Toby Johnson Wants to Come Out!
Format: Short Documentary
In "Toby Johnson Wants to Come Out!", we delve into the life of an Australian Rules Football player grappling with the dual pressures of athletic success and personal identity. As he navigates the complexities of coming out in a sport notoriously resistant to change, Toby’s journey reveals the broader implications for acceptance within the AFL community.
Synopsis:
"Toby Johnson Wants to Come Out!" follows an AFL player, Toby Johnson (a pseudonym) who while excelling in the AFL, carries a significant secret: he is gay.
Toby has known his sexual orientation since childhood. His supportive family, aware of his truth, has encouraged him to remain closeted to protect him from the toxic homophobia common in Australian Rules Football. Throughout his career, he has attended events like the Brownlow Medal, often with his close friend Jess, who has acted as a "beard" at public functions.
This year, however, is different. Having fallen in love, Toby yearns to share his truth but fears the potential backlash.
This observational documentary will explore whether the AFL is ready for its first openly gay male footballer. I plan to interview AFL management, support staff, coaches, players, supporters, and sports media to gain insight into the culture surrounding this landmark moment.
While the AFLW has seen many openly gay players thrive, I aim to uncover the differences that may exist in the men’s league. The film will also feature insights from Josh Cavallo, Australia’s first openly gay male professional footballer, who faced threats after coming out in 2021.
Additionally, I plan to interview young LGBTQ+ individuals to understand what Toby’s coming out would mean for them. I want to examine how remaining in the closet impacts someone like Toby and the effects on relationships, mental health and wellbeing.
The documentary will feature interviews with Josh Cavallo and others, posing the pivotal question: Should Toby come out?
Cultural Context:
The film will juxtapose Toby’s experiences with those of the AFLW players, many of whom have been celebrated for their bravery in coming out. By interviewing influential figures within AFL management, coaches, current players, and support staff, we aim to explore whether the male-dominated league is ready for its first openly gay player. Through these conversations, we will uncover varying attitudes towards LGBTIAQ+ athletes, revealing both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead in this traditionally masculine space.
Special insights will be gathered from Josh Cavallo, Australia’s first openly gay male professional footballer, who bravely faced threats and backlash after coming out in 2021. His perspective will serve as both a cautionary tale and an encouragement for change within the sport, amplifying the question, can the culture shift to embrace inclusivity?
Youth Voices:
Beyond the football field, the documentary will include interviews with young LGBTIAQ+ individuals who express how Toby’s potential coming out could shape their own journeys. Their stories echo the hope for a more accepting environment in sports and beyond, highlighting the necessity for representation.
Internal Struggles and Relationships:
The impact of staying in the closet versus living authentically will be a poignant theme. Interviews with psychologists, will reveal that remaining silence affects relationships and emotional well-being. This exploration of vulnerability and courage will resonate deeply with viewers, humanizing the struggle many individuals face with their identities.
Director's Statement:
"I am passionate about creating the documentary 'Toby Johnson Wants to Come Out!' With over 20 years of filmmaking experience, including my debut documentary 'CAMP 32' (2015) and the award-winning short film 'POOFTA' (2022), I am equipped to handle Toby's sensitive journey.
My experience with LGBTQIA+ topics allows me to authentically portray the challenges athletes face in navigating their identities within conservative sporting cultures. Additionally, my recent web series 'DAMAGED' (2024) showcases my commitment to diverse narratives.
Having followed Australian Rules football from a young age, I have a personal connection to the sport. I follow a Melbourne team my father’s family follow, and my maternal grandfather played for the VFL. As a passionate AFL supporter, I attend every home game and a number of interstate away games. For me, AFL represents family; I share the experience of attending games with my siblings, various nieces and nephews, and both extended and chosen family.
I aim to foster inclusivity in the sports community by engaging with stakeholders, from coaches to young LGBTQ+ individuals, to thoughtfully explore the cultural implications of Toby's coming out." Andrew Blogg, writer/director
Conclusion:
The documentary culminates in a powerful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the courage required to live one’s truth. With an evocative score and intimate cinematography, "Toby Johnson Wants to Come Out!" serves not only as a story about the first openly gay AFL player but as a crucial conversation about inclusivity, societal expectations, and the evolving landscape of sports in Australia.