Taekwondo master Damián López beat cancer & has dedicated his life to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.
Damián López received a new lease on life, and the out taekwondo master is using his time to champion inclusivity.
López, who’s a government delegate for his home city of Valencia, Spain, has dedicated his sports career to opening up opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes.
The Taekwondo Federation of the Valencian Community, of which he is a director, was the first organization of its kind in Spain to create a department that deals exclusively with LGBTQ+-related issues.
To commemorate the International Day against queerphobia in Sport this past week, the Argentinean native spoke about the importance of fighting against discrimination.
“This day arises as a response to the barriers and inequalities that, unfortunately, many people still face in the world of sports due to their orientation or gender identity,” he posted on social media.
“From the Taekwondo Federation of the Valencian Community, we firmly believe that sport should be a space of inclusion, respect and safety for everyone.”
Largely recognized in Spain and Latin America, the International Day against LGTBI-phobia in Sport is commemorated every year on February 19. The event was especially meaningful this year, given the widespread assault on LGBTQ+ inclusivity worldwide. With right-wing governments rising in power, programs designated for inclusion are being targeted.
That’s especially the case in the U.S., where the current administration has banned all federal DEI programs. In terms of sports, the White House occupant issued an executive order that bans trans athletes from competing in women’s leagues.
While many organizations are receding from their inclusion efforts, Valencia’s taekwondo federation is doubling down. That’s largely thanks to López, who survived a rare form of cancer when he was just 23 years old. With a survival rate of 35%, he beat the odds.
