PCA PRESS RELEASE
England batter takes pride in finding her true identity and being a flagbearer in the LGBTQ+ community.
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England and Surrey star Danni Wyatt-Hodge is one of the most influential individuals in spearheading inclusion in cricket in England and Wales. With 295 international caps for her country following her debut in 2010, the 34-year-old batter married her long-term partner Georgie Wyatt-Hodge in August last year at a ceremony in France.
Driven by the desire for everybody to be their true self, Wyatt-Hodge has penned her thoughts in a blog to celebrate Rainbow Laces Week, that takes place 17-22 June, as part of Pride Month, which is celebrated across the world in the month of June to recognise and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, their journeys and challenges…
This is an important time of the year as it raises awareness and drives conversation around diversity and inclusion. I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones but I know it’s not always an easy journey for some to discover and be their authentic true selves. I’ve had my own experiences in becoming comfortable with my sexuality and the more we can talk and as athletes use our platforms, the more we can encourage others to find the confidence to do the same.
All I want is for people to be happy and to be themselves. You only live once. I do feel very fortunate to be involved in such an inclusive community and cricket has provided me with the environment to be my true self.
We are all individuals in this world. We are unique and we should embrace our differences – isn’t that what makes life more beautiful and interesting?! In the cricket environment, being comfortable in our own skin is so important. It makes for the best teams and increases performance when everybody feels valued for who they really are both on and off the pitch.
Pride Month is an amazing time of the year and one we all like to celebrate. Whilst there are so many positives to celebrate, there are still many keyboard warriors out there on social media and I hope in time we can collectively raise a more inclusive and accepting generation.
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I do feel same-sex relationships are much more accepted now than they were when I was growing up. I certainly feel like it has become more normalised and I consider people like myself and Nat Sciver-Brunt as role models in our sport.
Everyone has their own story of finding their true selves. Before I met my wife, Georgie, I was embarrassed and scared that I was not able to openly express myself in front of my family and loved ones. It almost felt like living a second life which is a horrible feeling to have. When I did end up coming out to my parents, I realised that it shouldn’t have taken me so long because at the end of the day, they just wanted me to be happy.
There are many people in my life who are comfortable with who they are and this did help me to come out as I saw others around me do the same and lead much more positive lives afterwards. I feel so lucky to be within the cricketing environment where everyone is so welcoming.
I know it sounds slightly trivial, but a big thing for me was being open about it on social media. Initially, I was scared and sceptical about how people would see me. But it actually turned out to be quite the opposite. I was expecting hate, but was greeted with love.
On my social media, I have posted pictures of my wedding and other memories with Georgie, and when I do, I always hope this will encourage other young girls and boys to feel comfortable in their own skin.
I am always here to help others. I have had messages on Instagram where I have been able to offer advice and even at games when signing autographs, I’ve had some great conversations with fans who have been inspired by my journey.
Rainbow Laces is also such a good platform to raise awareness. I had the laces in my hair and my Surrey teammates the same. I hope it will motivate people to step forward, speak up and be comfortable on the path they wish to pursue. I just want people to be happy with themselves and be accepted for who they are because a lot of people do live a second life which is really sad. I hope in the future we will see the younger generation feel comfortable in their own skin from a young age and hope that those within the LGBTQI+ community won’t even feel the need to ‘come out’ without any societal pressure.
After all, life is all about being happy.
The PCA takes pride in the diverse nature of its members. Occasions like Rainbow Laces and Pride Month provides a much-needed platform for players to come forward and share their experiences and stories with their fellow cricketing peers.
