Gus Johnston: The reality of homophobia in sport

After many years of competing in hockey at an elite level, I've decided to share my story and experience with homophobia in sport. It's taken me many years to find the strength to share it, but I hope that people find value in hearing it.

These are my personal views and experiences.

You can find me at http://twitter.com/gusjohnston
Or contact me via info@gusjohnston.com

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Sport
• homophobia
• coming out
• hockey
• field hockey
• Australia
• Gus Johnston
• sexuality

[MunfyKun]

@gusjohnston1 Friday afternoon I told my best friend I was gay after we finished a game of soccer. He told me it was disgusting that a fag was pretending to be a man by playing sports. It killed me.

I found this video a day after I had planned out how I would take my life. It's almost funny- as you spoke, I saw bits of myself in you. If you survived through this nightmare, maybe I will too. I don't even care if you're right, just the hope you might be is enough. Thank you Mr. Johnston. 

[gusjohnston1]

@MunfyKun Be strong in the knowledge that thousands, if not millions, of people across the globe would stand tall and proud with you my friend. You are not alone. You are not a lesser man. And there is hope. Because you have the strength and courage to continue forward. I know the 39,000 people who have watched my story would echo my sentiments and send you their support.

[CODIGODHARMA]

felicidades Gus.....animo estamos contigo

[gusjohnston1]

@CODIGODHARMA Gracias! x

[gusjohnston1]

Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for your comments and ongoing support. You're all amazing! Please don't hesitate to share the video with your friends and family, on facebook, twitter or where ever you think people might find it relevant.

The response has been, and continues to be, truly overwhelming.

With love,

Gus

[andragonous]

I believe that sport will always be a battle of masculinity. It is by nature a battle of the strongest and fittest (traits that have always been associated with males). It has never been just about 'having fun' as sports were originally used to train males for warfare. If we want to kick homophobia out of sport then, I believe we need to tackle the wider issue of people associating homosexuality with femininity and weakness.

[Cardhu56]

Speaking as a straight married man and dad, may Gus and everyone else struggling in the midst of bigotry find friends, family, and love that accepts you as the person you are.

For you are persons fully deserving of a happy and fulfilling life among welcoming community as anyone else.

[seasidecharles]

Hi Gus,

I sat here & watched the video, & my eyes were swimming in tears. What a powerful & wonderful gesture of yours, to share this. You have done what I want to do, but have not yet got up the courage to do. This is so difficult for me, as I am generally not the most 'sharing' person anyway but at the same time, I feel a pressure building in me to tell someone. With an example like this video, maybe I will go for it, and tell. Thanks so much Gus. You don't know how much good this has done.

[Nicosixteen]

Shared this on FB and in Denmark it got lots of likes :)

[syphax87]

Thank you very much Gus..... very brave and moving

[ianfw46]

Great bravery. The stupidity of the current situation was not clear to me before. I am not gay but maybe I was a closet homophobe by neglect. I hope not. Well done.

[orfeocookie]

@71Daze, the only medal he wants is exactly the same one that a straight sportsman gets when he talks about his girlfriend or the hot chick he met last night.

[tjohannson]

Gus, thankyou, thankyou. You're a great inspiration to all of us who might have ever struggled with our sexuality, within a sporting context or beyond. This video shows you to be a brave, honest, humble and wise person. All power to your and your message.

[BastinSimon]

Speaking as a straight bloke, it must have been a hard thing to do. Perhaps slightly easier having left the sport. But when it comes down to it, what does it matter? Who gives a rats arse about the sexual orientation of a great sports person? You follow them (or not) because of their sporting abilities. Good on you Gus. But the sad thing is that it matters to people. You don't hear sportspeople having to admit "oh by the way, i'm a microsoft engineer". What is the relevance? Respect them.

[71Daze]

You want a medal for being a poofter? Get real mate.