perfect 100, and ultimately securing his place on the Australian team, according to ‘Out Sports’.
The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed his qualification in February. Ecstatic, Harrison shared on social media, “It's gonna be so fetch!” This victory was not just personal; it was a statement about overcoming barriers and extending the recognition of climbing in Australia and beyond.]
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Harrison’s celebratory post on Instagram, featuring him kissing his boyfriend Justin, symbolised more than personal joy—it highlighted visibility and support within the LGBTQ+ community. This act, although common among other athletes, drew significant attention due to the rare public display of affection between two men. The feedback, mostly positive, underscored a progressive shift towards inclusivity in sports.
This advocacy for visibility has been a significant aspect of Harrison's journey. He has become an influential figure, nominated for the LGBTQ+ Role Model at the Australian Pride in Sport Awards. His efforts include speaking on panels like “Climbing with Pride,” and engaging with groups like Climbing QTs, which promote inclusivity within the sport.
Harrison firmly believes in the power of visibility in sports, especially as climbing gains popularity globally, including within LGBTQ+ communities. He advocates for the sport as a space where individuals can pursue excellence without fear of discrimination.
However, the journey isn’t devoid of challenges. Harrison’s career takes him to places with regressive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, like Russia and China, and even his future competitions in places like Utah have him facing new legislations like anti-trans bathroom bans. Despite these hurdles, Harrison remains committed to advocating for inclusivity both on and off the climbing walls.
His stance is also evident in his opposition to the International Federation of Sport Climining’s decisions, like hosting events in contentious locations such as Saudi Arabia. His signing of an open letter against the federation’s association with the NEOM Beach Masters project on ecological and ethical grounds further solidifies his stand on human and environmental rights.
Through these actions and his ongoing commitment to visibility and advocacy, Harrison continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of athletes, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community. He embodies the essence that “courage is contagious,” proving that being true to oneself can indeed instigate broader change.
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Bisexual gymnast Rayan Dutra heading to Paris 2024 Olympics
Out Athlete Gus Kenworthy Will Represent Great Britain In His Third Olympics
LGBTQ+ Athletes Win More Medals At The Olympics Than Nearly 200 Other Nations
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