Campbell Johnstone and Honey Hireme-Smiler on rainbow inclusion and being gay in rugby

Each year the 17 May marks a significant event on the global calendar for rainbow communities with International Day Against Rainbow Discrimination.

New Zealand focused research has found that 78% of Kiwis have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport. To tackle the problem the rugby community is being encouraged to stand up against discrimination and make rugby a game for everyone. 

New Zealand Rugby and several Provincial Unions have taken the Pride Pledge as a visible commitment to safe, inclusive, and welcome environments for the rainbow community.

Former All Black Campbell Johnstone and former Black Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler join the NZR Around the Grounds podcast to chat about inclusion and their unique journeys through rugby.

Honey and CJ talk about what it means to be an ally in rugby, fitting the norm, finding happiness, the importance of inclusion and advice for people wanting to come out.

Plus, Honey and CJ talk about their chances a lawn bowls team at next year’s Rainbow Games 2024 in Auckland.

For anyone who would like support in their own journey, New Zealand Rugby encourages reaching out to the following networks:

Outline: outline.org.nz or 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463)

Rainbow Youth: ry.org.nz

Inside Out: insideout.org.nz

About NZR Around the Grounds podcast

NZR Around the Grounds is a New Zealand Rugby podcast bringing you closer to our national game. Hear from people at the heart of rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand and get an inside view on the initiatives, stories and hot topics driving our sport.

You can listen on Spotify or watch below.