Pioneering out Olympians were honoured April 23 for their contributions to LGBT inclusion in sports. The Bonham Centre and the Canadian Olympic Committee hosted this year’s Gala. The awards recognize individuals or groups that have made a difference in the field of sexual diversity education. Mark Tewksbury, Greg Louganis and Marnie McBean will be recognized as people who have made a difference in the world of sports.

“These are people that were coming up through sport at a time when there was no safe space at all,” says Brenda Cossman, director of the Bonham Centre.

Mark Tewksbury, who won Olympic gold in the 100 metres backstroke in 1992 for Canada, says that was the case for him. “There wasn’t really space to talk about it with anybody. There’s been a massive shift in sport,” he says. “It’s not a non-issue, but the issue has advanced.” Read More