Good morning sports fans.

Quick thread on the homophobic slur used by Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman during yesterday’s broadcast (he’s been suspended).

As a gay sports reporter I’ve heard this all before. And I can remember early in my career how damaging it was.

I could feel myself shrink in a media scrum or in the locker room when homophobic slurs were thrown around so cavalierly.

Despite feeling pretty confident and secure in who I am it still jarred me. It has devastating consequences for young LGTBQ+ athletes navigating their way.

This toxic culture that exists within sport is changing. But it’s still there. Brennaman highlighted this last night.

So to the young LGBTQ+ people out there this morning -- there’s a place in sports for you. There always will be. And I’m with you.