Gay world No. 1 Australian surfer Tyler Wright to compete in Abu Dhabi, despite UAE anti-gay laws

World No. 1 Tyler Wright, the only openly gay surfer on the WSL tour, says she’ll now compete in Abu Dhabi after previously slamming organisers for allowing the event to proceed there.

Two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright of Australia after winning the final at the Lexus Pipe Pro on February 8, 2025, Hawaii. Picture: Tony Heff/WSL

World No.1 surfer Tyler Wright will compete in Abu Dhabi after seeking assurances from the World Surf League and the UAE officials that she will be “in a welcoming and safe environment”.

Wright, a two-time world champion, is the only openly gay surfer on the WSL tour and has been challenged by the prospect of competing in the UAE where homosexuality is illegal.

Wright was the first surfer to wear the LGBTQ+ pride flag while competing and she had weighed up travelling to the UAE for the event being held in a wave pool.

In a statement on Instagram, accompanied with pictures of Wright teaching young girls to surf in Abu Dhabi, she confirmed she will compete in the event despite the country’s laws.

“I’ve been working with the appropriate teams in the UAE as well as the WSL and am assured that I will be competing in a welcoming and safe environment,” Wright wrote.

“Competing around the world has been my job for a long time. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of the women’s tour and programs like WSL Rising Tides and how they have inspired a generation of women and many to come.”

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of sharing the love of surfing with the WSL Rising Tides girls who had never surfed before. The abundant collective joy in that session was truly memorable.

“Sport has a beautiful and powerful way of fostering connection, community and representation.

“If you can see it, you can be it. That’s something that has remained important to me throughout my career.”

On Sunday, Wright broke a two-year drought when she won the Pipeline Pro on Hawaii’s North Shore and is aiming for a third world title.

The Abu Dhabi event is being held in a wave pool which has been designed by superstar surfer Kelly Slater’s company.

Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE with jail terms up to 14 years.

Pro surfer Tyler Wright and her wife, Lilli Baker. Picture: Instagram

In October 2024, in an Instagram post that remains online, Wright’s wife Lilli criticised the WSL decision to add Abu Dhabi to its calendar.

“Unfortunately homosexuality is illegal at one of the locations and my wife can legally be sentenced to death or imprisonment if she tries to attend,” Lilli Wright wrote on Instagram.

“Tyler has competed on this tour for over 14 years and has had the pride flag on her jersey since 2020.

“Even after winning two 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.”

Wright’s brother Mikey commented on the WSL’s Instagram, stating that the schedule should be “re-thought”.

“So much for equality and equal rights, only when it’s convenient to WSL,” Mikey Wright continued.

“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.”