India Willoughby makes history as first trans patron of professional sports club

India Willoughby (fourth from right) has been appointed patron of the Keighley Cougars (Image: JTSportsMedia)

Broadcaster India Willoughby has been appointed patron of the Keighley Cougars rugby league club, becoming the first trans person to be made patron of a professional sports team.

The almost 150-year-old club is notable as the only professional sports team outside of the US to have out LGBTQ+ owners, with married couple Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia at the helm.

Willoughby, who made her name as the UK’s first out transgender newsreader, said in a statement she was “thrilled to represent this incredible club that is challenging societal norms.”

“My community has faced unjust scrutiny for too long, and all I aim to do is represent this club to the best of my ability while

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