India Willoughby makes history as first trans patron of professional sports club

Broadcaster India Willoughby has been named patron of the Keighley Cougars rugby league club, marking the first time a trans person has been appointed patron of a professional sports team, according to ‘Yahoo! News’.

Standing for almost 150 years, the club is distinctive as the lone professional sports team outside the US with openly LGBTQ+ owners, led by spouses Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia.

Willoughby, recognised as the UK’s first openly trans newsreader, expressed her enthusiasm about her new role. “I am 'thrilled to represent this incredible club that is challenging societal norms,’” she stated.

“My community has faced unjust scrutiny for too long, and all I aim to do is represent this club to the best of my ability while advocating for understanding and acceptance,” Willoughby continued. Reflecting on Willoughby’s appointment, O’Neill highlighted the critical need for increased visibility to help foster understanding of the trans community. “We need more representation of trans individuals in all spheres to combat the pervasive stigma,” he commented.

Image Credit: Canva

Since their acquisition of the club in 2019, O’Neill and Garcia have actively used the platform to promote LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, particularly for the trans community.

The club commemorates an annual Pride match each July and dedicated its biggest game of the season earlier this year against rivals Bradford Bulls to LGBTQ+ History Month. At the event on 18 February, attended by Willoughby, a large trans Pride flag displaying the message “Trans Rights are Human Rights” was displayed on the pitch before the game.

During this match, co-owner Garcia remarked, “The 2024 season will focus on providing much-needed support to the trans community, which faces constant adversity and unfair treatment. They are our brothers and sisters who deserve respect and equality above all else.”

Additionally, the club revealed a special kit for the upcoming 2024 Pride game on 7 July, which will be worn by the players and offered for sale. Featuring the transgender Pride colours, proceeds from the sales will benefit the trans youth charity Mermaids.

Read related myGwork articles here:

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England captain declares sexuality “doesn’t matter” in rugby ahead of women’s Six Nations

First Ever All-Trans Rugby Match in US Held in Protest Against Trans Athlete Bans

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