One aspect of having a women's competition is that for some reason it makes it so much easier to conduct a mature conversation about the sexuality of players ~ 

First openly gay AFL player couple: "We're proud, and proud of each other"

 

I saw that article last night... very impressive people.  It's a shame that the men seem to be more reluctant to 'come out'.

6 minutes ago, hardtack said:

I saw that article last night... very impressive people.  It's a shame that the men seem to be more reluctant to 'come out'.

Agreed. And how long will it take ? Says a lot about the culture of men's sport. Courage on the field but not off it. 

8 minutes ago, hardtack said:

I saw that article last night... very impressive people.  It's a shame that the men seem to be more reluctant to 'come out'.

This may come across as terribly sexist but it's been my observation over many years that the ladies are far more open and accommodating (sts) of alternative lifestyles. Thered be a few lads who'd want to....just not be the first in the spotlight.

5 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Agreed. And how long will it take ? Says a lot about the culture of men's sport. Courage on the field but not off it. 

The only elite football code player I can think of in this country was the NRL player Ian Roberts who came out over 20 years ago.  He earned a lot of respect for his decision to make his sexuality public, so it's a little surprising that more haven't followed in his footsteps.  I think BB is right (and definitely NOT sexist) in his comments regarding women being far more open regarding their sexuality... something that I think is indicative of just how deeply ingrained the idea is that sportsmen are only real men if they are heterosexual (even though most people of both genders are now totally accepting of openly gay people).

I remember how Akermanis mentioned this at his time at the Bulldogs - and thus how problematic it was for a gay man to therefore be willing to come out in the context of a football environment -  he was incorrectly lambasted for it. 

32 minutes ago, hardtack said:

The only elite football code player I can think of in this country was the NRL player Ian Roberts who came out over 20 years ago.  He earned a lot of respect for his decision to make his sexuality public, so it's a little surprising that more haven't followed in his footsteps.  I think BB is right (and definitely NOT sexist) in his comments regarding women being far more open regarding their sexuality... something that I think is indicative of just how deeply ingrained the idea is that sportsmen are only real men if they are heterosexual (even though most people of both genders are now totally accepting of openly gay people).