Jason Ball
MediaA snapshot of coverage
The AFL can lift the burden of its gay players, but is choosing not to
The Age, August 23, 2023
If you want to change a culture, you first need to acknowledge you have a problem. It’s a sad reflection on how little has changed in the 11 years since I came out and launched a campaign calling on the AFL to tackle homophobia, that we are yet to see a single elite male gay player come out, and our national code can dismiss this as not their problem.
The Silence: Why has the AFL never had an openly gay player
Four Corners, August 20, 2023
Australian rules football at the elite level is the only major sporting code in the world that hasn’t had a single male player, present or even past, publicly identify as gay. Four Corners investigates what is being done to create a safe space for AFL players and change the toxic culture of the sport.
Research shows Pride Cup cuts down homophobic language in sport
Out In Perth, August 7, 2020
New research analysing the effective of Pride Cups in sporting codes has found that it significantly reduces the amount of homophobic language being used.
Greens candidate Jason ball weathers the anger and envy of Higgins’ bourgeoisie
Crikey.com.au, May 10, 2019
At a candidates’ forum, Greens candidate for Higgins Jason Ball was bombarded but unfazed by the angry, comfortable middle class.
Jason Ball on Game Changers Podcast
University of Melbourne, May 2, 2019
Jason Ball is the founder of Pride Cup, an initiative that’s grown into a national movement for LGBTI+ pride and inclusion across sporting codes. He’s a Young Victorian of the Year, and is running for the hotly contested seat of Higgins in the upcoming Federal election.
Adani not just an issue for Queenslanders: Jason Ball
ABC The Drum, April 18, 2019
Jason Ball, Greens Candidate for Higgins, on ABC’s The Drum on 18 April 2019.
We are in the grip of a climate emergency: Jason Ball
ABC News Breakfast, April 17, 2019
On the eve of the 2019 Federal election, Jason Ball speaks with Virginia Trioli on ABC News Breakfast about the hotly contested campaign in Higgins.
Vote Greens for a Jobs-Rich Renewable Economy: Jason Ball
ABC Radio Melbourne, April 17, 2019
The electorate of Higgins in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs has been a Liberal stronghold since its inception. With changing demographics and the retirement of sitting member Kelly O’Dwyer, Higgins is now in contention for both the major parties and the Greens.
Not Out: James Faulkner’s Misunderstood Instagram Post
7 News, April 30, 2019
Greens Candidate and LGBTI advocate Jason Ball comments on James Faulkner’s misunderstood Instagram post.
James Faulkner’s ‘boyfriend’ post slammed as ‘puerile locker room behaviour’
news.com.au, April 30, 2019
Former Aussie Rules player and LGBTI advocate Jason Ball has slammed James Faulkner’s “boyfriend” post as “puerile locker room behaviour” that made it harder for closeted young people.
Jason Ball on Israel Folau and the power of language
The Project, April 15, 2019
Greens candidate Jason Ball interviewed on The Project about the power of language in response to remarks posted on social media by rugby star Israel Folau.
Ignorant and damaging: ‘Men like Israel Folau kept me in the closet’
news.com.au, April 12, 2019
Former Aussie Rules player Jason Ball kept his sexuality secret from his teammates for years because of the “ignorance” of men like Israel Folau.
Jason Ball: ‘I socially isolated myself by hiding my sexuality’
ABC Life, November 30, 2018
Mental health advocate and ex-Aussie Rules footballer Jason Ball says as a gay kid he didn’t see himself reflected in football “so I felt that I was the only one or there was something wrong with me.”
Jason Ball scored an LGBT goal in football – now his sights are set on politics
The Guardian, September 6, 2018
‘I want to create a world I wish I was born into’; the former Australian rules footballer speaks to Martin Flanagan about coming out and why he’s running for the Greens in the next federal election.
Warrnambool College welcomes Jason Ball
Warrnambool Standard, August 16, 2018
Warrnambool College welcomed a permanent colourful show of inclusion on Thursday. The central learning institute became the first of its kind to support the LGBTI community by raising a rainbow flag as part of Warrnambool Wellbeing Week celebrations. The new permanent feature was welcomed by former Young Australian of the Year for Victoria Jason Ball.
Footy for everyone: Pride Cup goes national
Fox Footy, August 16, 2018
Jason Ball and Tom Hickey join the AFL360 panel to discuss the AFL Pride Game and the launch of Pride Cup Australia.
Jason Ball on ABC’s The Drum: Corporate Tax Cuts
ABC TV, April 24, 2018
Tonight on The Drum: Brooke Boney, Rick Morton, Jason Ball and Peter Collins will join Ellen Fanning to discuss the Senate inquiry into corporate tax cuts, Senator Jordon Steele-John’s bill to lower the voting age, and whether the national system for university entry should be simplified/ abolished.
Trans footballers to champion inclusion at this year’s Pride Cup
Star Observer, April 24, 2018
Trailblazer Hannah Mouncey will use her keynote address at the Pride Cup this weekend to educate and to challenge myths about trans athletes having a “competitive advantage”. The Pride Cup was founded by openly gay player Jason Ball, who spearheaded a push to tackle homophobia and transphobia in the AFL.
How you can help regional football clubs hold their own ‘Pride Cups’
QNews, February 27, 2018
Footballer Jason Ball has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the rollout of rainbow-themed Pride Cups to 150 AFL clubs around the country.
Rotarians to break “old white men” stereotype and march in Pride
Star Observer, January 12, 2018
Donning pink vests with rainbow hearts, they will be the first Rotary Club in Australia to take part in Pride. Last year’s Young Australian of the Year for Victoria, Jason Ball, will join them in the march.
Jason Ball on ABC’s The Drum: Safe Schools
ABC TV, September 21, 2017
Tonight on The Drum: Hamish Macdonald is joined by 2017 Victorian Young Australian of the Year Jason Ball, Rev. David Ould from Glenquarie Anglican Church, Aaron Patrick from the Australian Financial Review and Shane Wright The West Australian.
Jason Ball: Hannah Mouncey decision ‘hypocritical, cynical’
Herald Sun, October 18, 2017
Openly gay footballer Jason Ball has labelled the AFL as “hypocritical” and “cynical” for preventing Hannah Mouncey from playing AFLW. The transgender footballer had been told by AFLW clubs she would be drafted and helped to find a home as well as employment.
Footy has work to do, says Ball
Stonnington Leader, October 3, 2017
HE IS the poster boy for the fight against homophobia in sport, but South Yarra’s Jason Ball says he wasn’t always one to wave the rainbow flag. As a boy growing up in regional Victoria, Mr Ball said he struggled to come to terms with his sexuality. Few people knew what he was going through, including most of his friends and, for a long time, his parents.
Jason Ball talks same sex marriage on triple j’s Hack
triple j, September 22, 2017
ACT pill testing, Abbott headbutted and SSM marriage campaigning on the Friday shakeup with Sydney’s new 33-year-old deputy lord mayor, Jess Miller, and Jason Ball, LGBTI advocate and Victoria’s 2017 Young Australian of the Year.
Jason Ball on ABC’s The Drum: AFL says YES
ABC TV, September 21, 2017
Ellen Fanning is joined by lecturer in education at the University of Newcastle David Roy, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce James Pearson and former Aussie Rules player now LGBTI & mental health advocate Jason Ball.
A punt for pride
The Age, August 13, 2017
A rainbow 50-metre penalty line greeted hundreds of players, fans, and LGBTQI advocates at Saturday’s game between St Kilda City and St Paul’s football clubs. They are among 100 football teams and 32 netball teams celebrating the SNFL’s pride round this weekend, proudly donning rainbow jerseys and shoelaces.
Stamping out homophobia in the classroom through AFL
Star Observer, August 2, 2017
As 2017 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria, Jason Ball has traveled to more than 100 schools across the state using the power of sport to be a role model for LGBTI young people.
Jason Ball: Pride Cup a ‘symbol of acceptance, belonging‘
LaTrobe Valley Express, July 31, 2017
Nine matches. Two clubs. One cause. And about 2,000 Gippsland football and netball fans standing behind it. Yesterday marked the inaugural Gippsland Pride Cup, dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in a bid to tackle homophobia in sport.
The importance of the Pride Game
FoxSports, July 22, 2017
IF THE subtle pinstripes on Sydney’s socks hadn’t already caught your eye, the flash of colour adorning the numbers on St Kilda’s backs drew your attention. So too, did the rainbow embedded among the waving mass of red, white and black flags in the St Kilda cheer squad or the rainbow on the ‘How I Want To Be’ scarfs — which had sold out at the Saints’ merchandise stands.
Insights from the 2016 Pride Game
VicHealth, July 19, 2017
An evaluation of the Pride Game by La Trobe University has revealed the campaign resulted in small but significant attitudinal changes among St Kilda FC staff, players, members and fans, and the wider LGBTI community.
Australians of the Year: In Conversation
ABC TV, June 17, 2017
Four 2017 Australians of the Year led by the President of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, join ABC’s Kumi Taguchi to discuss how they gain inspiration through their commitment to human rights.
Jason Ball calls for calm in the gay community over Margaret Court
news.com.au, June 2, 2017
Jason Ball cautions the LGBTI community against turning Margaret Court into a martyr. Let her keep the Arena, and instead let’s throw a big gay party there.
Melbourne student comes out in front of entire school
Star Observer, May 23, 2017
A MELBOURNE Grammar student has come out in front of his entire school at a recent assembly, and highlighted the years of struggle he faced trying to accept his sexuality. In a show of support the 1st XVII footballers wore rainbow jerseys over the weekend for Melbourne Grammar’s pride game.
Jason Ball on being an LGBTI role model
The Daily Edition, May 11 2017
Jason Ball is the 2017 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria and joined The Daily Edition on Channel 7 to speak about his work promoting LGBTI inclusion in schools and the AFL.
Pride of the League
Channel 9 News, May 7, 2017
Yarra Glen was bursting with pride today as they took on the Yea Tigers in the 4th annual Pride Cup. The Pride Cup was founded by Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year Jason Ball and has received widespread support form the AFL community.
More than a game
sydneyswans.com.au, March 4, 2017
The Sydney Swans are accustomed to having a Jason Ball walking the hallways. On Friday, however, it wasn’t the 2005 premiership ruckman and former director of eight years who called by the SCG. Rather, it was LGBTI advocate and public speaker Jason Ball who ticked a visit to the famous venue off his bucket list.
Jason Ball talks equality and mental health in Albury
Border Mail, February 20, 2016
Victoria’s 2017 Young Australian of the Year Jason Ball was on the Border promoting equality and mental health awareness this weekend. Mr Ball has become a national figurehead on combating homophobia in sport and highlighting the damaging impact of homophobia on the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTI community.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself: Jason Ball
ABC Goulburn Murray, February 20, 2017
Victoria’s 2017 Young Australian of the Year Jason Ball says ‘don’t be afraid to be who you are’. Ball, an LGBTI advocate and openly gay Aussie Rules player shared his message at St Matthew’s Church in Albury yesterday. The champion sportsperson says ending marriage discrimination is crucial for the LGBTI community to be included and accepted.
Henderson pressured to act on marriage equality
Bay 93.9, February 17, 2017
A former footballer turned anti-homophobia campaigner has urged politicians to make a move on same sex marriage, during a community forum at Torquay. Last night’s meeting urged Liberal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson to push the government to act on marriage equality.
Jason Ball on The Outer Sanctum Podcast
The Outer Sanctum, January 17, 2017
The Outer Sanctum is an unconventional all-female footy podcast that features six passionate fans – broadcaster Emma Race, lawyer Kate Seear, author Nicole Hayes, poet and author Alicia Sometimes, and entrepreneurs Lucy Race and Felicity Race – who focus on stories and voices rarely heard around the great game of AFL.
Meet Young Australian of the Year finalist Jason Ball
ABC TV, January 18, 2017
After coming out to his local footy club, Jason Ball is combating homophobia in sport by celebrating diversity and encouraging acceptance. Discover his story and those of other finalists on the Australian the Year website. The Awards announcement will be broadcast live on ABC TV, iview and ABC Radio.
Susan Alberti AC and Jason Ball on Monday Catch-Up
3AW 693, January 16, 2017
Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Susan Alberti AC and Young Australian of the Year for Victoria Jason Ball joined Denis Walter for Monday Catch-Up. Jason is best known for this work within the AFL in teaching players and supporters alike about homophobia in sport.
Jason Ball named 2017 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria
ABC, November 16, 2016
Jason Ball, 28, has been awarded the Victorian Young Australian of the Year for his work tackling homophobia in sport. Ball raised the conversation when he came out as a young gay footballer at the Yarra Glen Football Club in 2012, and has since worked to celebrate diversity and inclusion in sport. This year, he was behind the AFL launching a Pride Match between Sydney and St Kilda in round 21 of the home and away season.
They’re here, they’re queer, they’re nominated for Young Australian of the Year
SameSame, November 2, 2016
With finalists from all over the country announced yesterday, two prominent gay Australians stood out in the 2017 category for Young Australian of the Year; musician, performer, YouTube personality and social activist Troye Sivan, and diversity and inclusion champion Jason Ball.
Jason Ball says Sam Gilbert has become a ‘gay icon’ ahead of Pride Game
AFL Record, August 13, 2016
Sam Gilbert, gay icon. It might not be a descriptor the St Kilda defender ever expected, but, according to Jason Ball, the description is quite appropriate.
AFL Pride Game: Gilbo, Jason and Tynan on AFL 360
FoxFooty, August 11, 2016
Sam Gilbert, Tynan Winmar and Jason Ball chat about the significance of the AFL’s #PrideGame on FOX Footy’s AFL 360.
Jason Ball and Jill Stark on JOY 949
JOY 949, August 13, 2016
The Chicks Talking Footy JOY 949 team hosted a live broadcast from Etihad Stadium for the AFL’s Pride Game. In this grab you’ll hear CTF’s Danae Gibson and Shelley Ware from Marngrook chat with two of the key drivers behind the AFL Pride Game, Jason Ball and Jill Stark.
Jason Ball on the Friday Revue
774 ABC Melbourne August 12, 2016
Jason Ball joins Richelle Hunt and Brian Nankervis on the Friday Revue on 774 ABC Melbourne to discuss the AFL’s Pride Game.
LGBTI advocate Jason Ball applauds Albury High School
Border Mail, August 30, 2016
ALBURY High School is “quite advanced” in its approach to LGBTI issues, a pioneering openly gay footballer believes. Jason Ball visited the school on Tuesday at the invitation of student council president Matt Armstrong. Ball, a beyondblue ambassador who stood for the Greens in last month’s federal election, spearheaded the recent AFL pride match between St Kilda and Sydney.
Jason Ball: AFL’s Pride Game is historic, a moment I could only dream of
change.org, August 10, 2016
Jason Ball reflects on what the AFL’s Pride Game means, and how it all came about – read his incredible story.
Ball: Pride Game has exceeded my expectations
saints.com.au, August 11 2016
LGBTIQ and mental health advocate Jason Ball admits the Pride Game has shattered all expectations he had, praising St Kilda for shining the spotlight on homophobia in sport.
AFL Pride Game can be ‘life-changing event’: Jason Ball
ABC News, July 21, 2016
An AFL Pride Game between St Kilda and Sydney, which will be held in round 21, has been touted as a game-changer for the code and for Australian sport.
Proud Ball confident of Pride Game impact
saints.com.au, July 20, 2016
Matt Finnis, Mark Evans and Jason Ball spoke to the media from today’s Pride Game launch at the Prince of Wales in St Kilda.
Tom Ballard interviews Jason Ball
Like I’m a 6 Year Old Podcast, June 29, 2016
Before election day, Tom sat down with Jason Ball, the Greens candidate for the seat of Higgins. Some polling suggests the Liberal Party’s primary vote has fallen sharply and the blue ribbon seat could change hands on Saturday, which would be, to put it mildly, fucking remarkable.
After 67 Years as a Safe Liberal Seat, Higgins Might Go Green
VICE June 28, 2016
Hate crime graffiti. $6000 toasters. Bob Katter’s estranged gay half-brother. If you’re not paying attention to the seat of Higgins, you’re missing the best race in Australia.
Jason Ball addresses homophobic graffiti sprayed on campaign office window
The Project June 17, 2016
“I post this picture not to give the haters oxygen but to send a message to young LGBTI people that I have their back. To let them know I won’t be passive or silent in the face of bigotry.”
They’re not even trying to hide their conflict of interest anymore
BuzzFeed, June 16, 2016
These real estate signs showing the assistant treasurer, Kelly O’Dwyer, are turning up all around the inner-Melbourne seat of Higgins. “I mean, really, they are not even trying to hide the conflict of interest here,” said Jason Ball.
Greens Candidate Jason Ball Fights Vile Homophobic Abuse With Love
The Huffington Post, June 16, 2016
Jason Ball, the Greens candidate in the Victorian seat of Higgins, has been targeted in a homophobic graffiti attack — but has hit back in a pretty inspiring message.
Federal election 2016: Shock poll result for Kelly O’Dwyer. Is Higgins the ‘Indi of 2016’?
The Age June 13, 2016
Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer is under siege from Greens candidate Jason Ball in the once-safe Liberal seat of Higgins, with the latest poll revealing her primary vote has collapsed to just 44.1 per cent.
Greens on the march in Higgins
ABC Radio, AM, June 16, 2016
This morning we’re in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern at Eden Espresso cafe, right in the heart of the electorate of Higgins.
The best economic plan: live in a marginal seat
The Canberra Times, June 14, 2016
Hot on the heels of Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer announcing $4 million for netball courts in her blue ribbon seat of Higgins comes news that maybe it’s not a safe seat after all. It must be a coincidence.
Kelly O’Dwyer now fighting for her seat on all fronts
The Age June 14, 2016
Liberal member for Higgins and and assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer appears to be fighting on more fronts than Winston Churchill.
Blue to Green in Rainbow Vote
Herald Sun, June 10, 2016
O’Dwyer gave a rousing speech rallying her troops to fight off the Green army, imploring guests to embrace the Coalition as their Higgins homeland was in danger.
Jason Ball is Standing Up For What Matters
The Greens, June 17, 2016
Jason Ball is the Greens Candidate for Higgins, who is in with a shot against the Liberals in Higgins.
Federal election 2016: Unions target Kelly O’Dwyer in blue ribbon seat of Higgins over super changes
The Age June 7, 2016
The union movement has launched a robocall campaign to undermine assistant treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer over superannuation changes, in a move that could help the Greens in their attempt to hijack the once blue-ribbon Liberal seat of Higgins.
Jason Ball and the battle to win Higgins from Kelly O’Dwyer
JoyFM, June 17, 2016
Australian Greens candidate for Higgins, Jason Ball, joins The Informer to discuss his battle to win the seat away from the Liberal party’s Kelly O’Dwyer.
Jason Ball awarded Young Australian Humanist of the Year 2016
GNN, June 2 2016
LGBTIQ rights advocate and Greens candidate, Jason Ball, has been named Young Australian Humanist of the Year 2016.
Greens dream of a win in Liberal Higgins
The Australian, May 28, 2016
Higgins has been a Liberal blue-ribbon seat since 1949 but it’s in danger of turning Green. Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer is facing problems in her southeast Melbourne seat as the Greens seduce its socially liberal residents.
Higgins one to watch – Jason Ball considered a real chance
Nine News, May 16, 2016
The seat of Higgins is shaping up to be a tight contest; the most exciting of times since the formation of the electorate in 1949.
Higgins candidate cans camp comparison
Jewish News, May 13, 2016
Australia has a long and proud tradition of welcoming people in need after war, including Jewish people after the Holocaust. “Their contribution to Australia’s culture, economy and community has been immeasurable. “I also look forward to working more closely with the Jewish community in future, whose passion for social justice and charity I deeply respect and admire.”
Station upgrade needed- Greens say South Yarra Station ‘can’t cope’
Stonnington Leader, April 12 2016
PRAHRAN state Greens MP Sam Hibbins has called on Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to upgrade South Yarra station and establish a task force charged with overseeing the works.
“You are loved. You are valued” – Jason Ball’s speech on Safe Schools
Star Observer, March 18, 2016
I often wonder how much pain I would have been spared if Safe Schools had been around when I was growing up. It makes me even more determined to stand up for this groundbreaking program that is quite literally saving lives.
Pride vs Prejudice: The Match Of A Lifetime
Huffington Post, 29 January, 2016
We need to take pride because it hasn’t always been this way. In 1980, homosexuality was illegal in Victoria and in several other Australia states. It wasn’t until 1997 that it was decriminalised nationwide.
The 10 men who mattered in Australia in 2015
Executive Style, 21 December 2015
Jason Ball: Blazing a trail as the first out-and-proud Australian Rules football player, Jason Ball has been a tireless campaigner for LGBTIQ rights, both on and off the pitch, as well as mental health more broadly.
The Disruptors: 30(ish) people who are changing the game for young Australia
Junkee, 20 October 2015
Jason Ball’s career has been one marked by breaking boundaries. In 2012, he came out as a gay Aussie Rules player, sparking a national conversation about homophobia in sport.
Jason Ball says the Greens are in with a chance against Liberal Kelly O’Dwyer
The Guardian, 10 August 2015
Jason Ball hopes to do what the Greens have only managed once before in any election – snatch a seat from a Liberal MP.
Jason Ball to contest blue-ribbon Liberal seat of Higgins for the Greens
Sydney Morning Herald 9 August 2015
“For me, I guess I’m not afraid of the stigma that comes with politics. I actually think I have a good chance to break down that stigma because I’ve done a lot of good work in the community and a lot of people respect me for that.
2015 Pride Cup: Jason Ball and Brock McLean on AFL360
FoxFooty, May 12, 2016
Jason Ball and Brock McLean joined the AFL360 panel on FoxFooty to discuss the 2015 Pride Cup.
2015 Pride Cup
Weekend Sunrise, May 17, 2015
Jason Ball joined Weekend Sunrise on Channel 7 to promote the 2015 Pride Cup, celebrating diversity and promoting LGBTI inclusion in sport.
Jason Ball says education is needed to change homophobic attitudes in sport
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, May 18, 2015
THE Community Pride Cup celebrated diversity and inclusion in sport for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities but education will help further change mindsets and attitudes, says Jason Ball.
The day football burst with Pride
Sydney Morning Herald, May 3, 2014
On a country footy oval under overcast skies, change came. It came in the rainbow-coloured 50-metre lines painted at each end of the ground. It came in the pre-match minute’s silence…
AFL spreads word on homophobic vilification
The Age, January 19, 2014
The AFL has produced a documentary featuring gay Yarra Glen footballer Jason Ball to help counsel AFL players against homophobic vilification for the first time as league bosses move to stamp out discrimination and make the game more welcoming for gay fans, players and officials.
Jason Ball’s courage will trump ignorance
The Herald Sun, May 18 2013
Here is a young man who has announced to the world he is gay, appearing on a footy program to openly discuss it, and he wasn’t nervous or anxious or embarrassed.
Play the ball, not the man
The Age, May 13, 2013
Jason Ball is arguably Australia’s most courageous Australian Rules footballer. He confronted his terror about coming out as gay in one of society’s most macho domains. He is showing sustained bravery by campaigning to end homophobia in football.
“I didn’t know any footballers who were gay”
The Age, September 9, 2012
SOMETIMES he’d say he had a girlfriend. In the world of Aussie rules football, Jason Ball thought he had to play up his ”blokeyness”. When teammates sledged opposition players, calling them ”homo” or ”fag”, he’d pretend not to care. Inside the footy club where he’d played since he was five, nobody knew he was gay.
