The Jack Murley Sports Show is an award-winning podcast for the LGBTQ+ community in sport. The podcast takes you inside the lives of some of the most fascinating LGBTQ+ sportspeople in the world today, as they open up about their lives and experiences inside sport and their journeys away from it.
Hosted by Jack Murley, the show features interviews with athletes, coaches, and figures from various sports, offering insight into their journeys and challenges.
‘A ground-breaking LGBTQ+ sports broadcast journalist… an expert storyteller within sport and the queer community… garnered a reputation as being a go-to voice on the LGBT+ sporting community, with his work helping to give a voice for a part of the LGBTQ+ world that’s often left without a voice at the table’ - The Independent
Jack said:
“One thing we're really big on is visibility, because you won't believe the amount of people who've come on the podcast saying that when they grew up, they didn't see anyone like them, anyone else who was LGBTQ+ in the world of sport, and that it kept them away from sport for such a long time.”
Loud and proud
The Jack Murley Sports Show launched on the BBC in 2018, before spinning off into an independent production. Since the podcast began, Jack has spoken to more than 400 LGBTQ+ sportspeople from around the world.
'Jack’s work isn’t just instrumental in amplifying queer voices in an arena that can still be hostile, but provides hope and inspiration through increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ people in sport' - The Big Issue
Jack said: “It's vital that LGBTQ+ people see role models like them in whatever sport they're in. And to be a role model, you don't have to be LGBTQ+ yourself. You can be a visible ally… you can wear rainbow laces, you can look at the language you're using, you can make sure the atmosphere at your club is truly inclusive. So, people feel like they can come and be their authentic selves at training sessions, on match days, and at socials.”
Speaking about his personal experience and career journey, Jack said:
“Allyship is so important. I wouldn't have got to where I am in sport doing the type of journalism I do, were it not for the amazing people around me who are visible allies and have made me feel welcome for being my authentic self. Visibility, inclusion, and making everyone feel like they're welcome in sport is vital, because we all know what a privilege it is to be part of sport and it's a privilege everyone should enjoy.”
Voices for change: sport podcasts celebrating Scottish athletes
The one with Bruce Mouat (2024)
Bruce Mouat has spoken about his journey, including how coming out improved his confidence and performance in curling. He became the first openly gay curler to win a world championship and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
The Olympic silver medallist, world champion and multiple-time European gold medallist had literally just got back from competing in Canada when he shook off the jet-lag and joined the podcast for a catch-up that has been long overdue.
This is a fascinating chat – about the media whirlwind that follows an Olympics, being visible and dealing with the aftermath, inspiring and helping others, what drives him forward as an athlete… and the joy and challenges of playing with your partner!
The one with Grant Skene (2024)
If you follow Grant Skene on social media, as thousands and thousands of people do, you’ll know he's a man who lives and breathes rugby.
The Scot plays for inclusive team Aberdeen Taexali and, until recently, was the team’s coach too.
Through his platform, he’s helped hundreds of people feel welcome in the game and made them realise that their sexuality shouldn’t stop them running out on the rugby pitch - and has done so, in large part, because he knows exactly how it feels to think that who you love would stop you from being involved in the game.
The one with Zander Murray (2022)
Zander Murray came out as gay in September 2022, becoming the first openly gay male senior footballer in Scotland. His announcement was widely praised, and he has since been an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
The former Gala Fairydean Rovers player says he’s sharing his story because he wants to help others who may be struggling.
In the podcast, Zander speaks openly and honestly about why he’s decided to inspire others with his story and the process he’s been through.
The one with Kirsty Gilmour (2022)
Kirsty Gilmour was barely out of school when she went to her first Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
The Scottish badminton star first picked up a racket at the age of four and has gone on to accomplish extraordinary things in the sport – including a silver medal at her home Commonwealth Games in the singles in 2014, and a bronze four years later on the Gold Coast in Australia.
Factor in three Olympic Games in Rio, Tokyo and Paris respectively, and multiple medals at a European level as well – and you can see why Gilmour has been a fixture in the world rankings for such a long time.
On the podcast, Kirsty chats about her life, career and personal journey. From getting her start in the sport, to her Commonwealth Games experiences and opening up about her sexuality.
Find out more
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