Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June worldwide. It honours the struggle for equality, visibility, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. The month promotes awareness, celebrates diversity, and advocates for equal rights through events like parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Many female cricketers have openly shared their same-sex relationships and actively support equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
As Pride Month continues, veteran English opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has shared her reflections in a blog to mark Rainbow Laces Week, held from June 17 to 22. This initiative is part of Pride Month and aims to celebrate, acknowledge, and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, their experiences, and the challenges they face.
She begins by saying, “This is an important time of the year, as it raises awareness and drives conversation around diversity and inclusion. I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones, but I know it’s not always an easy journey for some to discover and be their authentic true selves. I’ve had my own experiences in becoming comfortable with my sexuality, and the more we can talk and, as athletes, use our platforms, the more we can encourage others to find the confidence to do the same.”
In the blog, she expressed a desire for people to embrace happiness and authenticity, emphasising the importance of living life fully. Grateful for her involvement in an inclusive community, she acknowledged that cricket has given her the space to be her true self.
Encouraging the need to embrace individuality, she mentions that embracing differences is what adds beauty and richness to life. Even within the cricketing environment, she emphasised the value of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin, explaining that teams perform at their best when every player feels genuinely valued—both on and off the field.
She describes Pride Month as a special time of celebration. However, she also acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed by negativity on social media. Despite the progress made, she expressed hope that society can work together to foster a more inclusive and accepting generation. She further states, “I do feel same-sex relationships are much more accepted now than they were when I was growing up. I certainly feel like it has become more normalised, and I consider people like myself and Nat Sciver-Brunt as role models in our sport,” emphasising the importance of positive role models who can help shape public perception in an inclusive way.
She also expresses her initial fear and uncertainty about how others would perceive her. However, the response she received on social media defied her expectations. Instead of facing hostility, she was met with support and acceptance. In the blog, she writes, “On my social media, I have posted pictures of my wedding and other memories with Georgie, and when I do, I always hope this will encourage other young girls and boys to feel comfortable in their own skin.”
She highlighted Rainbow Laces as an excellent platform for raising awareness, sharing that she and her Surrey teammates wore the laces in their hair to show support. She expressed hope that the campaign would encourage people to step forward, speak up, and feel confident in pursuing their true paths. Looking ahead, she hopes future generations will grow up comfortable in their own skin and that members of the LGBTQ+ community will no longer feel pressured by society to “come out.”
Leveraging her platform, these words of affirmation offered by the English opener will resonate with those grappling with their sexuality and self-confidence—providing a voice of support and encouragement, and making positive strides.
Quotes sourced from PCA
