The AFL’s elite have once again joined forces to tackle homophobia and promote inclusion in the lead up to ‘IDAHOT’ – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – on Sunday, 17th May.
IDAHOT commemorates the day homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation in 1990.
To show their support, AFL players are calling on fans to #influencechange by sharing the #Footy4IDAHOT video campaign across social media.
Prominent figures from throughout the AFL community – including AFL Players’ Association President Matthew Pavlich and CEO Paul Marsh, AFL stars such as Chris Judd, Sam Mitchell, Nathan Jones and Daniel Merrett, as well as Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and female footballer Aasta O’Connor – have united to feature in the video campaign targeted at combating homophobia and promoting an inclusive society.
Launched exclusively on Network Seven’s Saturday Night Football, the video campaign – coordinated by the AFL Players’ Association, in collaboration with the AFL – is calling on fans to do their bit in fostering a culture of inclusion by standing up to those who use homophobic language.
Hawthorn premiership player Matt Spangher says he’s thrilled to see the football industry taking a stand on such an important cause.
“It’s crucial that we, as an industry, do everything we can to raise awareness of the damaging impact homophobic language can have within our society, and continue to encourage acceptance of diversity,” he said.
AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh said the PA encourages players to take the lead on social issues they feel strongly about.
“We have had great enthusiasm from the playing group in getting involved in IDAHOT, as it’s something a lot of players are very passionate about. Hopefully having the players taking a stand on such an important issue will help to create change in the wider community,” he said.
To celebrate IDAHOT, the Yarra Glen Pride Cup will be played on Sunday 17th May from 1:15pm at Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve, Yarra Glen. The senior game will be played at 2:10pm.
LGBTI community radio station JOY 94.9 FM will broadcast the game live, and be supported by the AFL industry.
Click on the Facebook and/or Twitter links at the top of this article to support the #Footy4IDAHOT campaign and help #influencechange.