Melbourne footy team don gay apparel for anti-homophobia campaign

A Victorian football team have adorned their uniforms with rainbows to celebrate the launch of their LGBT-inclusivity campaign.

Victorian Amateur Football Association team University Blacks have donned pride colours and painted rainbows on the field to promote acceptance of LGBT figures in the traditionally conservative realm of sport.

‘Gay, That’s OK’ was set up in the name of team alum Lachlan Beaton, who felt he had to stay in the closet to be a part of the team.

“We just think that AFL and sporting clubs can do a lot in this space, by physically coming out and saying it’s ok to be gay,” Beaton’s brother told Ninemsn.

Premier league players St Kilda announced earlier this year that they intend to propose an LGBT pride game to the AFL board to show support for the community – backed by Victoria’s Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Rowena Allen.

Ms Allen is heading an advisory committee to propel the idea into reality. The committee plan to include pre and half-time television packages outlining the effects of homophobia in sport and donate all profits to Australian LGBTIQ-focused charities.

OIP Staff