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Simon Dunn
Co-Founder / Sovereign State
Simon Dunn (27 July 1987 – 21 January 2023) was an Australian athlete known for his significant contributions to both bobsledding and rugby, as well as his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He grew up in Wollongong, Australia, where he played rugby league before transitioning to rugby union and bobsledding later in his career. Notably, Dunn made history in 2014 by becoming the first openly gay male athlete to represent any country in bobsledding, competing as a brakeman for the Australian team.1
Dunn's athletic career included stints with the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club and the Kings Cross Steelers in London. After initially retiring from bobsledding, he returned to the sport with aspirations to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics but faced setbacks due to injury.1 Beyond sports, Dunn was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, particularly focusing on homophobia in sports and HIV/AIDS awareness. He served as an ambassador for various organizations and contributed to media discussions surrounding these topics.1
In addition to his athletic and advocacy work, Dunn also ventured into media, becoming a popular figure on social media and contributing columns to several LGBTQ+ publications. His impact extended beyond sports as he engaged in acting and appeared in various media formats.1 Tragically, Simon Dunn passed away on January 21, 2023, at the age of 35, with his death not being treated as suspicious by authorities.1
