International Lesbian Visibility Day
International Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated around the world on April 26 each year. It’s a day to highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by lesbian women in our communities and recognise their incredible ongoing contribution to our societies – including sport.
This year, we celebrate three icons of the Pride in Sport family: Pride in Sport Patron Alex Blackwell; 2023 Pride in Sport Role Model of the Year Sharni Smale (nee Williams); and 2020 Pride in Sport Inclusive Coach of the Year Penny Gulliver.
Alex Blackwell
A trailblazer in women’s cricket, Alex has left an indelible mark both on and off the field. As a former captain of the Australian cricket team, she led her squad to numerous victories, including the 2010 Women’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph.
Alex’s influence extends far beyond her cricketing prowess. In 2013, she became the first female international cricketer to publicly come out as lesbian, paving the way for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
Her courage and advocacy have made her a beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community. Alex has been a vocal supporter of transgender and gender-diverse athletes, championing their right to participate in sports at all levels. Her role as Patron and Ambassador for Pride in Sport showcases her ongoing commitment to equality and acceptance.
Alex Blackwell’s legacy is one of breaking boundaries and inspiring others to live authentically. Cheers to a true champion!
Sharni Smale (nee Williams)
Sharni Smale, a powerhouse in rugby union, has made waves both on and off the field. As a key player for the Australian Rugby Sevens team, she has clinched numerous titles, including the historic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Known for her rainbow headgear, Sharni is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Her journey to self-acceptance and her openness about her identity have made her a beacon of hope for many, and saw her recognised as the 2023 Pride in Sport LGBTQ+ Role Model of the Year. Sharni is also a valued member of the Pride in Sport Advisory Panel, bringing her lived experience and insight into a leadership role with the organisation.
Recently switching codes, Sharni currently plays for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW). This move marks an exciting new chapter, showcasing her versatility and passion for sport, and bringing her iconic headgear and message of inclusion to a new generation of sports fans across Australia.
Penny Gulliver
Penny Gulliver is a renowned martial arts coach and a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. An original 1978er, Penny is the founder and Chief Instructor of Gay & Lesbian Martial Arts (GLMA) in Newtown, Sydney. With a Sixth Dan Black Belt, Penny has been teaching self-defense, kickboxing, and Kung Fu for over 40 years.
Penny’s contributions extend beyond martial arts. She was a kickboxing champion in the 1980s and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. She established GLMA in the late 1990s to provide a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to train and compete. Penny also founded the Mardi Gras Martial Arts Championships, promoting sporting excellence and self-defense skills within the LGBTQ+ community.
Her dedication to violence prevention and self-defense has made her a respected figure in both the martial arts and LGBTQ+ communities. For these accomplishments, Penny was awarded the 2020 Pride in Sport Inclusive Coach of the Year.
You can follow along with all the celebrations for Lesbian Visibility Week and Lesbian Visibility Day using the hashtag #LVW25 on social media.
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