Out Aussie Sporting Stars

[Tim D]

The whole Thorpie issue has got me thinking...

It's a funny thing why we seem to want Ian Thorpe to just get it all over with and declare that he's gay. Is it because we're in desperate need of a young gay role model who's successful, articulate and, well, famous? Is it because we resent the fact that not one football player has come out since Ian Roberts did all those moons ago? Is it because not one AFL player has ever had the balls to admit that they are gay?

Out pop stars? Check. Out politicians? Check. Out judges? Check. Out Australian sports stars? It remains the one barren area where it seems no one asks, and certainly no one tells. What do you reckon the go is here, why the hell not?

[Funking Trance]

The world of sport is very male dominated and largely supported by straight males. I expect any gay sports people would be scared of the reception that they would get by this large proportion of the audience.

You just have to watch the footy show one time to realise how difficult it would be to be out and gay, infront of your team mates, the opposing team mates and ofcourse the supporters.

Gay people in the arts find it easier because their industry is less male dominated.
Ian Roberts was very brave to do what he did. I guess you would hope that someone else might of followed and then that could have lead to a few coming out but alas it proved too difficult.

[genkij]

I see them all the time...Out Aussies, Sporting Stars (well Glitter!)