Those of you in parts of the world where rugby isn't A Big Thing™ probably haven't heard about the current Israel-Folau-homophobia situation.
For those people, here's a quick summary:
- Israel Folau is a world-class Australian international rugby player
- He's been warned previously about his homophobic posts on social media
- He did it again
- It's likely he'll be dropped from the Australian national team just before the World Cup because they ain't putting up with that sh** any more
- An English rugby player, Billy Vunipola, has also stuck his oar in
Why is this important?
Because they're role models and kids look up to them.
It's a big thing to be an international rugby player. You're not just representing yourself - you're representing your country.
We all caught up? Fab.
Because I'm not actually here to talk about Israel Folau or Billy Vunipola.
I'm here to big-up the absolute legend that is Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas.
Gareth Thomas is widely held to be one of the world's rugby stars, albeit retired. He was also the first professional male player in a team sport to come out as Gay.
He's also an ex-Welsh international player, and played for pretty much all of my local teams at one time or another.
He's held to be a national treasure, and he's also something of a TV presenter.
Since coming out, he's campaigned for equality, and an end to homophobia, especially within sport. He's also been the victim of a hate crime.
He's at least 10x the hero Folau will ever be.
He's had kerfuffles online with Folau before, but his words this time were a message of positivity for the LGBTQ+ community (and everyone else for that matter.)
So, I'ma leave you with Gareth Thomas' words:
'I don't write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau's comments.I write with sympathy. To everyone who reads it, don't be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn't await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.'
Homophobes and bigoted a**holes don't define us, dearest nerdlets.
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Last updated: 21st April 2019
That rugby player seems like a real a**hole! I’m glad there are people out there that take a real stand :)
ReplyDeleteV. true! Yeah - homophobia's still a real problem in sport, unfortunately. Thanks Em! <3
DeleteGareth Thomas is awesome! It's just a pity there's still homophobia to be stood up to <3
ReplyDelete