Seriously, Why Are There No Out AFL Players? “Four Corners” Investigates In “The Silence: AFL’s Last Taboo”
In nearly every elite sport there are openly LGBTQIA+ athletes. The only major sporting code falling behind in that regard is the Australian Football League. With over 800 active male players in the league, yet no openly LGBTQIA+ identifying members, Four Corners is airing an episode titled The Silence: AFL’s Last Taboo to investigate the culture.
Understanding the gAyFL
ABC TV’s Four Corners reporter Louise Milligan tackles the AFL’s internal culture in a new episode airing on Monday, August 21 at 8:30pm (AEST). Despite the lack of representation in AFL, the league maintains a public stance in support of inclusivity and tolerance. In The Silence: AFL’s Last Taboo, investigators pose the query that if the league fosters such a diverse and safe environment for LGBTQIA+ people, why have none of their players come out?
The league’s governing body signed a pledge to tackle persistent homophobia a decade ago. Since then, whenever Pride is on the league has made concerted efforts to appear supportive. Players are often shown wearing rainbow jerseys or participating in the annual Pride match between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda.
There was also a campaign in 2010 featuring prominent AFL players promoting acceptance. See following…
Despite these efforts, the culture within the AFL may make it difficult for any gay player to feel like coming out won’t negatively impacting their career. Milligan speaks with players, advocates and supporters for her report and learns that the code’s lack of leadership on the issue is baffling.
Current and former players speak openly about the anti-gay bigotry that they say exists within the AFL. What would it take to create a safe environment that would encourage players to identify as openly LGBTQIA+?
The Silence: The AFL’s Last Taboo by Louise Milligan airs on Monday, August 21 at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
