Tom Daley may have stolen the show at the commonwealth games opening ceremony.
Reaching an audience of thousands, the Olympic diver brought out the iconic baton, multicolored to represent the LGBTQ+ community.
The 28-year-old was also joined by members of Commonwealth countries where homosexuality is illegal, such as Pakistan and Jamaica.
The activists jog next to Tom, who is married to Dustin Lance Black and looks fantastic in a white sports uniform with pink sequin sleeves.
“Tom runs in solidarity with all LGBTQ+ athletes and communities,” said a voiceover.
Fans flocked to Twitter to praise the Olympian, and dozens of followers said they were proud of Tom for flying the flag for LGTBQ+ people.
One wrote: ‘A key moment for LGBTQI#sports equality with @TomDaley1994 using his athletic platform to defend #LGBTQ rights in the #CommonwealthGames2022 through the lens of #sports.’
“Maybe I just cried a little when I saw #TomDaley representing #LGBT+ peoples around the #Commonwealth, especially those in the many countries where it is still illegal to be openly #queer. Thanks Tom,” one user shared.
Another fan wrote: ‘When I watched @TomDaley1994 go out tonight to represent all LGBTQ+ people in the Commonwealth, I was so proud…I cried like a baby. It’s so brave. Why are we in 2022 and are there still some countries punishing people for being LGBTQ+???’
Other LGBTQ+ representatives at the Birmingham ceremony came from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Ginny Lemon.
Ginny looked spectacular as they soared above Alexander Stadium in a lemon-shaped hot air balloon to kick-start the sporting event.
Tom will also be making a documentary for the BBC to shed light on the fact that many Commonwealth competitors live in fear of horrific brutality in the countries they represent.
Tom Daley: Illegal To Be Me, follows Tom on his journey to some of the Commonwealth’s most homophobic countries to ask what the sports world can do to help.
Tom Daley: Illegal To Be Me airs on BBC One on Tuesday 9 August at 9pm.
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