NSWRL’s Paul Langmack was once again at the forefront of the NRL’s ‘Pride in League’ float at the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last night.
The three-time premiership winner with Canterbury joined the NRL in a bid to stamp out homophobia in Rugby League, providing a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals and communities - whether as an employee, player, volunteer, fan, member or spectator.
Langmack, a marriage equality Ambassador, was part of the NRL’s inaugural float last year and has been the driving force behind this year’s initiative, along with NRL Welfare and Education Manager Paul Heptonstall.
“We had the float, it was awesome, Dave Trodden came on and it was great,” Langmack says.
“There was staff from the NSWRL and the NRL, Ian Roberts came and he was so happy to come on, so was Wendell Sailor, he’s the king of Mardi Gras.”
“It’s so important in all facets of life, hopefully it will get bigger and bigger and hopefully our respect programs incorporate LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex] to educate the grassroots of Rugby League.”
“The Mardi Gras is great because it helps every person within our Rugby League family feel comfortable whether you’re lesbian, gay or transgender.”
The float featured astro turf, goalposts lit with the colours of the rainbow simulating a Rugby League field and also carried the tagline "Pride In League" with the RESPECT hashtag.
