TJ Perenara says he stands by his support for New Zealand’s LGBT community.
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The All Black has spoken out about his interview with LGBT publication Express magazine for the first time since its publication in early October.
Perenara told Express that he believed the All Blacks would welcome all team members, regardless of their sexuality, saying "our job is to make sure that people from all communities feel comfortable enough to aspire to want to be an All Black."
While drawing praise from the LGBT community and their allies, Perenara was criticised by some.
Magic Talk Afternoon’s host Sean Plunkett was among those critical of the comments when he said the All Black was “getting a little woke.”
TJ Perenara says he has no regrets about the interview.
"I spoke to Express Magazine a few months ago, and just had an open conversation about where I feel things stand, my opinion on it," Perenara said.
"I'm content with that (interview). I'm very, very happy with that interview," the 27-year-old told reporters at Auckland airport on Wednesday.
Perenara says that he is hoping there will one day be a gay All Black although he was "unsure when it will happen."
"I hope that we're at a spot that - when it does happen - it's a situation that's welcomed by everyone, and that it's OK.
"That's the environment that we want as the All Blacks. That's the environment that we should strive for as New Zealanders - that people can be themselves in whatever environment they choose to succeed in."
Newshub.
