The World Surf League (WSL) recently announced that Abu Dhabi would be added to its calendar for 2025, sparking controversy due to the fact that homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tyler Wright, a two-time world champion and the WSL’s “only openly queer athlete,” has been vocal about the potential dangers this decision poses.
Wright’s wife, Lilli Wright, took to Instagram to express her concerns, highlighting the risks that Tyler could face if she were to compete in Abu Dhabi. In the UAE, homosexuality is punishable by death or imprisonment, making it a potentially life-threatening situation for Tyler. Lilli emphasized that Tyler has been a part of the tour for over 14 years and has proudly displayed the pride flag on her jersey since 2020, yet she feels undervalued by the WSL in light of this decision.
Human Rights Watch and the Human Dignity Trust have both raised alarms about the UAE’s discriminatory laws and practices towards the LGBTQIA+ community. The Human Dignity Trust pointed out that same-sex sexual activity is prohibited in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with vague laws that can lead to the prosecution of individuals based on their gender identity and expression.
Lilli stressed that missing the event in Abu Dhabi would put Tyler’s career at a significant disadvantage, as the event is set to take place for the next three years. She acknowledged her privilege as a white woman and expressed that she is not trying to impose Western values on another country, but rather initiate a conversation about the ethics of hosting international sporting events in locations with strict anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
Poppy Starr Olsen, an Australian skateboarder who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, shared similar concerns about safety and discrimination in countries like Dubai, where Olympic qualifiers have been held. The safety and well-being of athletes, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+, should be a top priority for sports organizations like the WSL.
The WSL has yet to respond to these concerns, but the issue has sparked a larger conversation about the responsibility of sports leagues and organizations to prioritize the safety and rights of all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As the debate continues, it is crucial for stakeholders to consider the impact of their decisions on the athletes and communities involved.