Mark Kendall Bingham was an American public relations executive, a rugby player, and a hero of United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.
He was one of the passengers who fought against the hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, speculated to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House. The plane ultimately crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, tragically killing everyone on board but preventing further devastation on the ground.Bingham’s bravery and the actions of the passengers and crew on Flight 93 have been widely celebrated for their selflessness and courage in the face of an unthinkable situation.
His legacy lives on through various memorials and the recognition of his heroic actions during one of the darkest moments in modern history.
Mark Bingham was indeed known for his involvement in rugby, particularly as a player for the San Francisco Fog, a prominent gay and inclusive rugby club. The Fog, established in 2000, aimed to provide a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to participate in the sport.
Mark Bingham played a significant role in the team and was recognized not only for his skills on the field but also for his leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity within the sport of rugby. His involvement with the San Francisco Fog further highlighted his commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance in athletics.
Mark Bingham was also involved with the Gotham Knights, another inclusive rugby team. Similar to the San Francisco Fog, the Gotham Knights were a gay and inclusive rugby club based in New York City.
Bingham played for this team as well, contributing his skills and passion for the sport to promote inclusivity and diversity within the rugby community. His involvement with both the San Francisco Fog and the Gotham Knights reflected his dedication to creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.
Mark’s active participation in rugby and promotion of inclusivity in the sport, making it a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, played a role for a collective of like-minded rugby clubs in the US and England to found International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB) in 2000 as part of his leadership of The San Francisco Fog founded the same year.
