Stefan Hoggan-Radu speaks about his journey in sport and life, as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Laces Campaign.
Stefan Hoggan-Radu has represented the LGBTQ+ community on many occasions as an elite Para athlete. Since his retirement from competitive sport he has continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the political world, currently holding the position as Councillor for North East Fife.
A now proud spokesperson for disability and LGBTQ+ rights, his personal journey of self-love and acceptance was filled with challenges. Bullied throughout school for having a disability, Hoggan-Radu was apprehensive to share his sexual orientation.
At 23 years-old he was training as a British triathlete and was worried about the reaction that he would get from his fellow athletes and the triathlon community after coming out. However, when he came out he had nothing but acceptance from his peers and surrounding community.
When asked how this impacted his performance in sport, Hoggan-Radu explained that this emotional strain didn’t impact his results when competing. However, he recognises the impact that it had on his long term mental health, with him appreciating that this would have ultimately effected his training performance and routine.
Before triathlon, swimming was his first sport which saw him compete on the international stage. After missing out on the 2014 Common Wealth Games by 0.02 seconds, he took the tough decision to retire from swimming.
His involvement with Para swimming paved the way for his political career. After becoming a member of the Young Person’s Sport Panel, he embarked on a trip to America, through an exchange with Blaze sport. This trip was incredibly insightful, getting to analyse policy and procedures along with attending the British Embassy in Washington as a representative. This partly influenced his decision to enter the field of politics.
His personal experience of being bullied at school highlighted the, “real injustice around how disabled individuals are treated. They aren’t represented.” This was something that he wanted to change.
When asked what inclusivity means to him, not only as a former athlete but also a member of the SNP, he shared a memorable moment that took place following the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
When he was going to training, a child saw him and their first reaction was, “Mum, that is really cool. That man only has one arm. He could be in the Paralympics!”
Hoggan-Radu credits UK broadcasters for striving to be more inclusive and have better visual representation on screen. As a result of broadcasting the Paralympics, this child saw a disability and a future for them competing in sport.
He finds this memory very heartwarming and he believes that if more people see a disability, we can create a more accepting and inclusive society, which ultimately, will make the world a better place.
The Rainbow Laces Campaign concluded on Sunday (10th) and leads the way on supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness and physical activity. Scottish Disability Sport are proud to support the Rainbow Laces Campaign and will continue to promote and encourage a fully inclusive society.