“I don’t think there’s anything worse than not being yourself and feeling like you can’t be yourself.”
Those words, from North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos recruit Emma Kearney, reflect a sad reality that many people live in the shadows. However people like Kearney are doing everything they can, to make things much easier for them – particularly those in regional areas.
The AFLW star will again champion the ‘Pride Game’, pioneered by the University Blacks, and continues to help create an inclusive and safe environment.
Melbourne University played Darebin in the ‘Gay? That’s OK’ Pride Game in Hamilton last June, while University Blacks will take on Beaumaris at Main Oval, Melbourne University this Sunday.
“Growing up in the region [Hamilton], it was really special to play in that [Pride] game,” Kearney said.
“One, because it’s not common for people in regional areas to feel safe to come out, but two, we’re showcasing women’s football and the skills that the women’s game has which is great for equality and it helps grow the game so men and women feel equal.
“The significance of this game is saying, ‘yeah, it’s actually okay to be gay’ and whether you’re playing football or soccer or whatever sport, I hope that in the future we can have better environments where it is safe to come out.
“It was really special, that first game, I think we had 2,000 people come to watch a VFL game which is quite rare but also the Hamilton town was decked out in rainbow colours in shopfronts, I know both my parents were extremely proud.”
Kearney believes sport is the perfect vehicle to help drive change.
“Sport provides a really great environment for people to come together from all different types of backgrounds.
“It’s a really special occasion to make people in the LGBTIQ community feel included in sport.”
Despite the efforts of creating a safe and inclusive environment, Kearney acknowledges there is still a lot of work to be done.
“I still think there is the struggle, particularly in men’s sport, where they don’t feel safe to come out because they feel they will be discriminated against or shunned away from the sport which is really sad,” Kearney added.
“I’m fortunate enough to play in a football club that’s always been supportive of all types of people regardless of their sexual orientation or age, region, race as well so I’ve been super lucky with that, others aren’t. So hopefully with this game it drives a really positive message to other clubs.”
The club would like to invite all supporters, families and friends to the Uni Blacks' annual Pride Game on Saturday August 18 at Main Oval, Melbourne University, Melbourne.
First bounce is at 2pm. Emma Kearney will be a guest speaker over afternoon tea to discuss her experience with the MUWFC Pride Game in Hamilton and her journey to AFLW.
Tickets are $5, for afternoon tea and in support of the club.
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