Kickstart an old habit

Growing up queer or straight often mirror each other. The young in our community simply tackle philosophical, social and sexual issues much earlier than many in the straight community.

Fifteen-year-old sporting stars vanish into the dramas of coming out. Making hundreds of new friends in an instant on a mobile phone at a dance party matters more than being the fastest, the best team, or the winner in a chosen sport.

It is a crying shame for the couch potato who loses another golden surfer, swimmer, gymnast with a stunning body, beach volleyballer, tennis player, triathlete, dancer or team sport star who could entertain them for mindless hours.

Our community loses a golden girl or boy to idolise. We put up with straight stars in the media. We miss out on worshipping every achievement along their paths to stardom.
As the young begin to understand that sex is part of their life, everything, including sporting stardom, fame and fortune are forgotten.

Our community witnesses this between ages 15 -“ 20, the straight(er) community often hangs on during university, playing in the drinking orgies known as the Uni Games. Work a few years, get married, have children, put on hips or in male talk: play less, drink more, drink more, eat more and play less, grow man boobs and risk heart failure -” turning 30 was not meant to be like this.

Taught to be sensitive, or to stop being a tomboy, there is no clear reason why gay and lesbian sports people fall away from sport.

Poor teaching styles that ostracise, negative self-image, a teenage lack of self-confidence -” the reasons are many and varied. Our community is wonderful at gathering those who the world at large has failed, mistreated, mistrusted, bullied or hated.

Gay and lesbian sporting clubs carry this spirit, with constitutions to protect the integrity of individuals who wish to join in. They will not tolerate prejudice. They are great places to come to accept who you are and be loved for it.

Better yet, the star you were can rise to shine again -” as an adult who knows who they are, who loves their sport, and the physical, social and psychological benefits it provides.

info: Sydney’s varied and diverse clubs are easy to contact and join. Team Sydney clubs want you to Get Out and Play!. Visit

www.teamsydney.org.au for details.