LGBTI rugby team, the NZ Falcons say if homophobic attitudes within sport are to change, it will only be with the help of high profile sports players. They’re calling on professional rugby teams to spend some time with their team and say “there is a lot we could teach each other”. The NZ Falcons Their comments come following the latest incident of homophobia in which offensive slurs were yelled at a member of the public by Chiefs rugby player Michael Allardice. NZ Falcons chairperson Gemma Bright says “This is just another example of why something needs to be done to address this issue. If the results from the ‘Out of the Fields’ study wasn’t enough, we have had two high profile incidents of discrimination within a few weeks of each other. “We really commend those broadcasters and players who have spoken out against these incidents as it’s their voices that will help make a difference. It would be fantastic for the Chiefs, All Blacks, or any professional rugby team to come and spend some time the NZ Falcons. There is a lot we could teach each other and their profiles would help shed some light on the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone in the sporting world. Sporting celebrities and journalists have the ability over time to set the standard for what is and isn’t acceptable. “If we are going to achieve anything, we need their help.” Bright would welcome the opportunity to introduce “any players with insensitive or archaic attitudes to our team – then they might understand the influence they have and what they can personally do to support the efforts of those striving to make rugby more inclusive.” “It would great to see high profile players speaking out when discrimination happens and really advocating for diversity in a meaningful way.” While the Falcons have never received homophobic taunts from professional teams, they have encountered homophobia in the Auckland Presidents Grade which they play in. “Generally the players in the teams we play against are great but as many of the guys have grown up in that ‘old-fashioned’ rugby culture there have been a couple of incidents that have been unwelcome. “It’s good to see the spotlight now being shone where it’s needed and we just hope this speeds up progress.” Long term the Falcons want to see diversity training developed for players, clubs and management across all levels. “Perhaps some kind of accreditation that can be achieved like the Rainbow Tick that is currently available for business,” says Bright. “While our aim is to address homophobia, it’s fair to say there are other issues that need to be addressed such as the representation of women, different cultures and differently abled people. We hope that the #sportforeveryone campaign focuses on practical initiatives that achieve outcomes for marginalised groups rather than just being a nice public relations exercise.” “Sport is such a significant part of the New Zealand culture so when it excludes people through attitudes, language and action, those people are excluded from a part of who New Zealanders recognise themselves as. You hear people say things like “can’t you just take a joke,” but it’s not really a joke when someone is attacking who you are as a person and using it as a derogatory slur. It’s really important that we move past the ill-informed idea that people get where they are based solely on their ability and understand the way society is structured so some people find it easier to achieve than others. If we are going to create a sporting society in which everyone feels safe, welcome and included, we need to make sure those at the top understand this and do something about it. “I think some players would be disappointed at the very least that some of their teammates still think the use of casual homophobic slurs is ok in 2016. However there are still those who don’t understand the impact that their words (and sometimes more importantly their attitudes) can have – especially those who are meant to be role models for others. “While the NZRU has signed the commitment for diversity in sport, the strategy is actually yet to be developed. We hope we can be involved in the development of that strategy to ensure it will tackle homophobia at all levels and actually results in some tangible change in sporting culture, particularly rugby.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 3rd August 2016 - 11:13am