This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn more

"Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ people in sport as their journeys have rarely been easy"; An Interview with Chris McQuoid

Chris McQuiod is originally from Northern Ireland but moved to Brighton 12 years ago. He's been with Lloyd's Banking Group for the past 10 years and is currently a Senior Manager within Legal in Legal Practice Management.


Can you tell us about your favourite sports? 

Believe it or not I love most sports apart from Badminton, mainly because I am pants at it but I still watch it.


Rugby is my favourite by far has now played for over 30 years (I started very young) and can’t wait to get back on the pitch when we can and following my beloved Ireland & Ulster. I am also a massive Man City and Northern Ireland fan in football/soccer. And before anyone says I am a glutton for punishment with my teams, I was a Man City fan before we became rich! I also have a soft spot for volleyball and Gaelic football as well.




What do you think needs to change in sports to make it more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people? 

I’m privileged enough to have positive experiences as an LGBTQ+ player in sport but I understand that this isn’t always the case. I think the more sportspeople who come out, especially in sports considered highly mainstream in the UK like football, rugby, cricket and golf we will see a genuine change. I think it’s happening at the grassroot level but the more role models people have to look to the more inclusive it will become.


Will you be watching the Olympics this year?

Of course, if we actually get the go-ahead. I can’t wait to see what the Fijian 7s rugby team have in store in their title defence & the Brazilian team in volleyball. Regarding single athletes, I can’t wait to see Dina Asher-Smith coming off her World Championship & Diamond League wins in 2019. Hopefully Marasu Yamada can provide some home success as well in the fencing.


Do you have any LGBTQ+ sports role models? 

1). Justin Fashanu, former professional footballer and first-ever black footballer to command a £1m fee. This is a story well told so hopefully it is obvious why he is on my list.


2). Martina Navratilova, tennis legend. Martina gave an interview to the New York Daily News in 1981 but asked for the article not to be published until she was ready to come out publicly. However, it was published in July that year and Martina was forced out of the closet. She has been one of the most successful LGBTQ+ athletes of all time.


3). Gareth Thomas, former Welsh international rugby player and captain with 100 caps. It seems a lifetime ago that Gareth came out in 2009 but the way that he has used his platform to enlighten not only the rugby community but the nation inclusive of breaking stereotypes around HIV has been truly inspirational.



What tips do you have for how we can all better celebrate LGBTQ+ people in sports? 

Get involved even if it’s just as a spectator – there are so many sports meaning that there is highly likely to be one for everyone. Once the connection is there you can’t help but celebrate.


I would also call for people to take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ people in sport. Their journeys have rarely been easy and most have elements to their stories which we can all relate to.



 


Would you be more involved with sports if it was more LGBTQ-inclusive? 

I think if I became more involved in sport I might end up with a divorce. That said, as retirement from the pitch looms I fully intend to stay involved and might even end up as a referee. One thing that I do believe in that the more LGBTQ+ people should get involved. Even though this may be pushing you out of your comfort zone and may lead to some unsavoury scenarios hopefully you will experience that sport is more inclusive than you imagined and if not hopefully you will help make it so.


What's your experience as a member of a sports team?

Currently, we are on an enforced break due to the effects of Covid-19 with my rugby team though I fully intend to go back when everything is lifted. I can freely say that my team is very inclusive and have been accepting since the day that I came out to them many years back, I do know that this is part of the privilege of living in Brighton & Hove. Hove Rugby Club as a whole are very inclusive also being linked with the inclusive rugby side The Sea Serpents.




How do you think sports and exercise affect mental health?  

Having suffered from depression I know that exercise can have a major positive impact on my mood and overall outlook. It can also give you a sense of community and belonging which for me has provided a wider “family” network/support which I do not have. Some of my teammates are my best mates and have certainly helped me through downtimes and have been invaluable during the current lockdown periods.


What role do you think the workplace plays in encouraging employees partake in sports and exercise? 

I think due to more emphasis on work-life balance and the importance of mental health as a company we are subtly encouraging and providing the tools for colleagues to take part in sports and exercise. I am also looking forward to the restrictions being lifted so I can finally get to a Legal cricket game (to watch, we don’t do cricket in N. Ireland). For the company to continue to be inclusive it is to understand that not everyone has the same approach/feeling towards sports and exercise. This isn’t just in relation to the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone. For some people, sports have been a place of ridicule and embarrassment, especially during school age when possibly forced into it which leaves a lot of strong emotions towards taking part. Remember just because you love it doesn’t mean others will and it is important to meet them where they are at so you can have a great conversation 😊



 

Share this

myGwork
myGwork is best used with the app