Ian Thorpe joins athletes calling for an end to homophobia in sport

Former Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe is among elite athletes calling for greater support to help professionals experiencing homophobia in their fields.

Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe spoke on homophobia in sport at the Mardi Gras Film Festival. (SBS) Source: SBS

Six champions united at the Mardi Gras Film Festival to share their stories of coming out and changes they want to see in their sporting codes.

Audience members listened Sunday evening to Ian Thorpe, Matthew Mitcham, Sally Shipard, Daniel Kowalski, Shelly Gorman-Sandie and Casey Conway at a special screening 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, Thorpe said more support was needed for young professional athletes who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or inter-sex.

“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," Thorpe said.

All six stars said 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.

“Even though I wanted to just lose myself in basketball, I couldn't because this was such a massive part of my life,” said Shelly Gorman-Sandie, a lesbian and former Olympic basketball player.

Former swimming champion Daniel Kowalski said attitudes and language in sport need to change.

“I think the biggest thing is the use of the language by coaches or staff or administrators or even parents when they throw out the word, "that's so gay or stop being a faggot,” he said.

However, not all athletes shared negative stories. Former Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham says a supportive coach and squad turned his attitudes around when they worked to create a safe and supportive environment for him to come out.

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 said, that times have changed.

“We respect everyone and 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 - we don't care who you are, straight, gay, whatever you are - we respect you and we love you,” he said.