RIP Simon Dunn – Groundbreaking Gay Athlete and LGBTQ+ Rights Icon

January 23, 2023
TOMMY

The world lost another gay icon this week. Simon Dunn passed away suddenly in his apartment this weekend at the age of 35. His agent confirmed his passing. Dunn was an Australian rugby player and the first out gay person to represent a country in an international bobsledding competition. He was also an outspoken LGBTQ+ rights advocate and a model (more on that later).

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A post shared by Simon Dunn (@bysimondunn)

He retired from bobsledding in 2016 and moved to London, where he played for The Kings Cross Steelers, the city's biggest gay rugby team. And even when he moved back to Australia, he wasn't done being an absolute beast and badass on the field. Dunn played for Australia's biggest gay rugby team, the Sydney Convicts, having just reached his 10th year with the team when he competed at the 2022 Bingham Cup in Ottawa.

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A post shared by Simon Dunn (@bysimondunn)

A noted advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Simon Dunn was named an ambassador for Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and Give Out, Australia's longest-running HIV charity. Because of this, he was twice placed on the shortlist to be named the Australian LGBTI Awards Sports Personality of the Year.

Here's a really wonderful video of Simon Dunn lip-synching shirtless in the snow to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" to put a smile on your face as we remember this gay icon, badass athlete, and all-around good human.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness or thoughts of self-harm please reach out to someone, call or text 988 (the nation's dedicated mental health crisis line), or reach out to The Trevor Project. The world is better with you in it.

For more of Simon Dunn's modeling pics, scroll on.