Scotland's Gilmour draws criticism for comments on LGBTQ rights in Asia

Scotland’s women’s singles shuttler Kirsty Gilmour has come under fire for her remarks on wanting to see progress for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community in Asia.

Gilmour, who is gay, said she would love to see more inclusivity for the LGBTQ community ahead of the World Championships in New Delhi, India when she was asked on the issue.

“The hotel that we’re staying at has a massive LGBTQ elephant in the lobby and all the staff wear LGBTQ flag pins. To most people that stay in the hotel that would just maybe not really register or not be that important.

“But for me, it’s just a little comfort to us to know that we’re not going to be treated any differently,” Gilmour told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/16/gay-badminton-star-gilmour-urges-progress-on-lgbtq-rights-in-asia

But the 32-year-old’s remarks did not go down well with Malaysian social media users, who criticized her for relating her sexuality to her profession as a badminton player.

A lot of the comments where the news was reported on, called on Gilmour to keep her sexual orientation and professional career separate, while some even called for the Scot from being banned  playing in Malaysia.

Most users called on her to just focus on the badminton, rather than highlight this issue especially on the eve of the world champs.

Their comments come as no surprise as LGBTQ remains a taboo conversation in a Muslim-majority nation like Malaysia.

On court, Gilmour will face Chinese shuttler Han Yue in the opening round.