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A social media storm has erupted over inflammatory comments made by Super Netball player Samantha Wallace-Joseph, who plays for the New South Wales Swifts.
On Monday, Wallace-Joseph shared a post on Instagram that detailed the news of US President Joe Biden declaring Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’.
The 30-year-old goal shooter from Trinidad and Tobago, a devout Christian, was aghast at Biden’s declaration, given the obvious religious significance of Easter.
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Of the transgender day’s timing, Wallace-Joseph was scathing in her since-deleted Instagram story.
“The disrespect is crazy. Don’t play with GOD,” she wrote on Monday, before removing it.
The Swifts got on the front foot on Monday night to condemn their player’s views.
“The NSW Swifts are aware of a social media post by Samantha Wallace-Joseph earlier today which has caused understandable hurt to members of the transgender community,” the club said in a statement.
“The views expressed in the post are not shared by the club.
“The club spoke with Samantha raising its concerns. It is important to note that Samantha listened and will meet with the club tomorrow.
“As a club we remain committed to ongoing education of issues of social importance and commentary.
“Many members of our family, both directly within the club and in the stands, identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community. The NSW Swifts will always be their allies.”
Wallace-Joseph’s message elicited a furious response online from fans, who were quick to point out Wallace-Joseph’s oversight.
“Disappointing to see this post from a role model in our sport,” Niki Butler wrote.
“Easter is determined by the patterns of the moon and changes every year. Trans day of visibility is on 31st March every year, and has been for over 10 years.
“Both can be respectfully recognised.”
Sam Wallace-Joseph plays goal shooter for the Swifts. Credit: Jenny Evans/Getty Images for Netball Austral
Before seeing the Swifts’ response, fans were imploring the club to give one.
“It’s beyond disappointing to see SWJ, a player whose club celebrates pride round, turn around and decide to punch down on a marginalised group. As a fan, I’d really like to see the @NSWSwifts come out and say they don’t stand by this sentiment, but also educate their players more,” one said.
“@NSWSwifts do you condone this rhetoric? Is this your club’s official position? I am frankly disgusted at this, and the club needs to speak on it. As if the trans community aren’t going thru enough, now they need Aussies chiming in on a made up controversy? Gross. #NetballChaos,” another added.
“@NSWSwifts you need to take this seriously because these things can have a huge impact on the welfare and wellbeing of the communities and groups they’re targeted at. Many of which may just be members and fans of your club. Integrity, rectitude, and solidarity are not only expected from you… but crucial,” a third said.
Wallace-Joseph later doubled down on her views in another since-deleted post.
It was in response to another incredulous fan, who said: “Surely by now someone at the club, or the coach, maybe captains, other teammates etc have called that person about their hateful Insta story? And like, is she just refusing to take it down??”
Responding directly to that post on X, Wallace-Joseph said: “My opinion still stands,” but has now deleted that message.
The drama comes amid a tumultuous 18 months for netball in Australia, during which the Australian Diamonds had their lucrative sponsorship from Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting pulled before being replaced by the Victorian government, a war erupted between Netball Australia and its players over the pay deal, and former CEO Kelly Ryan resigned from her role.
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