National Coming Out Day: Jack Duern partners with Racing With Pride

News | 11^th October 2021

Racing With Pride announces sponsorship with British racing's sole openly gay jockey, Jack Duern on National Coming Out Day.

Racing With Pride is the official LGBT+ network for British racing. It’s designed for British racing’s participants, workforce and fans who identify as LGBT+ as well as allies of the community.

The aim of the organisation is to offer support, build awareness and engage the LGBT+ community and racing community to continually improve inclusivity in the sport.

Today, on National Coming Out Day, Racing With Pride has announced its new partnership with the racing’s only openly gay jockey Jack Duern. Together, Duern and Racing With Pride will help push forward inclusivity in the sport and show that racing can be a sport for everyone.

Spread the love #NationalComingOutDay #behappy #besuccessful @RacingWithPride pic.twitter.com/rkpUi387WN
— Jack Duern (@JackDuern) October 11, 2021

Duern told the Racing Post, “I’m proud to be sponsored by Racing With Pride and to highlight the brilliant work they are doing to increase LGBT+ inclusion in British racing, I have experienced issues in the sport, but I believe things are changing and I’m proud to play my part in this.”

“Visibility is so important. I had to look to another sport to see a role model as an out gay man, so if I can use my platform to show one other LGBT+ person in racing they’re not alone, I’ll be very happy.

“I hope by sharing my story and the important work the industry is doing in this area, I can show racing will accept you for who you are.

“Everyone can play their part sharing this message and showing their visible support, as seen when many of my colleagues wore a rainbow armband last year for the Racing is Everyone’s Sport campaign.

“Since returning to racing, I’ve been welcomed back openly and I feel my confidence and riding skills have improved as I’ve been able to focus on those, knowing I’m supported.”

Racing is proud to support Jack and his brilliant work to increase inclusivity in the sport. The industry also takes great pride in being one of the few sports in the UK to have an openly gay male athlete. Duern’s visibility alongside Racing With Pride will be a huge force for good in our sport.