Boxer Garside comes out as ‘straight’, says he has faced years of ‘homophobia’

Harry Garside has spoken of the homophobia he has faced due to being in touch with his ‘feminine side’. He likes to wear skirts and paints his nails and says he is ‘straight’.

Harry Garside has come out as “straight”.

The Olympic medallist says he has faced years of homophobia in his sport of boxing due to the fact he has explored his feminine side by wearing skirts and painting his nails.

“People have often questioned my sexuality and been quite homophobic towards me,” Garside said on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

Harry Garside models for The Iconic. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I am a straight man and I am very comfortable in my own skin but I am lucky I have got thick skin but I am sure that if they are saying that to an athlete, who else are they saying it to.

“I guess chopping people down for being who they are, people need to be really careful about what they are saying, especially online — just because you can’t see someone, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact them.”

Garside, 25, made the comments in tonight’s episode of the reality show as he discussed his sexuality and gender with TV personality Ian “Dicko” Dickson.

“I get ripped down all of the time,” Garside said.

Harry Garside throws a punch during his Australian Lightweight Title bout with Layton McFerran as part of the King of the Castle Fight Night at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in May 2022. Picture: Getty Images

“I think it comes from like a mirror where potentially they are not free in their life and they want to express themself.

“It has been quite an interesting roller coaster for me over the last few years I guess embracing more my feminine energy, which is actually where I think I sit more often.

“Being in a masculine very male dominated sport, it raises a few eyebrows. It is different.

“People will see a photo, it is a human thing we do, they will label you or put you in a box, people being super homophobic towards me.”

In response, Dickson said: “Harry’s courage is always impressive. He is daring to be different and I think that confronts a lot of macho men who don’t think that he fits into their neat little box so good on him.”

Garside meanwhile explained that he is single after a recent break-up from Ashley Ruscoe.

Garside having some recovery sessions while he heals an injured hand.

Garside and Ashley Roscoe on the red carpet at GQ Men of The Year Awards.

In another segment, speaking to sporting legend Liz Ellis and comedian Peter Helliar, Garside said: “I am going to stay single for a while. I really realised in my last relationship that I’ve got a few years to mature a little bit more.

“I always admire people with really strong relationships. For me they have just been really difficult.

“I have realised how poorly I have treated myself quite often but I am so used to it that its actually familiar and when I am not treating myself poorly I actually feel unsafe because I am so used to it this way.”