I’ve been openly gay for 20 years: to my family, my friends, my neighbours, even the postie. Everyone knows, except my local footy club.

Why? Because I genuinely don’t feel comfortable coming out to my teammates in this sport. I can’t describe to you how much that hurts.

I don’t own a rainbow flag. I am not a gay spokesperson. I just want to be included in the sport I love.

I love Australian rules football with a passion. I have my whole life. At six years old, I started playing country footy in rural NSW. I was lucky enough to play on the same team as my dad. I have continued to play this great game my whole life.

I love going to the ‘G and seeing the diversity. Two 80-year-old ladies in Dogs gear and a packed lunch. The Vietnamese family grabbing a pie before the bounce. A mother taking her daughter and son to watch her struggling Cats.

The diversity in our game is what makes it great. You don’t need to go far to see other major sporting codes that would kill for the diversity at our........

© The Guardian