It’s sad enough whenever there is a ‘death’ in our LGBTQ community but it’s particularly wretched when one is taken way before their time.  It has just been announced that Simon Dunn, the Australian rugby player, activist, and former bobsledder has passed away at age 35.

Dunn was the first openly gay man to join a national bobsleigh team when he joined the Australian squad in 2014. He retired two years later. and ater this, he moved to London where he joined the LGBTQ rugby club King’s Cross Steelers. He later played for the Sydney Convicts, Australia’s first gay rugby club.

In 2021 Dunn announced plans to return to bobsled hoping to represent his country at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, a bicep injury ruled him out.

Dunn and his partner of five years Felix Maisey-Curtis made headline news around the world in 2018 when they were captured kissing on the rugby pitch.  However, In November 2022, Dunn  announced that after 5 years together they had mutually decided to go their separate ways “after a rough year of personal loss.”

A statement issued this weekend by Ruby Rose Management said “Dunn, who was adored by fans across the world, leaves behind an amazing legacy.”

“Simon was passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering, he gave his time, and utilizing his profile, to help multiple charities. Like all great ambassadors, he had his favorites which included  Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Give Out Day and Pride in Sport,” the agency said in a statement. 

Simon represented us all, he always said “I am not the spokesman, I am just a gay white male telling you about my experiences, and experiences from those with whom I listened and learnt. The sharing of these stories gives us all an appreciation of what has led us to where we are today” 

Simon Dunn  (27 July 1987 – 21 January 2023) R.I.P.