Dani Laidley has revealed how her family discovered her true gender identity after she accidentally sent them never-before-seen photos on Snapchat.
Chron Australia can reveal in the Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes that the former AFL star admits her daughters found out after she sent them the photos in 2019.
In the pictures, Dani wears a white t-shirt dress and black thigh-high boots – and shows off her large dream catcher tattoo on her thigh.
In other photos, she wears extensive makeup with false eyelashes and dark brown lipstick. She also wears a long, blonde wig.
The former North Melbourne coach, 56, explains in the tell-all documentary that she had kept her identity secret from her family when the photos were accidentally sent.
Dani Laidley (pictured), 56, reveals in the Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes that her daughters found out about her transition after she accidentally sent them photos via Snapchat
In never-before-seen pictures, the former North Melbourne coach wears a white t-shirt dress and black thigh-high boots – and shows off her dreamcatcher thigh tattoo
Other photos show Dani with extensive make-up, false eyelashes and dark brown lipstick. She also wears a long, blonde wig
“I kind of started living my life as myself, with a small group of friends, but not in front of my kids,” she says.
“I would do my best to keep the two of them separated as much as possible.”
Speaking about the moment her daughters received the pictures, Dani said she lived alone and often used the app to stay in touch with them.
“I learned how to use Snapchat. Because that’s how I communicated especially with the girls every day,” she reveals.
“And one Sunday morning I learned how to do that. I didn’t have my glasses on…
“Instead of clicking save, I clicked send. They have pictures of me.’
Dani admits she takes “full responsibility” for sending the pictures, adding that it happened during her battle with drug addiction.
The former West Coast Eagles star also confirms that her daughters have cut off all contact with her following the incident.
Dani admits she takes “full responsibility” for sending the pictures, adding that it happened during her battle with drug addiction and confirming that her daughters have since cut off all contact
However, Dani and her son Kane continue to maintain a close relationship.
“The girls had no idea… There were reasons for it – mental health, drug use…” says Dani.
“From then on I had no communication with the girls.”
The following year, Dani fell into depression.
“I was in a very toxic situation with everything that was going on.” “I wasn’t in a good mood,” she says.
“I started thinking that people would be better off without me.”
Dani later reveals that she attempted suicide.
The documentary shows the harrowing moment recounted by Dani and her childhood sweetheart Donna Leckie’s former roommate, Jada, who was present in her home at the time.
Dani and her son Kane Laidley (pictured) continue to maintain a close relationship
The following year, Dani fell into depression. The shocking moment was recounted by Dani and her childhood sweetheart Donna Leckie’s former roommate, Jada (pictured).
The former AFL star (left) finally opens up about her tumultuous life in a new tell-all documentary from streaming service Stan
In 2020, Dani’s life was thrown into disarray when she was arrested on stalking charges while battling drug addiction.
A Victorian police officer leaked photos of Dani in custody to the media, publicly outing her before she came out to family and friends.
In the anticipated documentary, she speaks candidly about her life as a closeted transgender woman in the AFL, her arrest and how she has found her true self over the past three years.
“It’s with nervous anticipation that I share my story with Australia – it hasn’t been the easiest journey, but I’ve made some precious memories along the way and met some incredible people,” says Dani.
In 2020, her life was thrown into disarray when she was arrested on charges of stalking while battling drug addiction (pictured with her partner Donna Leckie).
“This story will have no consequences; You will see me at my lowest and my highest, surrounded by those I care about most and who have stood by me through it all.
“My truth is becoming more prevalent in today’s society and highlights the need for greater inclusivity, understanding and acceptance.”
The AFL great said she was ready to tell her story with her partner Donna by her side.
Donna was a lifelong friend of Danielle, and when she was at her lowest point, the two got back together and began a romantic relationship.
The Stan documentary, premiering September 19, charts their path forward through a critical 12 months under public scrutiny.
It also details Danielle’s childhood in a working-class suburb of Perth, using personal archival material such as photographs, diaries and videos.
Viewers will also be able to see their rise in football.
The documentary will detail Danielle’s childhood in a working-class suburb of Perth, using personal archival material such as photographs, diaries and videos.
She is best known for her highly successful men’s soccer career, playing 151 games for the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne soccer clubs, including a 1996 AFL premiership with the Kangaroos.
At the age of 36, she became one of the league’s youngest head coaches, managing 149 games over seven seasons for North Melbourne from 2003 to 2009, before taking on further coaching roles with Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton Football Clubs.
Cailah Scobie, Stan’s chief content officer, said she was pleased that Danielle had entrusted Stan to help her tell her “powerful story.”
“It is an extremely important matter that needs to be heard,” she said.
“And we believe audiences will be inspired by Danielle’s fascinating journey.”
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
The Stan Original Documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes premieres September 19th only on Stan.
The Stan documentary, premiering September 19, charts their path forward through a critical 12 months under public scrutiny