Same-sex marriage is the marriage of two people of the same-sex and gender entering into a civil or religious ceremony. The history of same-gender marriage dates back to the first century. However, in the modern era, the first legislation legalizing same-sex marriage took effect in the Netherlands on 1 April 2001.
Meanwhile, there has been a prevailing social stigma over same-sex marriage. Traditionalists have largely criticised this practice. However, with the world progressing, many people have broken these stigmas to marry and spend the rest of their lives with people they love even though from the same sex.
The taboo is now being legally accepted in many countries all over the world. There have been many LGBTQ movements across the globe to legalise same-sex marriage. Many cricketers from different parts have led the movement and have gone marry people of the same gender.
Let us take a look at 5 cricketers who have done same-sex marriage:
1. Alex Blackwell and Lynsey Askew
Alex Blackwell is one of the pioneers of women cricket in Australia. She has represented Australia in 252 internationals before calling time on his 15 years of international career in 2017. A gun batswoman, Blackwell has also led the Aussies for a couple of games.
Meanwhile, Blackwell came out in public to openly admit that she is a lesbian in 2013. She is only the second cricketer after England’s Steven Davies to admit while her playing days. Alex Blackwell married her girlfriend of eight years Lynsey Askew in England.
However, it was not legal in the country at that time. Same-sex marriage was recognised in Australia only in 2017. Blackwell has been an advocate of gender equality and believes gender doesn’t determine a person’s capability to perform.
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2. Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu
Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu are two torch-bearers of women cricket in New Zealand. Lea is known for shenanigans with the new ball while Satterthwaite is a vastly experienced all-rounder.
The duo tied knots in 2017 and grabbed the headlines although they prefer to maintain a low profile. The proud couple has been open about their relationship. Both of them are very active on social media and often helps young couples who suffer from depression due to the taboo of same-sex marriage.
3. Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp
Dane Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp have been a household name in South Africa for their contribution to women’s cricket. However, they have been subjected to severe criticisms and trolls ever since the duo made their relationship public on social media.
But it hardly mattered to the couple who have been enjoying each other’s company. After dating for several years, Niekerk and Kapp married in 2018 in a private ceremony – months before the ICC World T20 in 2018.
Meanwhile, they became the first married couple to bat together in a major ICC tournament. Meanwhile, Dane Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp are the first two girls from South Africa to train with the boys.
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4. Megan Schutt and Jess Holyoake
One of the most outspoken players about the cricket policies in Australia for women, Megan Schutt has always been a leading voice for legalizing same-sex marriage. She has used the power of social media to further the cause. The fearsome fast bowler was also a keen campaigner ahead of the 2017 Australian Marriage Law postal survey.
Soon after the law was passed, Schutt took to microblogging website Twitter to propose her longtime partner Jess Holyoake. Holyoake just took five seconds to accept the proposal and both of them have been happily living ever since.
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Megan Schutt also stated it as the best day of her life and something that completes her. Megan Schutt takes immense pride for being a part of something which changed the lives of many.
5. Jess Jonassen and Sarah Wearn
Left-arm orthodox spinner from Australia – Jess Jonassen is the last in the list. She has been one of the lynchpins in the Australian team with over 150 international scalps.
Jonassen proposed Sarah Wearn, who is not from the cricket fraternity, in 2018 in the heart of a river. She was quick to accept the proposal and since then, the couple has been living happily. The duo is very popular on social media and highlights each other’s contribution to their life.
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