Pearson's pride

Rio Paralympics 2016: Lee Pearson proud to be Team GBs flag bearer as openly-gay athelete

LEE PEARSON says it is honour to carry the British flag at the Paralympics as an openly-gay man.

The equestrian rider will lead out the GB squad tonight for the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

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Lee Pearson has been selected to carry the flag at the opening ceremonyCredit: Getty Images

Hockey ace Kate Richardson-Walsh, who is married to team-mate Helen, carried the flag at the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

And Pearson, 42, a 10-time Paralympic gold medallist, believes society has changed to such a degree that no-one really cares anymore about sexual orientation.

Pearson said: "To vote a gay bloke to be in this position is a massive honour.

"This is probably the biggest honour of my career.

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"I'm so proud of my fellow athletes. What an amazing nation to have - we've got so many diverse characters, different religions and races.

"Maybe they didn't give it any thought about the fact I am gay. And, if so, that means we've moved on even further when people don't give it any thought.

"I don't want them to think: 'Oh, he's a gay bloke, let's give him a chance.'

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