Jason Ball is best known as a pioneering LGBTIQ advocate who after coming out in 2012 used his voice to launch a campaign to challenge homophobia in sport and drive cultural change within the AFL.

But this is not the whole story.

At the age of 12, Jason held his secret and shame so deeply that he thought suicide may be a better option than coming out.

In this episode of Human Cogs, hosts Sabina Read and Madeleine Grummet go deep with Jason as he shares his powerful and sometimes agonising story of trying to be someone he wasn’t.

Jason also reflects on the challenges of growing up gay with no role models, all the while trying to find ways to fit in to the often toxic culture of masculinity in men’s elite sport.

If you’ve ever had the thought that being gay was acceptable for others, but not for you; or if you’ve ever believed you’ve been defined by one part of yourself, yet hanker to let the other parts shine, then join us for this episode of Human Cogs as we talk to Jason, who is not only one of the most compassionate humans you will every meet, but an inspiration to anyone trying to live authentically against both real and perceived hurdles that at times feel insurmountable.

Guest: Jason Ball
Website: jasonball.com

Hosts: Sabina Read and Madeleine Grummet
Producer: Daryl Missen at Purple Wax

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Ep. 2 Jason Ball on coming out, male toxicity in mens sport and getting political