Ian Thorpe, Matthew Mitcham, Sally Shipard, Daniel Kowalski, Shelly Gorman-Sandie and Casey Conway spoke at the launch of Out To Win: a film by Malcolm Ingram, examining the lives of aspiring and professional gay and lesbian athletes.
Questioned about his sexuality since the age of 15, Ian Thorpe says more support was needed for young professional athletes who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or inter-sex.
"Because I had kind of, I had told that lie I didn't want to go back on that as well, and I think if I had a little bit more time, I think I could have come out because I would have been comfortable with that.
All six stars say they hid their true identity for a time, either in denial or unaware of their sexuality, and under pressure to maintain their image and continue attracting sponsorship.
Among their demands for change - education about improving language towards gay athletes on and off the field.
Former swimming champion Daniel Kowalski says attitudes and language in sport need to change.
"Coaches or staff or administrators or even parents when they throw out the word, "that's so gay or stop being a faggot."
But some codes do better than others - Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham cites a supportive coach and squad for making him feel safe to come out.
"I was diving for the first time because I wanted to - not because I thought it was my only ticket to being special."
Former NRL player Mario Fenech, who still works for the League, is married to a woman, but a strong advocate of acceptance of gay athletes.
He's preparing to participate in this weekend's Mardi Gras parade, where the NRL will present a float - a sign, he says that times have changed.
"It's great to see that the NRL have got the float in the Mardi Gras and it's about time and for us to get into that we accept everybody."
A new sports inclusivity index is set to be released next month and will change the way Australian sports clubs monitor and manage the treatment of their players.
Compliance with the index is voluntary but already major codes including the AFL and NRL have pledged their support.
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