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.

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.

“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.’

“I want them to think: ‘He’s a nice bloke, who has done what he’s done for the country in previous Games.’

“I expect to be numb tonight with emotional and pride. I have never cried at a ceremony but I might do now. This is surreal.”

IOC President Thomas Bach will miss the opening ceremony at the Maracana because he is attending the official state mourning ceremony for Walter Scheel, the former West Germany president.