Sexuality, Sport + Masculinity Resource

Hi There,

My name is Dave Oliver.

I am excited to announce that I am ready to officially launch my effort to get a resource off the ground here in Australia that could potentially have a positive influence on the lives of same sex attracted participants within the sport of rugby union who may also be suffering from toxic levels of shame.

I am 38 years old and a survivor of toxic shame. I was born into the sport of rugby. Hiding my sexuality for the majority of my teenage and adult life led me down a path of incredible personal pain and anguish for many years that manifested into substance use and abuse. The end result, a crippling and abusive 18 months addicted to methamphetamine.

I am now three years in recovery and ready to do everything I can to make sure that no one else has their life spiral out of control like mine did. My intention is to collaborate with top mental health and sporting industry professionals to develop a presentation that is appropriate for delivery and backed up by support mechanisms should they be required by any participants.

The presentation content will:
- Share my personal story.
- Explore how debilitating toxic shame can be.
- Review sporting organisation inclusion policies.
- Workshop what an inclusive club looks like.
- Have a key person/leadership component (pre/post presentation)
- Open the floor for discussion.
- Include special guests where possible.
- Be age appropriate. (junior clubs/schools + senior sport).

I would like to title the resource.  Sexuality, Sport and Masculinity.

It will require me to step away from my current employment and focus 100% of my time and energy into research, development and roll out. I have a very strong established network within the game of rugby in Australia and have already received substantial support from key people who are very interested in seeing this come to life.

I am in the final stages of aligning with a registered and active not-for-profit entity. 100% of the funds raised will be transferred to the partner initiative who will manage the money and help direct the development, implementation and execution phases all above board and within the appropriate corporate governance requirements here in Australia.

I absolutely intend to work with all other interested sports in Australia  to build a similar resource once the rugby union initiative is up and running.

Well aware of a very high profile situation playing out in Australia at the moment in this area. As a current Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter and survivor of shame Myself, I am incredibly concerned about the mental health and well being of those who may be already experiencing some anguish as a result of their sexuality and their involvement in sport.

Many I have spoken to agree that we have a long way to go in sport in Australia as far as providing inclusive environments for same sex attracted participants is concerned.

Especially male dominated sports.

Now is the time for action and practical resources.

Thank you very much for taking the time to consider this campaign.

I look forward to getting out there and on the road to spread a positive message to those who really need to hear it.

Make no mistake.

This will save lives.

Cheers, Dave Oliver

KEY POINTS/COSTINGS:
- A modest wage for Dave to work full time on the project.
- Engage top quality mental health/psych professionals to form up an advisory panel.
- Travel/accom expenses as they arise.
- Brand development, graphic design and marketing.
- Resource design (online and offline) and printing.
- Starting with rugby union, My strongest network, with the view to working with all sports in Australia.
- May end up just being sexuality and sport. I understand there could be some potential issues with building masculinity into the content development, this will all be decided by the advisory panel.
- Full intention to recruit female ambassadors to work within female sports as well.
- Pls disregard $50k goal, just plucked that out of the air as a starting point. Expenses will obviously increase as the resource scales up.

MAJOR CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS?
Please contact Me direct at [email redacted]

POTENTIAL AMBASSADORS ?
I would LOVE to chat you. Pls see email above.



LISTEN TO DAVE'S INTERVIEW ON THE RUGBY RUCKUS PODCAST with BEN KIMBER AND MORGAN TURINUI (click here)