When the Commonwealth Games kick off in Glasgow this week, a friendly unicorn named Finnie will be there to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 teams across the globe. But Finnie is no ordinary mascot. The mythical creature is Scotland's national animal and has long been embraced as a symbol of diversity within the LGBTQ community. That makes it the perfect choice for an event determined to send a clear message: sport belongs to everyone.
The 2026 Games mark the 23rd edition of this international multi-sport event, though the schedule has been streamlined down to just 10 sports compared to 20 at the previous Games in Birmingham. Despite the smaller lineup, the event is still making history. At the top of the organization sits Phil Batty, an out gay man serving as CEO of Glasgow 2026. He has made safety and representation for all participants a top priority.
This matters because the Commonwealth Games bring together nations where LGBTQ people still face severe consequences. Out of 56 member countries, 29 still have laws that criminalize gay relationships. Thirteen of those countries impose prison sentences, and in parts of Nigeria and Uganda, the law allows for even harsher penalties. For athletes from these nations, simply being visible can carry enormous risk.
That is exactly why the Pride House Glasgow project is so important. Throughout the Games, it will provide safe spaces, community gathering spots, and educational hubs for LGBTQ athletes, fans, and supporters. It is a physical place where everyone belongs.
The visibility of out athletes has grown dramatically over the years. At the Gold Coast Games in 2018, Outsports tracked just 13 publicly out LGBTQ competitors. By Birmingham 2022, that number had jumped to 46, a huge increase. Though some sports that typically produce out athletes have been cut from this year's program, the opportunity to compete at this level remains significant.
Among the athletes to watch is Amy Atwell, a University of Hawaii star and WNBA draft pick who helped Australia win Olympic bronze at Paris 2024. She is making her Commonwealth Games debut in the 3×3 basketball tournament, where her offensive skills could pose a major threat. Also representing Australia is Marena Whittle, a bronze medalist from Birmingham 2022 who actively uses her platform to champion LGBTQ visibility in basketball. Julie Charlton, who competes in the F57 shot put category and serves as a "Thrive with Pride" ambassador for Australian sport, will also compete, advocating fiercely for disabled and LGBTQ youth both on and off the field.
Glasgow 2026 may be smaller than past Games, but for out athletes and their allies, it offers something invaluable. It is a chance to stand on the world stage, to be seen, and to show millions of viewers that LGBTQ people belong in sport. And with a unicorn leading the way, the message could not be clearer.