Bruce Mouat’s induction into the Scottish LGBT+ Hall of Fame is as much a reward for the environment created within his sport as recognition of his own success, according to the World Championship winning skip.
Following last night’s announcement at the 2023 Scottish LGBT+ Proud Scotland Awards in Glasgow, the 28-year-old, who led his men to their first world title in April, comprehensively defeating Canada’s world number one ranked Team Gushue on their own ice, was keen that this latest achievement should send out an important message about curling’s inclusivity. 
“To receive the 2023 Scottish LGBT+ Hall of Fame Award is pretty amazing and is an extra bonus to what the boys and I have achieved this year in winning the Worlds. It’s really nice that the LGBT+ community have recognised that,” he said.
“I curl for the sake of loving the sport and wanting to achieve a lot within it, but it’s really nice to know that younger kids who may be coming through are able to see that an openly gay athlete is able to achieve a lot and that’s exactly what this award means.
“Curling has always been a very inclusive sport and there is room for growth and there always will be, but it’s always been nice that I’ve always been welcomed in the sport.
“Hopefully other people who are part of the LGBT+ community can see that and maybe want to come and try the sport, because there’s definitely a very safe space for us to play, whether it’s at recreational or elite level and I would encourage everyone to take up this sport.”
Mouat’s previous successes have included winning the World Mixed Doubles Championship with lifelong friend Jen Dodds in 2021, then reaching the final at the 2022 Winter Olympics along with Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan, but winning the men’s world title had become something of a Holy Grail after they claimed bronze on their first appearance at the event in 2018, then silver in 2021.
“It’s been an up and down season and we ultimately achieved the main goal of winning the World Championships,” said Mouat.
“The boys and I have put a lot of work into that, so having this extra highlight has solidified this season as one of the best in my career.”
So, while his focus will continue to be the pursuit of World Championship and Olympic glory, he is acutely aware that doing so provides the opportunity to inspire future generations.
“I do hope that throughout my career I’ll continue to have success and ultimately I owe a lot to the people that have supported me to get to this stage,” he said. 
“I don’t think I’ve gone through that many trials and tribulations, but I’ve definitely worked hard to make sure I was in a good head space to be able to achieve these things.
“I consequently really hope that on the back of awards like this and other things that are happening that people are encouraged and maybe motivated to take up any sport, knowing that if they are part of the LGBT+ community there’s always a space for them.”
That capacity for sport to take on a trailblazing capacity was recognised by Dan Syme, the Chair of the LGBT+ Cooperative as he welcomed Mouat’s elevation to the Hall of Fame,
“Bruce is one of the most outstanding competitors in sport who is openly gay of our generation and is a role model for any LGBT+ athlete as he's never hidden away from his true self, demonstrating that regardless of sexuality anyone with enough drive can reach the top of their field, go for gold, and become world champion.
“I am proud that he has won gold at the Scottish LGBT+ awards and been inducted into the LGBT+ Hall of Fame to highlight his dedication to improving inclusivity in sports across Scotland and the UK.
“This award is for his LGBT+ activism, but what a great way to launch Team GB's bid for Olympic Gold in curling at the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina 2026.”
Images: 2023 Scottish LGBT+ Proud Scotland Awards Image: Craig Kyle, WCF/Celine Stucki.
