Ruggers Against Homophobia

Published August 18, 2009 @ 09:36AM PT

Ruggers

Last week, a study came out that said in the UK, homophobia is rampant in sports, particularly soccer. Depressing news, and one that seemed to reaffirm the stereotype that sport culture and LGBT culture were mutually exclusive. But that's why it's so cool to see this media campaign coming out of Australia (many miles away from the UK, we know) showing that at least one rugby team isn't a huge fan of homophobia.

The photo campaign is part of the "This is Oz" campaign, an online photo gallery where Australians can help dismantle homophobia and work to make Australia a truly inclusive place. And that's exactly what the Australian Wallabies rugby team is hoping to do with their photo shoot.

More photos are available here. A couple favorites send the message that "Everyone deserves a sporting chance to stand up against homophobia," and "It's not who you are, it's how you play the game."

And if you're looking for that perfect photo to send to your favorite anti-LGBT wingnut, why not try the one below, courtesy of This is Oz. It's like a Hallmark card, only better :)

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Comments (2)

It's unfortunate that sports in the United Kingdom and many times elsewhere don't mix in with LGBT people. However, the activism by people who support the necessary tolerance in sports in Australia are doing the correct thing. It's unjustified that a sports team disqualify or harass a LGBT atlethe because of that person's sexual orientation, thus the Australian Wallabies are doing the correct thing. The "This is Oz" campaign is one to improve relations in the sports world.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 08/18/2009 @ 06:02PM PT
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Hell yeah...

We need as many folks as possible to stand up and speak out against prejudice and intollerance.

Posted by Thomas McHugh on 08/19/2009 @ 01:52PM PT
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Author

Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.