Alex Scott says getting ‘comfortable’ in her own skin helped her to ‘represent’ the queer community

The former England footballer accepted the Sports Award at Wednesday’s Attitude Awards
Alex Scott has said she’s undergone ‘growth’ to become ‘comfortable in her own skin’ and ‘represent’ the LGBTQ+ community
PA
Lisa McLoughlin 12 October 2023
The Weekender

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Alex Scott has said she’s undergone “a lot of growth” to become ”comfortable in her own skin” and “represent” the queer community.

The former England footballer was praised last year when she defiantly donned the One Love armband as she presented the BBC’s Qatar World Cup coverage in Doha.

The 38-year-old wore the anti-discrimination symbol, which contains the rainbow colours associated with the Pride flag, as England played Iran in their opening match and was outspoken about the tournament taking place in a country that criminalises same-sex relationships.

Standing up for her beliefs earned her the Sports Award at Wednesday’s Virgin Atlantic’s Attitude Awards held at London’s Roundhouse.

During the TV pundit’s acceptance speech, the ex-Arsenal player shared: “Over the last couple of years, there’s been a lot of growth to realise the person who’s now very comfortable in their own skin.

“I know my value, I know what I am, and I know the community I represent.”

Adding later on in her speech: “But I think when you look around the room, it’s a family that you don’t ask to be a part of, but you are welcomed with open arms.

The Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2023 - Winners
Scott pictured with Steph McGovern and John Whaite as she accepted her award
Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

“So, I feel the love and I’m so grateful and let’s celebrate love and happiness.”

Scott previously touched on her sexuality in her 2022 memoir, How (Not) To Be Strong, where she spoke about her romance with Arsenal and England teammate Kelly Smith.

In her book, she wrote that Smith was her first love and spoke of her “heartbreak” following their split.

Meanwhile, the former Lioness defender award win comes amid speculation she’s dating popstar Jess Glynne.

The two are believed to have been an item for around two months and have been pictured together several times.

Glynne, 33, and former Strictly Come Dancing star Scott were first pictured together in July watching the tennis at Wimbledon and have reportedly grown closer since then.

Most recently, they partied together at David Beckham’s exclusive Netflix documentary premiere after-party at The Twenty Two in West London.

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