Welsh professional footballer, Jess Fishlock MBE, has just become a Sports Champion for Stonewall.
The LGBT+ charity welcomes Fishlock onto a list of 11 other fellow champions, as it celebrates it's annual Rainbow Laces Day.
Jess took the top spot of WalesOnline's Pinc List 2019, not only for her skills in football but her complete honesty about her experience as an LGBT+ person.
Jess joins athletes including Ryan Atkin, the first openly gay football referee, Phillipa York, a trans woman who was one of Britain's most successful cyclists and Welsh hockey veteran, Beth Fisher.
Fishlock says she wants to use her position to 'inspire others'.
"I am passionate about increasing the visibility of LGBT role models in football and using my position to inspire others", she said.
"It's important for everyone to be OK with who they are, and that they feel safe within themselves.
"Since I've got to that point I've been the best version of myself and I want others to feel the same.
"Sport is a powerful vehicle for change and my hope is that whether you're a fan or a player -from grassroots tot the top leagues in the world - we can create an open, accessible and safe environment for us all to thrive".
Chief Executive of Stonewall, Nancy Kelley, stated she 'couldn't be happier' welcoming Jess as a Sports Champion.
"Jess has been a trailblazer on and off the pitch, and she has inspired so many by being open about who she is", Nancy said.
"She embodies everything that Rainbow Laces is about and we know having her onboard will help bring us closer to the day where all LGBT+ people, from fans to players, are accepted without exception.
"We couldn't be happier to have Jess Fishlock join us as one of our Stonewall Sports Champions".
