"Has anything changed?"

Saaransh Mishra. Unassuming. Guarded. Each word is measured. The flamboyant, aggressive legend on the badminton court is 'Shy' off the court. A nickname he carries as a badge of love. The name his now husband, the equally famous Australian rugby star Brendon Marsh, gave him when they first met. Did we get the scoop on how they met? Maybe. Maybe not. We spoke to them about the reality of living as queer athletes.

Thirteen years since that eventful evening at the Wembley Arena and the London Olympics Badminton gold. Saaransh has added another three: the 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris, engraving his name in badminton sports history. Brendon himself has found success coaching the local Rugby Union team.

What was it like winning that first one, and were the other golds different?

Saaransh- The first is always a milestone moment. 2012 was anxious, tense, but exhilarating. Have the other golds been different? Not much. The only change is that the 'have been there, done that' brings on a different kind of expectation from the fans.

You mention the tension and anxiety in 2012. We all know what happened at and after the match. How did the fans react?

Brendon- Way to make it cringe right at the start. 

Saaransh- It's alright. (holds Brendon's hand)  We are way past those days. Those were different times. Yes, there were jabs from both the media and the general public, Mockery, and even hate, but thank god social media wasn't as toxic as it is now. This is why, despite more openness, most LGBTQ+ sports persons keep their private lives to themselves or fake their relationships. Whether it's the locker room's toxic masculinity or the slurs hurled by some fans, life is difficult as a queer athlete. You need to do twice as much work. More effort to prove your worth. A higher yardstick to be accepted.

Brendon- On the other end is the number of times people walk up or message, sharing their stories about how our visibility has helped them. And that's why stories like ours matter. Visibility saves lives. Normalises our existence. Breaks barriers and taboos. 

What about your parents?

Saaransh- My Ma has been my anchor. And my Dadi loved Brendon more than me. Papa had an uphill journey. He is still not comfortable.

Brendon mentioned visibility. How do you think your coming out has changed the outlook of sports fans or administrators?

Saaransh- Has anything changed? Across the world and in sports, you still have barriers and certain sections pushing back against the progress we have made. There are policies in place. Their actual test is on the ground. Why aren't more athletes open about their identity? Why, in most sports, is coming out still such a big story? 

Brendon- I agree with Shy. We made progress, but it is like one step forward and half a step back. More in some sports, bare minimum in others. In so many federations and countries, those rights are being taken back. Doors are being closed on LGBTQ+ people.

What about locker rooms and behind the scenes? How do other athletes react?

Brendon- When I came out, it was tough—a sort of reluctant acceptance. But I worked with my coaches and administrators for policy changes. Even now, Saaransh and I are part of advocacy groups and sports think tanks. It is a daily battle to hold the line or break new ground for LGBTQ+ rights in the sporting world.

Saaransh- My journey, as you know, was tough. Almost lost badminton and Brendon. (reaches out to his husband). Court battles and all. But I have moved on. Things are better now. Most fellow athletes on the badminton circuit are cool. I help them keep their focus on the game, winning points, and the match. Which they haven't been able to do so far. (grins)

Note: This is a fictional interview set in late 2025. Thirteen years after Saaransh and Brendon met. You can read their story in my novel Shy.