Homophobia in the AFL

 
This photo is of me and dad -- he was so supportive when I came out. But I was terrified of coming out to my footy club -- homophobia feels entrenched in so many parts of the game I love. The AFL is under pressure to take real action, and that’s why I’m going public with my story now. Join my call for change.
Sign my Petition

This is a terrifying email to write. But it’s important. I’d like to tell you what it’s like being a gay footy player, because today there’s a real chance we could begin to change the culture of homophobia in the AFL.

I’ve played amateur footy every season since I was five. I worshipped the players and went to every single Collingwood match -- whooping for joy and sitting on top of my dads shoulders so I could see when we won.

I realised I was gay when I was 12. I don’t know how to describe the feeling -- but I thought my life was over. You feel different. Abnormal. Sick. And so alone.

The feeling is 100 times worse in the footy world. People just don’t realise how deep the abuse cuts -- and being called faggot and poof is a daily feature of most clubs. It’s a horrible reminder that you’re different. Disgusting and unwelcome.

It’s no wonder there are no openly gay professional footballers. But it’s actually not them I’m telling my story for -- it’s for the thousands of fans and young players who are gay.

Because I know it doesn’t have to be this way. The AFL has been at the forefront of shifting minds and changing culture before -- like the amazing work done for indigenous players.

Now it’s time the AFL steps up to ensure that every part of the footy family feels welcome and safe -- sign my petition calling on the AFL to take real action on wiping out homophobia and creating a welcoming and supportive culture.

Last week, the AFL issued a statement saying it supported the No to Homophobia campaign. It’s a great first step, and now the AFL needs to do more.

Young gay people are up to 6 times more likely to be depressed, to self harm, and to contemplate suicide. The fact that there were no openly gay footballers or role models to look up to when I came out -- and that the whole environment seemed so hostile -- made me feel like my life was over, that I’d have to live a secret for my entire life.

Times have changed, but while the AFL has been amazing at looking after important parts of its family like indigenous players, I don’t think it’s been the same for people like me.

If the AFL and Andrew Demetriou are serious, they should show the No to Homophobia ad on the big screen at the Grand Final, and even add it to the footy record. It'd show to the hundreds of thousands of people watching that this time their commitment is real. They should commit to a Pride Round, just like they have with the Multicultural and Indigenous Rounds -- it would have such a massive impact in building a more inclusive culture in the sport.

It’s only a few weeks to the grand final -- I’m calling for the AFL to show “Say No to Homophobia ads” during the game, and to commit to a Gay Pride round next year. I’m aiming for 10,000 people to join me - can you sign right now?

It was my teammates who eventually told me they knew I was gay - and they (and my club) have been so amazingly supportive of me since then. I think the players are ready. The clubs are ready. But we just need the AFL to lead on changing the broader sports culture so that players and fans like me can openly be who we are without fear.

Thanks for your support.

Jason Ball

 

P.S. I want to show the AFL that there are other players and fans just like me -- who’ve experienced the highs and lows of being a gay person involved in footy. If you’ve got a personal story I’d love to hear from you at jasonball8888@gmail.com.