Powerful advocacy group Surf Equity circulates petition demanding WSL drop Abu Dhabi event over concern for Tyler Wright

"The undersigned inclusive surfing organisations and individuals vehemently oppose this decision."

No social or moral issue, as it relates to gender expansiveness, spectrum affirmation, non-binarism and queerness (if it aligns with ultra-inclusion) plus professional surfing, can said to be truly “in the public square” until Surf Equity has weighed in. The powerful advocacy group has been at the absolute forefront of publicly shaming women who get “uppity” while fighting the good fight on hydra-headed fronts.

It was with bated breath, then, that surf fans around the world waited for Surf Equity’s response to the growing furor over the planned World Surf League Championship Tour Abu Dhabi surf event. Now, you certainly recall when two-time WSL champ Tyler Wright’s brother, Mikey, came swinging in, declaring, “You have no business putting on an event at a location where my sister can be sentenced by law with the death penalty. So much for equality and equal rights, only when it’s convenient to wsl. You have supported the LGBTQ flag on her shoulder but now you want to strip it and be hush hush to get her to a location that she’s at risk of this punishment. You have the responsibility to protect your athletes, interested to see how you think you can protect her against the law.”

Tyler, of course, the only openly gay surfer on tour.

Mikey’s salvo was followed by another from Tyler’s wife Lilli, who added, “Unfortunately homosexuality is illegal at one of the locations and my wife can legally be sentenced to death or imprisonment if she tries to attend. Tyler has competed on this tour for over 14 years and has had the pride flag on her jersey since 2020. Even after winning two world titles she is still not valued enough by the WSL to be considered when they sold this event. Tyler’s queerness should not have to be a burden or an obstacle in her workplace.”

All eyes turning to Surf Equity which, for days, remained silent.

Silent until now. For hours ago, them lent its considerable heft to a petition demanding that Abu Dhabi be removed from tour.

The World Surf League (WSL) have named Abu Dhabi as a stop on their 2025 Championship Tour and Longboard Tour, a location where homosexuality is illegal – punishable by up to 14 years in prison or even the death sentence. Wave Wahines CIC, Queer Surf Club, Surf Equity, and the undersigned inclusive surfing organisations and individuals vehemently oppose this decision. We call on you to join us in supporting the removal of Abu Dhabi as a venue from the WSL’s events calendar until they can guarantee a safe environment for every surfer. So far the amazing surfing community have spoken up and are ready to take action – it’s time we unite and amplify our collective voice. Please share the petition widely – through surf chats, email lists and across your social media.

At time of writing, it has garnered 745 signatures.

Surf Equity, fighting the perpetual good fight for…

All races

All cultures

All sexual orientations

All gender identities

All national origins

All abilities

All socioeconomic backgrounds

All gender expressions

All countries of origin

All ethnicities

All religions

All genders

Except Islamic bastards.

Or uppity women.

More as the story develops.