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.
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.
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:
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.
