Friends and family of queer surfer Tyler Wright hit out after World Surf League announces 2025 schedule

Family of openly queer surfer Tyler Wright have hit out at the World Surf League after it announced the United Arab Emirates - where same-sex activity is outlawed - will host a round of next year’s championship tour.

Family and friends of queer surf champion Tyler Wright have vehemently criticised the World Surf League after it revealed a country that criminalises same-sex activity as a stop on next year’s Championship Tour.

The move to hold an event in the United Arab Emirates, where both civil law and sharia law criminalise same-sex sexual activity has drew swift condemnation from Wright’s supporters, who fear for her safety “at a location where my sister can be sentenced by law with the death penalty”.

Surf Abu Dhabi - the world’s biggest man-made wave pool - has been revealed as a new venue on next year’s tour, with a deal understood to have been struck for the next three seasons.

But the revelation drew the immediate wrath of Mikey Wright, Tyler’s younger brother, who has called out the WSL for what he perceives as a double standard.

Tyler Wright, who identifies as bisexual and is married to wife Lilli Wright (nee Baker), wears a pride flag on her surf jersey in competition in a move sanctioned by the WSL.

Wright’s younger brother Mikey, a talent pro and sometime championship tour (CT) competitor himself, ripped into the organisation for its decision and lack of support for its two-time world champ.

Tyler Wright at this year’s Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

“This schedule should (be) re thought (sic), you have no business putting on an event at a location where my sister can be sentenced by law with the death penalty,” Mikey posted on Instagram in the comments section of the league’s own post revealing its 2025 CT schedule.

“So much for equality and equal rights, only when it’s convenient to wsl (sic). You have supported the LGBTQ flag on her shoulder but now you want to strip it and be hush hush to get her to a location that she’s at risk of this punishment. You have the responsibility to protect your athletes, interested to see how you think you can protect her against the law. @wsl”

Wright’s wife also made an Instagram post, furious at the WSL for what she perceives as selling out.

The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced that Surf Abu Dhabi will serve as a key venue for upcoming major surfing events. Picture: Surf Abu Dhabi

“At the end of the day, WSL had absolutely no business selling this event to his location expecting their only openly queer athlete to go along quietly,” she said.

She also details her fears, while understanding any move by the 30-year-old to skip the stop would put her world title campaign at a severe disadvantage.

“Tyler has competed on this tour for over 14 years and has had the pride flag on her jersey since 2020. Even after winning 2 world titles she is still not valued enough by the WSL to be considered when they sold this event. WSL have the duty of care to their athletes to not put them in potentially life threatening circumstances like this,” Lilli said.

While the reality is Wright, like many gay athletes before her, will be able to compete without hindrance at the stop, her identity is technically illegal.

Tyler Wright’s family have spoken out about the WSL desicion. Picture: Getty Images

“It has been an upsetting journey educating myself on the legality and the history of LGBTQIA+ rights at this location and I doubt there is any ‘solution’ I would feel comfortable with the love of my life competing there,” she said.

“I see how hard my wife works every day on her career and it’s unreasonable to expect her to just not go. Her life is worth more than 1 (sic) event but I can’t not acknowledge missing this event would put her career at a huge disadvantage over the next 3 years that this location will be used. Tyler’s queerness should not have to be a burden or an obstacle in her workplace.”

Queer professional skateboarder and Olympian Poppy Starr Olsen, commented on Lilli’s post, saying she understood the fears.

“I’ve had multiple Olympic qualifiers in Dubai & am in the exact same position. As much as I can appreciate the beauty of the country it’s not easy to compete and maintain a positive mindset when you’re worrying about your safety every day,” she said.

Code Sports has sought comment from Wright’s management and the WSL.

Originally published as Friends and family of queer surfer Tyler Wright hit out after World Surf League announces 2025 schedule