Latest news with #LGBTIQA+
7NEWS
a day ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
AFL launches investigation into homophobic slur from Swans defender Riak Andrew
Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL integrity unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. 'This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,' Harley said. 'While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.' Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. 'In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club,' Harley said. 'We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.' Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for 'unprompted and highly offensive' slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Swans defender faces AFL ban over homophobic slur
Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Swans defender faces AFL ban over homophobic slur
Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
West Australian
02-07-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Opinion: Why events like the Pride Wellbeing Festival are important to the wider South West community
As someone who identifies as queer and non-binary, I understand how isolating it can be to exist as an LGBTIQA+ person in a regional community, with homophobia a very reality I face. I also know how events that are inclusive — like annual Pride events — can make the experience easier, be informative and welcoming for those trying to find their place in the world. So when city of Busselton councillor Richard Beecroft stood up in council chambers and said funding for local Pride events should be abandoned, I was shocked. That shock quickly turned to bewilderment when he said 'the majority of people in the City of Busselton, quite frankly, are offended by the Pride movement'. It felt like whiplash compared to the welcoming and inclusive nature in the Busselton community, with residents and travellers showing kindness and compassion since my move to the region. Pride is not just about dressing up in rainbow colours and partying but an acknowledgement of the pain and fights queer and trans people had to go through in order be treated as equal, something they had to earn. Cr Beecroft didn't reference any facts or stats to back up his claim ratepayers find my existence offensive. Where was his evidence to make such a claim? Had he done a thorough survey on the matter, or had he just spoken to a few disgruntled residents? With the estimated economic impact of local Pride events being about $250,000 — and attended by more than 1500 people this year — there is no solid reason why the council shouldn't endorse $6250 in funding. If other arts, sports, and food and wine events are valid in receiving city support and ratepayer funding, then events like the Pride Wellbeing Festival should be too. Thankfully, Cr Beecroft's motion didn't move forward. Busselton Pride Alliance is hosting events for members of a community who just want to be accepted for who they are and include everyone in those celebrations. It makes those wanting to visit and those who identify as a part of the LGBTIQA+ community know they are safe and supported, and their identity is considered valid among the Busselton community. I know that's how I have felt working in the city, meeting with locals and visitors.
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'I didn't know the word lesbian': How LGBTIQA+ lives have changed across decades
When Laura Martinez, 27, introduced her girlfriend to her family, they welcomed her with open arms, a stark contrast to what coming out was like in years past. Cheryl Szollosi, 62, who stayed closeted for 10 years to keep her job in the Air Force, said she found it amazing that young people today could just be themselves. "They are so lucky - I wish I could have done that at my age," Ms Szollosi said. "It's just a sign of the times." ACM masthead, The Courier spoke with three people from different generations about their experiences growing up LGBTQA+. Helen Watson, 77, grew up in a small country town near Shepparton, VIC. "I didn't know anyone who was LGBTQ+. It's not to say they weren't there, but I didn't know them," Ms Watson said. "I think a lot of people lived quietly and out of sight." Ms Watson realised she was different in her early 20s, around the 1970s. "I didn't know the words, lesbian, gay, trans. None of those were part of my vocabulary. None of them were part of what I understood," she said. But Ms Watson's father told her a story about a family in Melbourne who were extremely well-known. "The tragedy that befell them happened when the daughter had left her husband and gone off with another woman. It was very clear. That was bad," she said. The 77-year-old said she spent years finding a community for her to belong to. "It was not easy. I was in my late 40s to find one," she said. Ms Szollosi knew "there was something wrong" when she was in primary school. "I just knew I was different, but don't know what it was," the 62-year-old said. "Then I joined the Air Force. This was in the 1980s when it was illegal to be gay. So I had to be closeted for 10 years. "I was just mortified that I could lose my job just for being who I was." Ms Szollosi finally came out and told her mum when she was 33 years old. "My mum never spoke to me after I came out to her," she said. Ms Martinez started talking to her friends about being queer when she was 15 years old. "For me, I think it just means how I choose to live and who I choose to be with, and it's just different from the norm," the 27-year-old said. "I had a very close community of friends who we flocked together - some of my friends were queer or some were straight, but very comfortable with everyone. "It's a very diverse community as well. I just think it's free to be whatever you want to be." Last year, Ms Martinez first introduced her girlfriend to her family. "[They] were all fine with it. Some of them said that it was not new information to them," she said. Ms Martinez said each year she would do something with the community to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17. It was the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's list of psychiatric diseases in 1990. Having witnessed society's changing attitudes toward the LGBTIQA+ community, Ms Szollosi said things were getting better and better. "Now, we have got equality rights, marriage rights. But we are still a minority," Ms Szollosi said. "As a community, we all bond together. We look after each other." When Laura Martinez, 27, introduced her girlfriend to her family, they welcomed her with open arms, a stark contrast to what coming out was like in years past. Cheryl Szollosi, 62, who stayed closeted for 10 years to keep her job in the Air Force, said she found it amazing that young people today could just be themselves. "They are so lucky - I wish I could have done that at my age," Ms Szollosi said. "It's just a sign of the times." ACM masthead, The Courier spoke with three people from different generations about their experiences growing up LGBTQA+. Helen Watson, 77, grew up in a small country town near Shepparton, VIC. "I didn't know anyone who was LGBTQ+. It's not to say they weren't there, but I didn't know them," Ms Watson said. "I think a lot of people lived quietly and out of sight." Ms Watson realised she was different in her early 20s, around the 1970s. "I didn't know the words, lesbian, gay, trans. None of those were part of my vocabulary. None of them were part of what I understood," she said. But Ms Watson's father told her a story about a family in Melbourne who were extremely well-known. "The tragedy that befell them happened when the daughter had left her husband and gone off with another woman. It was very clear. That was bad," she said. The 77-year-old said she spent years finding a community for her to belong to. "It was not easy. I was in my late 40s to find one," she said. Ms Szollosi knew "there was something wrong" when she was in primary school. "I just knew I was different, but don't know what it was," the 62-year-old said. "Then I joined the Air Force. This was in the 1980s when it was illegal to be gay. So I had to be closeted for 10 years. "I was just mortified that I could lose my job just for being who I was." Ms Szollosi finally came out and told her mum when she was 33 years old. "My mum never spoke to me after I came out to her," she said. Ms Martinez started talking to her friends about being queer when she was 15 years old. "For me, I think it just means how I choose to live and who I choose to be with, and it's just different from the norm," the 27-year-old said. "I had a very close community of friends who we flocked together - some of my friends were queer or some were straight, but very comfortable with everyone. "It's a very diverse community as well. I just think it's free to be whatever you want to be." Last year, Ms Martinez first introduced her girlfriend to her family. "[They] were all fine with it. Some of them said that it was not new information to them," she said. Ms Martinez said each year she would do something with the community to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17. It was the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's list of psychiatric diseases in 1990. Having witnessed society's changing attitudes toward the LGBTIQA+ community, Ms Szollosi said things were getting better and better. "Now, we have got equality rights, marriage rights. But we are still a minority," Ms Szollosi said. "As a community, we all bond together. We look after each other." When Laura Martinez, 27, introduced her girlfriend to her family, they welcomed her with open arms, a stark contrast to what coming out was like in years past. Cheryl Szollosi, 62, who stayed closeted for 10 years to keep her job in the Air Force, said she found it amazing that young people today could just be themselves. "They are so lucky - I wish I could have done that at my age," Ms Szollosi said. "It's just a sign of the times." ACM masthead, The Courier spoke with three people from different generations about their experiences growing up LGBTQA+. Helen Watson, 77, grew up in a small country town near Shepparton, VIC. "I didn't know anyone who was LGBTQ+. It's not to say they weren't there, but I didn't know them," Ms Watson said. "I think a lot of people lived quietly and out of sight." Ms Watson realised she was different in her early 20s, around the 1970s. "I didn't know the words, lesbian, gay, trans. None of those were part of my vocabulary. None of them were part of what I understood," she said. But Ms Watson's father told her a story about a family in Melbourne who were extremely well-known. "The tragedy that befell them happened when the daughter had left her husband and gone off with another woman. It was very clear. That was bad," she said. The 77-year-old said she spent years finding a community for her to belong to. "It was not easy. I was in my late 40s to find one," she said. Ms Szollosi knew "there was something wrong" when she was in primary school. "I just knew I was different, but don't know what it was," the 62-year-old said. "Then I joined the Air Force. This was in the 1980s when it was illegal to be gay. So I had to be closeted for 10 years. "I was just mortified that I could lose my job just for being who I was." Ms Szollosi finally came out and told her mum when she was 33 years old. "My mum never spoke to me after I came out to her," she said. Ms Martinez started talking to her friends about being queer when she was 15 years old. "For me, I think it just means how I choose to live and who I choose to be with, and it's just different from the norm," the 27-year-old said. "I had a very close community of friends who we flocked together - some of my friends were queer or some were straight, but very comfortable with everyone. "It's a very diverse community as well. I just think it's free to be whatever you want to be." Last year, Ms Martinez first introduced her girlfriend to her family. "[They] were all fine with it. Some of them said that it was not new information to them," she said. Ms Martinez said each year she would do something with the community to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17. It was the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's list of psychiatric diseases in 1990. Having witnessed society's changing attitudes toward the LGBTIQA+ community, Ms Szollosi said things were getting better and better. "Now, we have got equality rights, marriage rights. But we are still a minority," Ms Szollosi said. "As a community, we all bond together. We look after each other." When Laura Martinez, 27, introduced her girlfriend to her family, they welcomed her with open arms, a stark contrast to what coming out was like in years past. Cheryl Szollosi, 62, who stayed closeted for 10 years to keep her job in the Air Force, said she found it amazing that young people today could just be themselves. "They are so lucky - I wish I could have done that at my age," Ms Szollosi said. "It's just a sign of the times." ACM masthead, The Courier spoke with three people from different generations about their experiences growing up LGBTQA+. Helen Watson, 77, grew up in a small country town near Shepparton, VIC. "I didn't know anyone who was LGBTQ+. It's not to say they weren't there, but I didn't know them," Ms Watson said. "I think a lot of people lived quietly and out of sight." Ms Watson realised she was different in her early 20s, around the 1970s. "I didn't know the words, lesbian, gay, trans. None of those were part of my vocabulary. None of them were part of what I understood," she said. But Ms Watson's father told her a story about a family in Melbourne who were extremely well-known. "The tragedy that befell them happened when the daughter had left her husband and gone off with another woman. It was very clear. That was bad," she said. The 77-year-old said she spent years finding a community for her to belong to. "It was not easy. I was in my late 40s to find one," she said. Ms Szollosi knew "there was something wrong" when she was in primary school. "I just knew I was different, but don't know what it was," the 62-year-old said. "Then I joined the Air Force. This was in the 1980s when it was illegal to be gay. So I had to be closeted for 10 years. "I was just mortified that I could lose my job just for being who I was." Ms Szollosi finally came out and told her mum when she was 33 years old. "My mum never spoke to me after I came out to her," she said. Ms Martinez started talking to her friends about being queer when she was 15 years old. "For me, I think it just means how I choose to live and who I choose to be with, and it's just different from the norm," the 27-year-old said. "I had a very close community of friends who we flocked together - some of my friends were queer or some were straight, but very comfortable with everyone. "It's a very diverse community as well. I just think it's free to be whatever you want to be." Last year, Ms Martinez first introduced her girlfriend to her family. "[They] were all fine with it. Some of them said that it was not new information to them," she said. Ms Martinez said each year she would do something with the community to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17. It was the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's list of psychiatric diseases in 1990. Having witnessed society's changing attitudes toward the LGBTIQA+ community, Ms Szollosi said things were getting better and better. "Now, we have got equality rights, marriage rights. But we are still a minority," Ms Szollosi said. "As a community, we all bond together. We look after each other."
