Retired Jamaican swimmer Michael Gunning revealed that he is scared of returning to Jamaica due to his open advocacy for LGBT rights. The Jamaican system is pitched against LGBTQ people therefore due to the stringent attitudes there, Michael is afraid to go, not knowing what kind of reception he will receive.
I've been so scared to go back to Jamaica. I haven't been back because I'm scared for my safety. I'm very open with my advocacy and do want to help change things out there, I want to change the laws. I want to be part of that change and help where I can. Young people have connected with me out in Jamaica and said they would love to be open like I am. They would love to come out to their parents but it's just not an environment where they feel like they can.
Michael Gunning