TJ Perenara believes New Zealand’s rugby community is ready for gay All Blacks player
The rugby star has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Waratahs star TJ Perenara believes New Zealand is ready for a gay All Blacks player.
The rugby star has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community and has hit back at homophobe Israel Folau who posted anti-LGBTQ posts on Instagram.
Although there are currently no openly gay players representing the national side in New Zealand, Perenara believes the All Blacks share his inclusive attitude.
While speaking to the LGBTQ publication, Express, he said: “Our job is to make sure that people from all communities feel comfortable enough to aspire to want to be an All Black, so I would hope that if anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community became an All Black, they would feel accepted and wanted in the environment.
“To anyone, young Māori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity – please know that it is okay to be you.
“You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever.”