Sport is a huge part of WorldPride. But at the elite level queer athletes remain relatively rare

“Some people don’t want to be the flag-waver, they just want to be able to get on with their lives, and their sexual identity shouldn’t always put them on a pedestal and make them experts in all those areas,” says Kowalsky.

“There were a lot of moments where I felt that way because I didn’t feel like I was educated enough to have opinions on these things, and that’s scary at a time when people are just a phone call away are to attack you.”

Kowalski says any athlete who’s nervous about coming out should remember that regardless of his athletic endeavors, his family and friends love him. “They will admire you more for being your true self and for showing off your full self every day.”

Last year, an incident in which seven Manly Sea Eagles players refused to wear a “Pride jersey” during a game against the Roosters sparked debate about how clubs should pursue their inclusion agendas.

And one of the biggest coming-out stories in Australian sport – A-League footballer Josh Cavallo – took a disappointing turn when the then 22-year-old caught homophobic abuse by spectators at a game in Melbourne.

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Earlier this week, the A-League announced a new “Pride Celebration Round” to coincide with Sydney WorldPride, which has been widely hailed as a genuine and inclusive initiative.

But Kowalski and Rippon say that whatever Australia’s sporting laws and clubs proclaim, it shows there’s still work to be done if players don’t feel free to be their true selves.

“There are many clubs and organizations that could put up the colors at carnival time,” says Rippon. “But when it comes to dealing with homophobia or commenting on games, we see the true colours. Accountability – and standing by it when it counts – that’s the real thing.”

In all, 21 local LGBTQ sports organizations received funding for WorldPride events, including AQuA, which hosts its ocean swim and beach water polo in Manly Cove on Saturday, and its premier watersports festival from March 1-3 at various locations.

As with many queer sporting events, there are competitive and, well, less competitive divisions. Rippon, 44, is more relaxed going into the event than her Olympic days.

“I’m here for the sun and the beach,” she says. “I’m too old now, it hurts a lot more.”

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