‘Coming out’ not be taken lightly says Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome

UPDATED: Tasmanian cricket ace James Faulkner was forced to declare himself not out to the world after a ­social media post in which he showed off his “boyfriend” caused a sensation.

UPDATED: Tasmanian cricket ace James Faulkner was forced to declare himself not out to the world yesterday — after a ­social media post in which he showed off his “boyfriend” caused a sensation.

Faulkner, who played 67 times for Australia’s one-day team including the 2015 World Cup final victory, posted a photo on Instagram and Twitter with the words: “Birthday dinner with the boyfriend @robjubbsta and my mother … #togetherfor5years.”

The Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder was saluting his best mate, Rob Jubb, also his business partner and housemate.

But his words were read the wrong way.

The Guardian website was among the first in the slips,­ ­describing him as “the first male Australian cricketer to come out as gay”.

The ABC and Channel 9 followed. The cricket-mad Times Of India website applauded his “decision”, saying: “While many sportspersons have come out in the open in the past revealing their gay identity, the number of such instances in cricket, especially among men, has been scarce.”

Cricketers were supportive. Glenn Maxwell wrote “great courage” while Brett Lee wrote “Good on ya mate. Have a lovely birthday Jimmy”.

US-based gay news website Queerty was delighted, posting: “Offering a birthday gift to all his fans, Australian cricket star James Faulkner celebrated his birthday by coming out of the closet via Instagram.”

Instagram post from James Faulkner in response to a previous post. "There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive."

Pink News said: “The ­casual revelation led to a flood of well wishes, both for his birthday and his bravery.”

Faulkner — whose one-day appearances were matched by just one Test cap — first tried editing his initial ­Instagram post, adding “(best mate!)” after “boyfriend”.

But soon the misapprehension had too many runs on the board. So he was forced to post this on Instagram yesterday morning: “There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night. I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LGBT community … Rob is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being housemates!”

Mr Jubb, a Tassie publican, simply said: “It’s all good.”

As outrage from some quarter grew, sensing that Faulkner was making light of being gay, Cricket Australia played a very straight bat on his behalf.

“Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James,” a spokesman said.

“He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship.”

Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome warned sportspeople to think twice about making light of “coming out”.

“Coming out is a difficult time for LGBTI people so elite sportspeople should be careful not to be seen to make fun of it,” he said.

He said the “silver lining” to the misunderstanding was the positive response to Faulkner’s “coming out”.

EARLIER: Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome has warned sportspeople to think twice about making light of ‘coming out’ in reaction to cricketer James Faulkner’s Instagram post.

Faulkner, a Tasmanian cricketer and former Australian all-rounder, caused confusion by calling close friend Rob Jubb his “boyfriend” on a birthday post with the hashtag “togetherfor5years” and three love heart emojis.

FAULKNER EXPLAINS ‘MISUNDERSTANDING’

Faulkner has since clarified that they are not in a same sex relationship and are best friends, house mates and business partners.

Mr Croome said coming out was a very serious, emotional time for members of the gay and lesbian community.

“Coming out is a difficult time for LGBTI people so elite sportspeople people should be careful not to be seen to make fun of it,” Mr Croome said.

“I welcome the fact James Faulkner has clarified this was not his intention and that he supports the LGBTI community.

“The silver lining is that the positive response to James Faulkner’s ‘coming out’ sends a message to senior players who are actually gay that Australian cricket is ready for them to be open about who they are.”

Cricket Australia have issued a statement apologising if anyone was offended.

“Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James,” a CA spokesperson said.

“His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years.

“James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive. Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence.”

— BRETT STUBBS

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