Dr Robert Bouchat – Homophobia in the AFL

If you follow the AFL, you’ve probably heard about the recent sanction against Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine for using anti-gay language on the field.

At a time when the conversation around homophobia in the AFL has never been more relevant, it feels like the focus is landing in the wrong place. Too often, the dialogue is centered around the penalties, what they mean for the game, and how they compare to other infractions, instead of addressing why this language is truly harmful, why it keeps resurfacing.

The University of Adelaide’s Robert Boucaut and Alexander Beare have led research highlighting the flawed patterns and attitudes from the AFL and AFL media towards homophobia.

DR Robert Boucaut joined On the Record’s Fiona Bartholomaeus to further discuss the research, attitudes and whether the AFL are doing enough to stop anti-gay language.