Why bisexual Aussie surfer Tyler Wright’s wife and family are blasting the sport’s bosses for ‘putting her life in danger’
The friends and family of bisexual surfer Tyler Wright have reached out to the World Surf League (WSL) on social media after the organization announced that one of the stops for the 2025 championship tour would be in the United Arab Emirates.
The season kicks off in January in Hawaii and makes its second stop at Surf Abu Dhabi the following month.
The venue, a new addition for the 2025 season, features the largest artificial wave pool in the world and, according to the Daily Telegraphwill appear on the schedule for the next three seasons.
But civil law and Sharia law in the United Arab Emirates criminalize same-sex sexual activity, and the move to organize an event on the 2025 calendar has been condemned by some of Wright’s friends and relatives on Instagram.
Originally from New South Wales, Wright identifies as bisexual and has been married to Lilli Baker since 2022.
The 30-year-old has won 16 times on the WSL World Tour, most notably the 2022 and 2023 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
Her younger brother Mikey Wright, who has also competed on the international stage, criticized the WSL’s decision on Instagram.
He wrote in a comment below the WSL’s post announcing next year’s tour dates: ‘This schedule should [be] Come to think of it, there is no point in organizing an event in a location where my sister could be sentenced to death under the law.”
Friends and family of Australian Olympic surfer Tyler Wright (pictured) have contacted the World Surf League about holding an event in the United Arab Emirates, where they say her sexuality will put her life at risk
Wright’s wife Lili (pictured right, with Wright) was one of several family members to criticize the WSL for its decision to stage a new event in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.
Tyler’s brother, Mikey Wright, condemned the scheduling decision on Instagram
‘So much for equality and equal rights, only if the WSL comes true. You propped up the LGBTQ flag on her shoulder, but now you want to take it off and be quiet about taking her to a location where she is at risk of punishment.
‘You have a responsibility to protect your athletes and you are curious how you think you can protect her from the law. @wsl’
Lilli Wright published a post on Instagram, where she wrote a lengthy caption criticizing the WSL for the tour for adding Surf Abu Dhabi to their 2025 schedule.
“Two days ago @wsl released their 2025 tour schedule,” Lilli wrote.
‘Unfortunately, homosexuality is illegal at one of the locations and my wife could legally be sentenced to death or prison if she attempts to attend.
“Tyler has been 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 marketing this event. WSL has a duty of care to its athletes not to place them in potentially life-threatening circumstances such as these.
“It has been an unsettling journey educating myself on the legality and history of LGBTQIA+ rights in this location and I doubt there is a ‘solution’ I would feel comfortable with having the love of my life compete there . I see how hard my wife works every day on her career and it’s unreasonable to expect her to just not go.
Wright (right), originally from New South Wales, identifies as bisexual and has been married to Lilli (left) since 2022.
Wright is a two-time world champion and represented Australia at the Olympic Games this summer
Tyler’s wife Lilli wrote, “Tyler’s queerness doesn’t have to be a burden or obstacle in her workplace” when she went to the WSL
“Her life is worth more than one event, but I cannot acknowledge that missing this event would put her career at a major disadvantage over the next three years if this venue is used. Tyler’s queerness doesn’t have to be a burden or obstacle in her workplace.
She added: “However, I believe it is a conversation where a country like this is putting a lot of money into becoming an international destination for professional sports leagues, especially when they have such strict laws for the LGBTQIA+ community. Ultimately, WSL had absolutely no business selling this event at this location, expecting their only openly queer athlete to quietly tag along.
Australian skateboarder Poppy Starr also commented on the post, writing: ‘I’ve had multiple Olympic qualifiers in Dubai and am in the exact same position. As much as I appreciate the beauty of the country, it is not easy to compete and maintain a positive attitude when you worry about your safety every day.”
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted the WSL and Wright teams for comment.