Spyksma is a Rainbow Youth member and WTF advocate. The woman who was harassed by homophobic fans at an All Blacks game is disappointed by a high-profile All Black's "fag" tweet. "Seeing this comment from a high profile national sports representative and by default a kiwi role model, is disappointing," says Hannah Spyksma, who spoke out about the homophobia in New Zealand's sport culture after being harassed by gay-bashing fans she confronted at Eden Park. She says Israel Dagg's tweet, where he called a Blues player a "fag," reinforces the accepted use of casual homophobia within New Zealand's sporting culture. "These seemingly light hearted comments can have a real impact on our young people who are already being told they are lesser than because they sit on the periphery," she says. "I would have hoped that people like Israel Dagg would use their influence to role model inclusive behaviour on and off the field. "That said, I understand that his behaviour is not reflective of all All Black's players. The tweet is a timely reminder of the powerful impact of language." "I think its a case of someone not actually meaning any harm or insult, yet just making the wrong choice of words." Gay rugby player and rugby fan Dion Hosking feels Dagg's was a comment made in jest. "It certainly to me was not in the same vein as that which happened at Eden Park," he says. While he is a member of gay-led rugby team the New Zealand Falcons, Hosking says his comments are his own, adding: "I think someone like Izzy however could be a fantastic role model to get on board. As I do believe he understands the offence taken whilst I don't believe he intended to cause any." Israel Dagg Dagg quickly deleted the tweet and posted: "Wrong choice of word people don't let it ruin ya Sunday, keep smiling." All Blacks Manager Darren Shand has added that while Dagg didn't intend to cause offence and has apologised for his use of the word, the All Blacks do not condone the use of "any language which people may find offensive". GLBT rights championing MP and former Black Fern Louisa Wall thinks Dagg's comment shows that New Zealanders throw derogatory words around without thinking about the implications.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 17th June 2013 - 12:03am