International Day Against Homophobia: Cricket legend Brett Lee gets on board

FOR the most part, cricketer legend Brett Lee believes it would be near impossible for a professional sportsperson to come out as gay.

While much progress has been made, he said homophobia in sport is a serious issue and staying in the closet a sad but inevitable reality.

“I have no doubt there are current high-profile cricketers who are gay but have to hide who they are,” Lee said. “It’s 2015 — we should accept people for who they are.”

That’s why the iconic fast bowler has teamed up with Commonwealth Bank volunteers to support today’s International Day Against Homophobia.

Lee visited some of the bank’s workplaces, sold rainbow cupcakes and spoke about the challenges the world of sport faces, admitting locker rooms aren’t always the most gay tolerant places.

“I still think it’s tough for people to be openly gay in sport. Is it possible? Eight times out of 10, sadly, I’d say no. Things are changing and improving but there’s a long way to go.”

A worldwide study into homophobia in sport found Australia is the least accepting of gay people in sporting culture compared to other western countries.

The research found 87 per cent of young gay athletes in Australia remain in the closet because of fear of bullying as well as discrimination from coaches.

“In sport, in life in general, everyone should feel comfortable. I’ve worked alongside gay people in various areas for years — they should be treated the same, there shouldn’t be an issue with sexuality.

“In sport, we need to discuss the issue of homophobia. Sweeping it under the carpet like we have in the past simply doesn’t work.”

Elite sportspeople and athletes needed to set an example, Lee said, given the research had found youth sport and physical education in schools were hotbeds for homophobia.

“Let’s break down the barriers and throw our fear out the window.”

While spending time with CommBank volunteers, particularly those who are gay, Lee said he was reminded of the importance of high-profile people supporting the cause.

“I’ve had terrific feedback about what it means to see a straight bloke who was a professional cricketer take a stand on something that’s important.

“People went out of their way to come up and say how touched they were. That says it all.”

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