When thinking what I wanted to write about this month, two topics instantly sprang to mind: online bullying and Pride month. Although I am completely happy to talk about both topics if asked (I have strong opinions on both, shocker đ) I have been reluctant in the past to write down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences on either topic for fear of coming across gratuitous, whingey, or not doing either subject justice.
With respect to online bullying, it has always been something I avoid drawing additional attention to, for fear of giving a mean minority a bigger platform than they deserve. I want to be able to write articulately about my experiences without letting my emotions get the better of me as well as hopefully facilitating debate and driving something actionable on the topic, as opposed to just using my platform to complain. I am yet to find the right words or the magic solution that is so needed, and so, that brings us to Pride month.
Although netball takes up a significant and increasing amount of my time, over the past year or so I have made a very conscious commitment to maximise the opportunities that playing netball gives me to optimise the platform I have to champion issues around visibility and diversity. I have always been an extremely passionate individual and have used that to seize the opportunity to resume learning about myself, the communities that I am a part of and understanding more about the issues that are important to me and how best to use my voice.
For the last two years I have been involved with Stonewallâs Rainbow Laces campaign, I became a Pride House ambassador for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in February, and in April I was accepted onto the Womenâs Sports Trust 2021 Unlocked programme with an application that centred around optimising the small position I have as one of visibility and diversity.
I have always loved being mixed race. As a child I loved being able to dip into both aspects of my heritage, spending Saturdays with my white British family and Sundays with my black Caribbean relatives. It gave me a great appreciation and deep understanding for my own diversity and history.
I do not have a coming out story and I was comfortable with being attracted to both men and women. I have never felt obligated to define myself in one certain category in relation to any aspect of my life, which (alongside having open and supportive parents) has certainly added to my comfort around my sexuality.
In the past I have shied away from discussing my experiences with being bi-sexual. My perception was that because it was not complicated or confusing to me that it was not something people might relate to. However, I have always felt empowered by my differences and what sets me apart from others, which I think is a beautiful message to share. I am fortunate in that respect, but I understand that there are many who do struggle.
Through my own personal experiences and engagement with others I understand how incredibly important it is to have diverse representation in sport. Â My hope is that my confidence in being my authentic self and sharing my story with others, creates a platform for any minorities/person to feel that they can do the same. Increasing open conversations, having better governance and more education around sexuality is a necessity, both in and outside of sport. Life is always going to be more fulfilling and filled with happiness when being your authentic self.
Frank x
Instagram & Twitter: @StcyJyneFrancis
