Nicola Adams Launches BBC’s LGBTQ+ Sports Podcast | Pride Month 2025

In an inspiring and inclusive move this Pride Month 2025, BBC Local has launched a compelling new podcast series hosted by none other than double Olympic gold medallist and LGBTQ+ icon, Nicola Adams. Aptly titled The LGBT Sport Podcast, the series is designed to spotlight the untold stories of LGBTQ+ athletes and sports professionals across disciplines. With its bold focus on identity, inclusion, and resilience, the podcast aims to shatter stereotypes and ignite essential conversations across the world of sports.

Cover art of BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast hosted by Nicola Adams, featuring LGBTQ+ athletes’ portraits

As Nicola Adams, a trailblazing figure in British boxing and one of the most visible openly gay athletes in the UK, steps into her new role as host, she brings both authenticity and passion to the mic. Each episode features candid interviews with prominent sports figures who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, offering unfiltered reflections on their journeys, victories, and the ongoing fight for representation.

Table of Contents

Meet the Host: Nicola Adams

From the Ring to the Recording Booth

Nicola Adams OBE isn’t just an Olympic champion—she’s a symbol of perseverance, authenticity, and advocacy. Rising to global prominence as the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing at the 2012 London Games, she repeated the feat in Rio 2016, securing her status as a sports legend.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Adams has long used her platform to challenge gender norms and fight for visibility in sport. Her transition into podcasting is a natural extension of her advocacy, allowing her to amplify the voices of fellow LGBTQ+ athletes on a national stage.

“Each episode shines a light on a different LGBTQ+ sporting hero,” Nicola states. “It’s about celebrating who we are and how far we’ve come—together.”

Inside the Podcast: What to Expect

Weekly Conversations That Matter

Launching on Thursday 26 June 2025, the podcast is available via BBC Sounds, with new episodes dropping weekly. Each episode is a deep-dive conversation with an LGBTQ+ athlete or sports figure, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, adversity, and triumph.

Featured Guests Include:

Dame Kelly Holmes – Olympic legend and recent LGBTQ+ advocate
Lauren Rowles – Paralympian and trailblazer in adaptive sports
Charlie Martin – Transgender racing driver breaking barriers in motorsport
Sarah Bern – England Rugby star and advocate for inclusion on and off the pitch

These conversations are more than interviews—they’re heartfelt narratives of hope, struggle, and progress that resonate far beyond the sporting world.

Pride and the Playing Field

Why LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sports Still Matters

Sports have long mirrored society’s struggles and triumphs. For LGBTQ+ athletes, the field has historically been a space of both achievement and marginalization. The LGBT Sport Podcast seeks to change that by creating a platform where authenticity isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.

From systemic barriers to subtle biases, LGBTQ+ athletes often face challenges their peers may never encounter. But through community, storytelling, and visibility, the podcast offers both healing and inspiration.

Representation = Empowerment

By showcasing a diverse range of experiences, the podcast empowers:

Young LGBTQ+ athletes seeking role models
Allies who want to understand the LGBTQ+ journey in sport
The broader public interested in inclusive narratives

A Deep Dive Into Episode One

Dame Kelly Holmes: From Silence to Strength

The inaugural episode of The LGBT Sport Podcast features Dame Kelly Holmes, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who came out publicly only a few years ago. Her story is one of courage forged in silence.

Reflecting on her time in the British Army, Dame Kelly shares:

“At the time, you could get kicked out of the army, jailed, and lose your long service medals. The thought of that was just terrifying to me at 22.”

This fear led her to suppress her identity for decades—a silence that came at a personal cost. Her eventual decision to come out wasn’t just a personal milestone, but a cultural landmark.

She also reflects on the 2004 Athens Olympics:

“I believed I could win two medals, but I never thought about winning two golds. I didn’t want to believe it too much.”

Her honesty, vulnerability, and perseverance set the tone for the podcast series.

Guest Spotlights: Voices That Inspire

Lauren Rowles – Paralympic Power and Personal Pride

Lauren Rowles’ journey to Paralympic glory is matched by her advocacy for inclusion in adaptive sports. As a queer athlete, she speaks about the dual challenges of disability and identity, and the triumph of authenticity.

Charlie Martin – Speed, Identity, and Visibility

Racing driver Charlie Martin is rewriting the script in motorsport, a field traditionally resistant to change. As a transgender athlete, her journey is one of grit and grace, inspiring others to break speed limits and societal norms.

Sarah Bern – Scrum, Strength, and Self-Acceptance

As a prop for England Rugby, Sarah Bern brings both physical power and emotional depth to her role. Her openness about her sexuality has made her a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes in team sports.

BBC’s Role in Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices

A Statement from Stephanie Marshall, BBC Head of Local Sport

Stephanie Marshall underscores the podcast’s purpose:

“What better way to mark Pride Month 2025, and to kick off another fantastic summer of sport, than to hear from some of the LGBTQ+ community’s most prominent sporting stars?”

Under her leadership, BBC Local continues to champion inclusivity, ensuring that content reflects the diversity of its audience. The LGBT Sport Podcast is a cornerstone of that mission.

More Than a Podcast

The series complements BBC’s wider efforts to promote diversity across its programming. From grassroots campaigns to national coverage, the BBC is investing in stories that matter.

Where and How to Listen

The LGBT Sport Podcast is available exclusively on BBC Sounds.

Listening Guide:

Launch Date: Thursday 26 June 2025
Frequency: Weekly episodes
Platforms: BBC Sounds app, website, and smart speakers

Listeners can follow, download, and share episodes to amplify the voices they hear.

Why This Podcast Matters Now

The Cultural Shift in Sport and Society

2025 marks a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. With major brands, teams, and federations embracing inclusivity, athletes are increasingly empowered to live and compete authentically.

Storytelling as Resistance and Healing

This podcast is more than content—it’s a cultural artifact. Each episode serves as a historical record, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for change.

Final Thoughts: Pride, Power, and the Future of Sport

Nicola Adams’ new role as podcast host is more than a career shift—it’s a commitment to elevating voices that need to be heard. Through The LGBT Sport Podcast, she and her guests are redefining what it means to be strong, visible, and proud in the world of sports.

In a world still struggling with division, these stories unify. They humanize. And they pave the way for a more inclusive future—both on and off the field.

So this Pride Month, press play on a revolution. Listen, learn, and be moved.