Tom Daley’s Shirtless Canyon Hike Ignites Queer Social Media

Olympic diver Tom Daley, renowned for his athletic achievements and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, took to Instagram and Twitter (@TomDaley1994) this week to share a video and series of selfies documenting his shirtless hike through a sun-drenched canyon. The posts, which quickly went viral, feature Daley in black-and-white shorts, his trademark humor on display as he muses about American hiking culture: “Can we also talk about how in America, everyone calls it a hike when actually it’s just a walk with a moderate incline…”.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Daley (@tomdaley)

Fans responded with a flurry of supportive and playful comments, celebrating both Daley’s physical fitness and his role as a relatable LGBTQ+ parent and public figure. The video has been widely shared, with LGBTQ+ media outlets and influencers amplifying the content across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

Daley’s public persona has evolved significantly since his Olympic debut, and his recent social media activity underscores a blend of athleticism, fatherhood, and pride that resonates with diverse audiences. Since retiring from competitive diving, Daley has shifted focus to a variety of pursuits—from launching his knitwear line, Made With Love by Tom Daley, to sharing moments of parenthood with his son Robbie and husband Dustin Lance Black.

The canyon hike video is emblematic of Daley’s broader commitment to living authentically and sharing both the glamorous and everyday aspects of his life. Fans often highlight the “dad content” that Daley posts: snapshots from waterparks, candid videos of family adventures, and heartfelt reflections on LGBTQ+ parenthood. These glimpses into Daley’s family life offer affirmation to many, especially those who may not see themselves represented in mainstream media.

For many viewers, Daley’s canyon hike is more than a moment of fitness inspiration; it’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ joy, resilience, and authenticity. The enthusiastic online response, filled with memes, supportive comments, and creative fan edits, reflects the hunger for positive queer representation in digital spaces.

Daley’s post also intersects with larger trends in LGBTQ+ social media, where users leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to highlight outdoor recreation, wellness, and self-acceptance. “Tom Daley has officially joined the ranks of Hot Gays in Nature, and we couldn’t be happier about it,” wrote one columnist, encapsulating the sense of communal pride sparked by Daley’s hike.

Daley’s journey from Olympic gold medalist to LGBTQ+ icon and father is frequently cited as an inspiration. His public coming out, marriage to Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and open embrace of fatherhood have made him a role model for many in the LGBTQ+ community.

The canyon hike video, while playful in tone, draws attention to Daley’s ongoing evolution. “He’s hot, he’s funny, he’s got a family, and he’s still serving looks while casually dragging American hiking culture,” noted Instinct Magazine, referencing Daley’s ability to blend humor, style, and substance in his public appearances.

For many, Daley’s post was a reminder of the importance of seeing queer joy and success in everyday life. As one fan commented, “Hiking isn’t the workout here, Tom Daley is. And America? You can keep calling it a hike. We’ll keep calling it a holy experience”.