Openly gay netball player speaks out on homophobia

THE Pride in Sport Rainbow Round returns this weekend and gives us all a fantastic platform to talk about sexuality in sport.

IMPORTANT ROUND: Toowoomba-raised Queensland Firebirds player Laura Clemesha. Picture: Contributed

OPINION - CLEM'S VIEW

THE Pride in Sport Rainbow Round returns this weekend and gives us all a fantastic platform to talk about sexuality in sport.

I am openly gay and thankfully, have never witnessed bullying or anti-gay attitudes out on court.

Within the Firebirds, Gabi Simpson - one of my best friends since our time at the Australian Institute of Sport - was one of the first people I told and was hugely supportive.

From there it was easy to talk to other teammates.

Our team is so close and it initially felt strange to withhold something that was such an important part of who I am.

We're like sisters, we know all of each other's business.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as I was.

The 2015 Out on the Fields study showed one per cent of participants believed gay athletes were accepted in sporting culture.

In men's sports, 73 per cent of gay men surveyed felt homophobia was more common in team sports than other parts of society.

To me, this is particularly pertinent given the praise the AFLW received for diversity.

It's a stark contrast to the men's game.

Collingwood netball star Ash Brazill is one of the most talented, liked and admired athletes in our sport. She's openly gay and gave me confidence to be open with my team mates and coaches.

While her journey inspired me, more broadly I think it's equally - if not more - important for straight members of the sporting community to stand as supporters for LGBTI acceptance on the sporting field and in the stands.

It's through these stakeholders that attitudes across all codes will begin to change.

I'll be wearing rainbow laces to support the Pride in Sport Rainbow Round when we take on Giants Netball on the Gold Coast this Saturday.

I encourage everyone to show their support and join the conversation on social media using #RainbowLaces.

Originally published as Openly gay netball player speaks out on homophobia