Charlie Martin
Charlie Martin is blazing a trail in motorsport and aiming to make LGBTQ+ history as the first trans driver in the 24 hours of Le Mans. Her story has captured the public’s imagination, leading to regular media appearances. She is using her profile within her sport to create LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness to inspire change in society, while empowering others to follow in her footsteps to live authentically without fear. She received a Motorsport Marketing award when she successfully asked all the drivers in the 2018 British GT Championship to run PRIDE stickers on their cars at Silverstone last June.
Charlie’s hopes for LGBTQ+ equality in sport
The biggest barrier that prevented me from being my true self in motorsport was undoubtedly the fact that I was unable to see anyone else like me, from club racing right up to professional level. I had no idea how people would react to me as trans, but I’m pleased I overcame this fear. Whatever your sport, we should all be accepted and welcomed without question, no matter what your role – as a fan or participant. By increasing LGBT visibility in all sports, I hope we can reach a point where everyone feels free to enjoy and play sport together.