The more I keep hearing about this stuff the more skeptical I am of how many people really care or they are just doing it for social clout.
Even if our allies intentions are just for social clout, it does benefit society (and the gay community) as a whole by breaking down hatred, the key here is that it's a few nibbles centred around a well respected man like Robbo. But I get what you mean.
Same here. Surely as a society we are all inclusive and have some emotional intelligence about diversity of race, religion, sexuality etc, but I guess this is footy players we are talking about.
I'm sure there are many others in the rugby league community with a similar moral standing as Robbo, but we don't hear about it in the media. It's a good thing he's came out but I just found the timing of it strange being the week leading into ANZAC Day.
Sometimes I wish we could just let sport be sport. But it's always been political. Sport is what can bring us all together, but then we find out we're different, and some choose hate. It all sucks.
Sadly, I don’t share your faith in society. I see many people of the LGBTQ community being themselves on King Street Newtown. I don’t think they’d be too comfortable or think they’d be welcomed at a footy game just yet. The pride jersey fiasco would only further entrench their fears. I still think we have a long way to go.
As for the timing of Robbo’s comments. He’s done Kokoda, taken the team to the Somme memorial on the way to WC challenge. He’s pretty respectful of the occasion and wouldn’t hijack it with another cause, I’d say. Timing is just coincidence IMO.
I agree that we do have quite a long way to go. Our allies are standing up for us so much more these days though, which is so valuable and appreciated. And you're right, sometimes it is hard to feel comfortable, I certainly wouldn't yell the silly things I do here live at games. When I was young, I was so scared of homophobic aggressors that I joined a gym in year 10 and MMA gyms through university. Didn't really stop being scared until I hit 95kgs. Bit of a unit now, which has soooo many benefits ha
LGBTQ+ people have some incredible stories and chatting with them can be so eye opening. I'm 31 and have seen some shit. I wish the homophobic players would have a conversation with some gay community advocates. I'd love to have a respectful and honest conversation about the damage they could cause (especially to their children if one happened to be gay).
I'm sure Robbo was prompted by a journalist out of the blue. The LGBTQ+ community is under attack in the USA and big media is making squillions, our journalists want to get on that train. I love a Robbo sledge just as much as anyone, but it's clear to me that he's a great guy.
