Mark Bingham, one of the passengers who thwarted the hijackers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, is remembered not only for his heroic actions that day but also for his significant contributions to the world of rugby and LGBTQ+ sports inclusion. Bingham was the last person to board the flight departing from Newark, New Jersey, en route to San Francisco, where he was scheduled to be an usher at a fraternity brother’s wedding.

Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, Bingham was a prominent figure, known for his athleticism as a star rugby player at the University of California and for his leadership within the Chi Psi fraternity. During the flight, he joined three other passengers—Tom Burnett, Todd Beamer, and Jeremy Glick—in an attempt to overpower the hijackers after learning about the other hijacked flights and their devastating impacts on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Their struggle led to the plane crashing near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching the U.S. Capitol. All aboard perished, but their courage saved countless lives.

At 31 years old, Bingham was described by Senator John McCain at a memorial service as an extraordinary individual, praising his bravery and character despite not having known him personally. Bingham’s life, though tragically cut short, was marked by diverse passions—from running with the bulls in Pamplona to standing up to crime and helping found one of the first gay-inclusive rugby teams in the United States.

Proudly gay, Bingham was a founding member of the San Francisco Fog rugby club, an inclusive team that welcomed LGBTQ+ players and allies. He was actively discussing the creation of a similar team in New York at the time of his death, which ultimately led to the formation of the Gotham Knights. His involvement was pioneering at a time when openly gay athletes were rare in contact sports, challenging stereotypes about gay men in rugby and broader society.

In a reflective email sent to his Fog teammates shortly before 9/11, Bingham spoke candidly about his initial fear of rejection, writing that through rugby he had found acceptance and a community where his sexual orientation and love of the sport could coexist harmoniously. His message emphasized the importance of perseverance and becoming role models for other gay athletes.

Following his death, the Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alumni was established at the University of California. Additionally, the first Bingham Cup, an international gay rugby competition, was held in San Francisco in 2002. Since then, the tournament has grown significantly, with participation expanding from eight teams to 50 in its most recent edition in Brisbane, Australia. The tournament continues to honor Bingham’s legacy, with his mother, Alice Hoagland, serving as a prominent figure in the community until her passing in 2021.

The ongoing growth of International Gay Rugby (IGR), now representing over 120 clubs across 30 countries, underscores the lasting impact of Bingham’s life and advocacy. His legacy endures not only in the safety he helped secure on that fateful day but also in the inclusive sporting community he helped foster, providing visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide.