Queerness is all but invisible in the NRL. Kane Evans’ coming out must shift the dial
Idea
Our society can and should be challenged to learn from Kane Evans’ decision to come out as a gay man. Her courage should remind us that difference and diversity can be a source of strength.
Being your true and authentic self can be challenging when you’re told you don’t and won’t fit in, especially for people from the LGBTQ community. Being a part of this community, like me, emphasizes that you are different. You are not the “norm”. But none of us choose to be this way. What we can choose is whether, when and how we share it with the world.
Kane Evans i did this last night and provided an intimate and deeply personal perspective on being gay. For her, coming out challenged her perception of who she was, how she accepted herself, and her perception of how others would feel and interact with her. The fear he carried had a negative impact on his health, leading to problematic substance use as well as concerns about his mental health. But now he gives us all the opportunity to challenge, while also collectively celebrating and sharing this victory.
Queerness is almost invisible in men’s sport, especially rugby league. Its emergence challenges the idea that people can play and participate without judgment. Such in-game sharing encourages opportunities to make differences visible.
For our Pacifica cultures, Kane gave us a challenge and win on how to enact pro-social and positive masculinity. By the way my own researchPacifica men struggle to identify as gay due to fear of being stigmatized and shamed by family and friends, as well as continuing religious and faith-based expectations. They may have sexual intercourse with other men, but they often do so in high-risk situations; this leads to intimate partner violence, psychological trauma, and physical health problems such as STIs, including HIV.
This stigma and shame has been further highlighted in 2022. Manly refuses to wear rainbow jersey for Sea Eagles The pride match against the Roosters was Pacifica’s men. Our ongoing challenge is to have more stories from Pacifica men like Kane about diverse sexualities.
At the same time, its emergence celebrates the fact that such identities exist and reminds us that they existed harmoniously in our Pacifica communities before colonization.
For the NRL, this is a challenge and a win as the industry continues its evolution towards inclusive playing cultures and spaces. In my work on the game, I conducted a workshop with actors discussing the importance of celebrating sexual diversity. Many players said they wouldn’t care if their teammates were gay. They saw their teammates as part of the club. What they were worried about was the fear of the community outside the club. By getting more players to come forward to share their own experiences of being gay, we can challenge the NRL community and at the same time celebrate such individuals being a valued part of their football clubs.
There have only been two professional men’s rugby league players in 30 years, so there is clearly a cultural barrier in the NRL. Players feel under constant pressure to perform on and off the field. The added stress of feeling accepted by the club’s fan community can have a negative impact. The NRL can now work to change that. By encouraging each club to consciously celebrate gender and sexual diversity, it can help fans become part of an inclusive club culture.
For our community-wide mental health and substance use services, Kane’s emergence is a challenge and an asset. Such services increase the importance of recovery but can sometimes be pushed aside and under-resourced. Governments need to continue funding and workforce training to deliver sustainable solutions and care.
Kane’s emergence is also a challenge and an asset for society as a whole to engage in critical conversations about the impact of your authentic self and its potential benefits on your well-being. Making individuals feel comfortable and secure in who they are can help them connect with others. This may include family, friends, the workplace and the wider community.
As a result, we can challenge the status quo to create space for gender and sexual diversity to be normalized, made “the norm.” We can celebrate the recognition of these qualities in all parts of society, from the classroom to the football field. Now it’s a challenge and a win for everyone.
Professor Jioji Ravulo is head of social work and policy studies at the University of Sydney and has worked at the NRL since 2010.
Professor Jioji Ravulo is of Fijian Indigenous heritage and is Head of Social Work and Policy Studies at the University of Sydney.
