Ian Thorpe opens up about homophobic bullying
Image: Ian Thorpe (PHOTO: KEO Films; supplied by ABC TV)
OLYMPIC swimmer Ian Thorpe has opened up about being the victim of homophobic bullying.
Thorpe revealed the bullying in聽an interview with , promoting his appearance in the new series Bullied on the ABC.
He said he hoped the show would highlight the consequences of extreme bullying and help people find ways to address聽it.
鈥淲hen I started this, I knew that I cared about the kids but I didn鈥檛 know that I would start feeling personally responsible for what happens for them, and how to fix this,鈥� he said.
鈥淚 know what it feels like when you literally isolate yourself. Even before I was out, people would yell homophobic slurs and things at me.鈥�
Thorpe is a supporter of the current equal marriage campaign and wants young LGBTI people to know they鈥檙e not alone.
鈥淚 struggled to come out,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 realised what kind of impact that will have on young people to say, 鈥榯he way you are feeling is equal to anyone else鈥�. They may feel like the only one in their town, and I don鈥檛 want young people to go through that.鈥�
The swimmer said he found it difficult to come to terms with his sexuality as a teen.
鈥淚 come from a conservative family,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know how they would feel about it. I thought they would be okay but I didn鈥檛 know until I told them.鈥�
Thorpe came out as gay in 2014. He has since been involved in activism to reduce homophobia in sport and support young LGBTI people.
What a load of crock! he spent most of his life hiding and denying his sexuality.
How many young gays could his support have encouraged or may be even saved?
It’s not Ian Thorp’s sexuality that’s in question, but his integrity.
Good on you Ian. Hope you are well. I watched your show this morning on the computer “Bullied”. Tears in my eyes what a moving documentary. So true. You did a fantastic job and you are a great presenter. Can’t wait to watch 2nd episode. Keep up the good work. I would be very proud if you were my son.
Well done Ian. Society should have a zero tolerance for bullying. Unfortunately, some schools deny its existence and their culture and encourage it.