Loose Women’s Dame Kelly Holmes admits she’s been ‘ignorant’ about trans community as she pledges support to the cause
LOOSE Women's Dame Kelly Holmes has admitted that she's been 'ignorant' about the trans community and has pledged to support to the cause.
The Olympic champion, 52, took to social media to address some comments she made back in 2019.
Kelly, who revealed that she was gay last year, previously said that there should be another category for transgender athletes when taking part in sporting events.
But now the star has made it clear that she has a different view.
Kelly said on her Instagram Story earlier today: "As an former international athlete, a gay women and now openly a member of the LGBTQIA community, I want to firstly say I totally support my Trans Siblings, I have been ignorant in the past about the fight of the Trans community and I now want to see fair and conclusive outcome for those whose gender differs from that assigned at birth, in all walks of life, including sport.
"Firstly I do not believe in a blanket approach. A more nuanced approach of looking at the individual person, sport and level is much better way of keeping sport fair.
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"For example, there are many sports in which skill, practice and experience pay much more than physical ability.
"Equally, the vast majority of sport is played on a local playing field where taking part and inclusion, as well as physical and mental health benefits are perhaps more important than winning.
"There is definitely a discussion to be had as the matter is so complex, but saying that all Trans athletes shouldn’t compete in elite sport isn’t right.
"It is important everyone in society is treated fairly and for sport, a scientific approach on this matter is taken, like in other countries were scientific reviews have already happened."
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Back in 2019, when the South African Athletics Championships were on, Kelly shared her opinion on Twitter.
Kelly previously tweeted: "Getting ready for biological women to boycott certain events.
"Have a trans category if need be but even better a trans games.
"Otherwise I’m starting to worry about the backlash and abuse that the trans community will get from spectators."
Bobbi Pickard, the CEO of said: “Dame Kelly Holmes has been on a huge learning curve about the Trans community since coming out last year.
“It is so positive to see that through the help of the LGBTQIA community she now is beginning to understand the truth about Trans and non binary people and is turning into a real ally for us. I look forward to seeing her ally ship go from strength to strength.”
In June Kelly opened up about her sexuality.
She revealed that she's a lesbian - after living a "secret life" for decades.
The sporting hero, who is in a happy relationship, says she wanted to "scream" about her sexuality for years - but felt unable to speak openly.
Dame Kelly, who served in the Army, told the she first realised she was gay when she kissed another female soldier at the age of just 17.
But she bottled up her true feelings for years - and suffered episodes of self-harm.
Even her celebrations after she won gold in the 800 and 1,500 metres at Athens were spoiled as she feared being outed.
Dame Kelly feared she'd "still be in trouble" if she'd admitted to being gay while in the Army, although family and close friends have known of her sexuality for years.
She joined the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1988, a month before her 18th birthday.
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At the time, the forces had a ban on LGBT soldiers, which was only lifted in 2000.
