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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

AFL's first gay player calls for respect amid Crows-Pies clash controversy

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Leigh Ryswyk, the AFL's first openly gay player, has urged fans to show respect at an upcoming Adelaide Crows and Collingwood Magpies match.
  • Ryswyk highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive environment in sports, noting that over half of queer individuals have witnessed discrimination in sport.
  • His call for respect comes as midfielder Izak Rankine faces scrutiny for a past homophobic slur, though Ryswyk believes Rankine has learned from the incident.

Leigh Ryswyk, the AFL's first openly gay player, is advocating for respect and inclusivity ahead of a match between the Adelaide Crows and Collingwood Magpies. Ryswyk, who made history four months ago by coming out, shared the emotional impact of his announcement and the positive reception he has received.

It was really emotional, it really was … when I heard myself say 'I'm gay' on radio, I actually cried.

— Leigh RyswykDescribing the moment he came out as gay.

"It was really emotional, it really was … when I heard myself say 'I'm gay' on radio, I actually cried," Ryswyk said. "It's been a whirlwind … a lot of fun, it's been great." He noted that while he hasn't been treated differently since coming out, he wants to foster a better environment for all.

The upcoming game is particularly sensitive as Crows midfielder Izak Rankine is set to play against Collingwood for the first time since receiving a four-game ban for directing a homophobic slur at Magpies player Isaac Quaynor last year. Ryswyk commented on the incident, stating that booing Quaynor was unfair and that the community needs to actively call out such behavior.

It's been a whirlwind … a lot of fun, it's been great.

— Leigh RyswykReflecting on his experience since coming out.

"We want people to be calling things out because in the community we don't want these things here … we want the world to be a better place for everyone in it," Ryswyk said. He also expressed understanding for Rankine's remorse, adding, "I think Izak's done the work and his actions will show that."

We want people to be calling things out because in the community we don't want these things here … we want the world to be a better place for everyone in it.

— Leigh RyswykEmphasizing the need to address homophobic behavior.

Ryswyk's advocacy extends to his work with North Melbourne Football Club, which invited him to host an educational session on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. He believes progress is being made in sports, despite incidents of homophobia, and hopes his visibility will encourage others. "If there's a queer kid out there who goes 'I don't know if I can be in that footy world', because they don't see anyone like them … if I can help one kid, that's why I did it," he stated.

I think Izak's done the work and his actions will show that.

— Leigh RyswykCommenting on Izak Rankine's remorse and potential for change.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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