Melbourne ¨C Two-time world champion Tyler Wright will compete in the Abu Dhabi surfing event after seeking assurances from organizers that she will be in a ¡°safe environment¡± as an LGBT athlete.
Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates and sexual activity between people of the same sex is punishable by imprisonment.
¡°I¡¯ve been working with the appropriate teams in the UAE as well as the WSL (World Surf League) and am assured that I will be competing in a welcoming and safe environment,¡± Australian Wright said on Instagram.
The WSL confirmed last year it would add Abu Dhabi to the pro surfing calendar for the first time, prompting criticism from Wright¡¯s wife and brother.
The men¡¯s event started in Abu Dhabi¡¯s huge artificial wave pool on Friday. The women¡¯s competition starts on Saturday.
Wright won the season-opening Pipe Pro in Hawaii.
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