If there was a gold medal awarded for calling out homophobia, the NRL would have won on the weekend. Its social media responses to those who disapproved of the photo of NSW player Vanessa Foliaki and Queenslander Karina Brown embracing and kissing after the Womens State of Origin last Friday were first class.
Karina Brown and Vanessa Foliaki embraced at the end of the inaugural women's State of Origin match on Friday.
Photo: NRL Facebook
To those who objected, cloaking their homophobia in assertions about "political correctness gone mad" and defending their stance with arguments about "religious beliefs" and "freedom of speech", the NRL hit back with: “Welcome to 2018…can't wait for you to join us!”
Most Australians are already there if the result of the 2017 same-sex marriage survey is any indication. However, theres still a portion of society uncomfortable with celebrating or recognising the legitimacy of same-sex attracted Australians and their relationships.
While acceptance for LGBTIQ Australians has progressed, it is still too often only to the point of mere tolerance, where its okay to openly exist as long as ones identity isnt flaunted or celebrated.
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The NRL challenged this status quo and called out the hypocrisy of celebrating heterosexual couples but not same-sex couples, noting: "If we can post a [photo] of Cooper Cronk and his wife Tara kissing, then we can share a photo of Karina Brown and Ness Foliaki sharing a moment too." Brown and Foliaki have been together since 2014 and met through playing together in the Jillaroos.
Theres still a lot healing required following the damaging public debate over same-sex marriage, and, if we can push past the fragile masculinity evident in some corners, there is no better vehicle than our popular sporting codes to facilitate this.
Erin Phillips (left) kisses wife Tracy Gahan after Phillips was named the inaugural AFLW player of the year.
Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images
The introduction of womens competitions in both the ALF and NRL has resulted in an increase in the visibility of same-sex couples and transgender players.
A kiss between Erin Philips and her wife Tracy last year during the AFLs Best and Fairest awards served as a powerful inspiration for love and inclusion, and Hannah Mouncey, a VFLW footballer who is transgender, has fought for acceptance and inclusion for transgender athletes.
Both were subjected to vitriol, but their dignity and determination in the face of outrage from some quaters will ultimately produce a future where LGBTIQ athletes can be celebrated equally. Their participation will inspire more LGBTIQ athletes to take the field and promote greater inclusion and acceptance through the central role sport plays in our society.
While Pride rounds are a fantastic initiative, nothing beats the lasting impact of a spotlight on the achievements of LGBTIQ athletes.
Sport is more than a just competition; its a vehicle to share and express ones humanity. And the NRL should be congratulated for supporting that.
Dale Sheridan is a lawyer, writer and transgender advocate.
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