Gay broadcaster takes on epic swim challenge to raise money for LGBTQ charity
Jack Murley, whose long-running podcast amplifies LGBTQ voices in sports, is supporting Switchboard in July by putting in the hard yards in the pool; long-distance swim is a nod to the long shadow of homophobic Section 28 legislation; Murley says elite athletes and global rollback on LGBTQ rights inspired his challenge…
Award-winning gay broadcaster Jack Murley will aim to swim 28 miles in just 31 days in July to raise money for one of the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charities.
The 37-year-old presenter is swapping the podcast booth for the pool to support Switchboard – the national LGBTQ+ helpline that provides year-round support to people of any age who may be struggling with their sexuality or gender identity.
Murley says he was inspired to take on the challenge as a result of conversations he’s been having with elite-level athletes on his award-winning podcast – ‘The Jack Murley Sports Show’ – and the work he has been doing supporting the queer community since 2018.
“I’ve spent more than seven years talking with amazing LGBTQ+ sportspeople, from Olympians to World Cup winners,” says Murley, “and the thing that’s struck me most is how much of a difference being able to speak to other members of the community has made to them.
“Having meaningful conversations is something we like to think we’re good at on the podcast, but Switchboard is the real deal – as they’ve been supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community through thick and thin for more than 50 years!
“At a time when the hard-earned rights of the LGBTQ+ community are under threat around the world, it feels like the right time to step up and try and raise some much-needed money to help Switchboard continue with its vital work.
“I’m up for the challenge… even if my body may not be by the end of July!”
The decision to swim 28 kilometres is a deliberate one, as a nod to the toxic legacy that Section 28 still has on many members of the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.
It’s also a significant physical challenge, with the total distance of the ‘Swim for Switchboard’ just a couple of kilometres shy of the distance of a swim across the English Channel.
And, with the right support, Murley isn’t ruling out trying to make that distance. He has been taking some tips from the Olympians and Paralympians who have been joining him on the podcast.
“I’ve already been blown away by the support we’ve had since we announced the swim last week, and we know that every penny raised will help Switchboard continue with its vital work,” he added.
“I’ve been speaking to some of the elite-level athletes we’ve had on the podcast, and they’ve been incredibly generous in giving me some top tips for pushing through the pain barrier.
“I can’t thank them enough for the hints they’ve been giving me, even if I can’t claim to have any of their athletic ability!
“I’m proud to support such an amazing cause, and to do my bit for the LGBTQ+ community in a way that is completely different to anything I’ve done before.”
At the time of writing, Jack is already 60% of the way towards his fundraising target – but he needs YOUR help to get him there! Head to his GoFundMe page to donate what you can to Switchboard, and follow his progress on Instagram at @jack_murley.
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