Welsh referee Huw Ware occupies a singular position in the world of professional darts, embracing his role as the sport's only openly gay male figure. Having publicly come out in 2014, Ware has become a prominent and visible ambassador for the LGBT+ community within the game.
A Historic Final and a Growing Platform
Earlier this year, Ware made history by becoming the first openly gay man to officiate a PDC World Darts Championship final. He took charge of the match at Alexandra Palace where teenage sensation Luke Littler clinched the world title. This landmark moment significantly raised his profile, further cementing his status as a leading face for LGBT+ inclusion in darts.
Ware acknowledges the ambassadorial role that comes with his unique position. "It's something that I've had no choice but to embrace, I guess, when I am at this moment in time, the only openly gay male in professional darts anyway," he told Metro. "So with that, it becomes a responsibility in its own rights. I've always felt that the best way that I could lead is just through visibility."
Leading Through Action, Not Megaphones
The 32-year-old official is clear about his personal approach to advocacy. He does not see himself as a frontline campaigner but believes his power lies in consistent, proud visibility.
"I've never considered myself a leader in LGBT rights or things like this," Ware explained. "The best way for me to lead is just through going on the stage and doing my job to the best of my ability and being out and proud. Just being visible in that respect, because there is a lot to be said for doing just that."
He is, however, a driving force behind Out On The Oche, the official LGBT+ darts group. Formed just over a year ago, the collective already boasts more than 100 members across Europe and the world, encompassing men, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals.
"I'm so proud that we have that now," Ware said. "It just shows the amount of appeal that darts has to everybody and how much of a leveller darts is as a sport."
Life Beyond the Oche: Ambassadorship and Media
Ware's visibility extends beyond refereeing, bolstered by his role as a global ambassador for darts manufacturer Winmau. This partnership, which includes a personal website, blog, and podcast, feels particularly full-circle for the referee.
"It means the world to me to work with Winmau, to be honest," he said, revealing he did summer work experience at their Bridgend factory as a teenage darts obsessive. "Then those same guys, oh my God, 15 years later, are offering me the chance to become a global ambassador for their company."
His background in sports journalism with BBC Radio Wales Sport until 2021 has also prepared him for this expanded media role. Despite a hectic schedule that now includes daily vlogs and fan messages, Ware remains steadfast that refereeing is his absolute priority.
"Since I refereed the World final last year, my life really has changed," he admitted. "But refereeing is, of course, my priority and nothing gets in the way of that."
Through his excellence on stage and his advocacy off it, Huw Ware continues to demonstrate that leadership can come in many forms, with visibility itself being a powerful catalyst for change.
