Dame Kelly Holmes: living authentically

TW: This episode discusses serious mental health issues, including self-harm, depression. 

Our first guest is none other than Dame Kelly Holmes. Double Olympic champion, British Army veteran, and one of Britain’s most decorated middle distance runners. A sporting icon whose career made history at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and whose influence transcends the track. 

In this deeply personal conversation, Kelly reflects on growing up and serving her entire military career through the ban that prohibited LGBTQ+ people from serving openingly. She recalls living through investigations, military police raids where rooms were searched, the threat of dismissal, and the constant fear of losing everything if her sexuality was discovered. 

Having only come out publicly four years ago, Kelly explains that despite being one of Britain's most celebrated athletes, there was still a part of herself she felt unable to accept. It caused breakdowns, she became a self-harmer and clinically depressed.  

Kelly also discusses her involvement in the Etherton Review into the experiences of LGBT veterans, why justice for those affected still matters, and how her own journey has shaped her campaigning for change.  

Simon and Kelly explore how LGBTQ+ visibility in sport has transformed over the past two decades. Rather than blanket policies, Kelly argues for nuanced, case by case conversations that acknowledge the complexities in sport. We won't always have all the answers. However we must be willing to listen to different perspectives and have respectful, constructive conversations about how we create fair and inclusive sport for everyone. 

If you want to find out more about the work we're doing, especially the Justice for Veterans campaign work: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us.  

The conversation also talks about mental health issues. If this episode raises difficult feelings for you, please remember support is available. You don't have to face things alone. Visit https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/support-services-in-the-sector 

✨ In this episode: 

• Kelly's experience serving in the British Army while hiding her identity 

• Lessons from the Etherton Review and the fight for justice for LGBT veterans 

• The impact of not living authenitically on her mental health and her journey to self acceptance 

• Rainbow Laces and the link between movement and wellbeing 

• LGBTQ+ visibility in elite sport 

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• The Etherton Review - Independent Review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served prior to 2000. 

• Kelly Holmes: Being Me – ITV Documentary  

• Emelie Sande – Read All About It 

• Rainbow Laces – Stonewall inclusion campaign  

• Gay Games 

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Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.