Feminist Looking Glass

The sport of rugby does not generate much interest in the United States, but around the world (especially in the former U.K. countries), it is very, very popular.  Think of the current movie Invictus and how Nelson Mandela used rugby as a means of drawing the people of South Africa together.

And so it is big news that Gareth Thomas, a very famous Welch rugby player, has just announced that he is gay.  (See also this additional interview with Thomas.)  He is the most capped Welsh player ever, having appeared in 100 matches for his country.  Although he no longer plays for the national team, he still plays for his club.  As such, he may be the first active male high-level professional athlete to announce that he is gay while still actively playing.  (The most recent example I can think of of a male professional athlete coming out was John Amaechi, an NBA player who grew up in England.  However, he made the announcement after he was no longer playing.)

Thomas should be applauded for coming out.  Maybe this will make it easier for other professional athletes.  I heard an interview with a well-known rugby journalist and he says that it is no big deal.  Many involved in rugby have known for a few years that Thomas was gay and they accepted it.  There were no incidents or repercussions.

Here is what Thomas had to say:

Every gay man will tell you that ‘coming out’ is like a weight lifted from your shoulders and being able to walk down the street knowing that there is nothing for me to hide has been a liberating experience.” . . .

I knew I was gay at 18, but to come out then would have meant I would not have achieved what I did in rugby. I loved rugby so much and it was so important to me that I made the decision to keep my sexuality secret. People may disagree with that, but it was my belief and my decision.

Since my announcement I have had an amazing response and have not had one negative comment or any abuse. I think it proves there is a place for gay men in every walk of life.

Gay men are accepted in films, music and politics because people came out and broke the mould and stereotype in those industries.

What I am trying to do is break the trend in rugby and sport in general and show any aspiring sportsman, regardless of his age, that the mould has been broken.

Filed under: Stereotyping Tagged: | Gareth Thomas, Rugby