The Australian Football League has another straight ally. Brock McLean, of Carlton Football Club, is speaking out on the issue after reflecting on his sister’s coming out. From The Age:

CARLTON midfielder Brock McLean knows how corrosive silence can be. For years, his younger sister Ellie hid her sexuality before finding the courage to come out to her family.

The Australian Football League has another straight ally. Brock McLean, of Carlton Football Club, is speaking out on the issue after reflecting on his sister’s coming out. From The Age:

CARLTON midfielder Brock McLean knows how corrosive silence can be. For years, his younger sister Ellie hid her sexuality before finding the courage to come out to her family.

“She asked me out for dinner and I could just see how nervous she was. When she told me, I said, ‘Are you happy?’ and she said, ‘yeah’, and I said, ‘Well that’s all that really matters to me.’ The relief for her was huge and it just got me thinking how sad it is that so many people have to live in fear of not being accepted for who they are.”

It’s another example of the power of coming out. McLean would be doing this if it weren’t for his sister’s coming out. We’ve heard this from many athletes, that their perspective and/or activism on this issue has come from knowing out gay people. Every coming out has a positive ripple effect somewhere.

McLean says he will march in Melbourne’s pride parade this Sunday.

Hat tip to Towleroad.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 02: Brock McLean of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal during the round 23 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium on September 2, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

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