Notably, Pearson has spoken on the topic at length after being chosen as the British flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 and after winning his career’s latest gold medals at Tokyo 2020. While the rider himself has never made his sexuality the main topic of conversation, he also never tried to hide it. Pearson has chronicled his struggles, including his decision to come out, in his autobiography I Am Who I Am, which was released in spring 2021.īeing chosen as the British flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 was one of Pearson's career highlights. “It was more social pressures and also dislike of myself of having these feelings that was the biggest hurdle to get over, probably even bigger than telling family and friends, and that’s the way that I think society had made you feel." “I don’t think my disability as such made it harder or easier,” he added.
“I really battled a lot with myself so once I came out, I did have an inner strength that I am who I am, both for my disability and my sexuality.” “My coming out was quite traumatic,” said Pearson who was born with arthrogryposis, a condition which affected the muscles in his arms and legs. “When we travel a lot around the world we realise that the world actually isn’t a very safe place and there isn’t equality around the world so I think when you’re in a lucky position to not live your life hidden away due to disability, or sexuality in this case, we should be promoting the fact that the world should be a more equal place for all and help to educate other countries.” A fine balanceĭeciding to be open about his sexual orientation was not easy for the 48-year-old athlete who grew up at a time when attitudes to homosexuality were predominantly negative. As a person with a disability, Pearson also already knew what society's reactions could be like. “In Great Britain and also within international horse sport, we can feel very safe to literally be who we want to be, to a degree,” he said. Katopodis/Getty ImagesĪs Pearson says, he never aimed to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights but realising the different attitudes on this topic around the world, felt that he had a duty to speak out. Pearson won three gold medals at Tokyo 2020 to take his total Paralympic medals tally to 17.