Category : Sport

A new festival will focus on encouraging greater participation from LGBTQ+ people from all around the country in sport and is being delivered by leading LGBTQ+ sporting inclusion initiative, Pride in Sport.

The inaugural Australian Pride in Sport Festival will be delivered by Pride in Sport after receiving funding through the Australian Sports Commission’s ‘Play Well’ participation grant. The groundbreaking initiative aims to increase the visibility, inclusivity, and participation of the LGBTQ+ community in sports across Australia.

Pride in Sport, which currently collaborates with over 100 sporting organisations nationwide, is dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ athletes and sports enthusiasts.

“The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community and Australian sports.” – Beau Newell, Pride in Sport National Program Manager

National Program Manager of Pride in Sport Beau Newell said: “The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community and Australian sports. We are proud to create an inclusive platform where everyone can participate and celebrate diversity in sports. This funding from the Australian Sports Commission allows us to break down barriers and foster a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes.”

ACON CEO, Nicolas Parkhill AM, added: “ACON is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of life, including sports. The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is a prime example of our commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. We are grateful for the support from the Australian Sports Commission and look forward to working together to make this festival a success.”

The Australian Pride in Sport Festival will feature a variety of events and activities designed to engage the community and promote inclusivity. Inclusive sporting events will be organised across various disciplines, providing opportunities for participants to compete and showcase their talents in a supportive environment. Additionally, the festival will include introductory sessions aimed at encouraging new participants to try different sports, breaking down initial barriers to participation.

The festival will also deliver educational workshops on inclusivity in sports, equipping sporting bodies with the knowledge and skills to foster supportive environments. Collaborations with sporting bodies will be undertaken to review and enhance governance practices, ensuring they are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ athletes.

An important aspect of the festival is the creation and distribution of the LGBTQ+ Participation in Sport Activation Guide. This resource will be developed in collaboration with partners and will support sporting organisations in engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging their participation in sports.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said that the ‘Play Well’ grants program will play a crucial role in getting more Australians active in sport: “Creating great sporting environments is central to the nation’s first Sport Participation Strategy and these projects will help us in our goal to transform sport participation ahead of and beyond Brisbane 2032 so that everyone feels welcome.”

Newell added: “Pride in Sport acknowledges the strong partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and their commitment to increasing LGBTQ+ participation in sports. This collaboration underscores the importance of inclusivity and the shared goal of ensuring that everyone has a place in sports.”

The project is scheduled to start on July 1, 2024, and run through June 30, 2025, with the festival itself planned to be held from January-March 2025. Further information and opportunities for sports organisations to get involved will be released in the coming months. For more information about the Australian Pride in Sport Festival and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit our website.

Media enquiries:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042

The finalists for the 2024 Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been announced ahead of a glittering ceremony being held in Melbourne on 23 April. Now in its seventh year, the event will see sporting identities, clubs and codes across the country gather to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout Australian sport over the past year.

First held in 2018, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards is the first celebration of its kind dedicated solely to recognising exceptional efforts in making sport more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. It is produced by Pride in Sport, the national not-for-profit sporting inclusion program spearheaded by Australia’s largest LGBTQ health organisation ACON.

This year, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards will be emceed by international star Adam Hills. A five-time Gold Logie nominee, Hills is one of Australia’s best-known comedians, hosting Spicks and Specks and Adam Hills Tonight, and over a decade on the UK’s Channel Four talk show, The Last Leg.

Returning to CENTREPOINT at Melbourne Park, the event will include dinner, drinks, as well as the much-anticipated award ceremony. The Awards will also feature entertainment from Australian Idol, West End and Young Divas star, Emily Williams.

One of the leading events on the LGBTQ+ sporting calendar, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards honours athletes, employees, volunteers, and organisations as it showcases the results of the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) – the national benchmarking instrument used to assess LGBTQ+ inclusion within Australian sport.

The Australian Pride in Sport Awards will feature a host of leading sporting and community figures, including Pride in Sport patrons, World Cup and Ashes-winning cricket captain Alex Blackwell and NRL legend and pioneer Ian Roberts. Funds raised from the awards will support efforts making Australian sports inclusive of LGBTQ+ communities.

“… the Australian Pride in Sport Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those that have demonstrated very real efforts towards making sport pitches everywhere a more welcoming space for everyone.”

Pride in Sport National Program Manager, Beau Newell said: “The PSI allows sporting organisations and clubs around Australia to benchmark their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices on a yearly basis, and the Australian Pride in Sport Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those that have demonstrated very real efforts towards making sport pitches everywhere a more welcoming space for everyone.”

“Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable pivot towards embracing LGBTQ+ inclusion and fostering a stance of zero tolerance towards homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. This shift is evident not only in corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives but also in the realms of sports and society at large, offering inspiration to many in our communities who want to play sport.

“Sporting bodies and clubs across Australia are acknowledging the necessity of implementing measures to ensure that your sexual orientation and gender identity do not hinder your participation, enjoyment, or engagement with sports, regardless of someone’s level.

“Since its inaugural year, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been acknowledging and celebrating this significant shift in practice with LGBTQ+ inclusion work in Australian sport.

“Over the years, as the PSI and Awards have continued, we’ve noticed a consistent expansion in both the quantity and diversity of sports organisations involved, along with increased dedication from these bodies to foster safer, more inclusive spaces and experiences for LGBTQ+ people.

“This is fundamentally what the Pride in Sport Awards is all about and we couldn’t be happier to once again come together and celebrate these achievements.”

The 2024 Australian Pride in Sport Awards is on Tuesday 23 April 2024, 6pm – 10pm at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne. For more information, click here.

Award Finalists

Finalists for each award category are listed below (in alphabetical order):

ALLY OF THE YEAR

• Kristen Stone Hutchison, Lacrosse Victoria
• David Keogh, Collaroy Tennis Club
• Sophie Moore, Football Australia
• Kristen Penny, National Basketball League

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

• John Baker AM ESM, Surf Live Saving Australia
• Shaun Barnett, Perth Scorpions Volleyball Club
• Kristina Mitsikas, UWA Sport
• Rebecca Shaw, Gymnastics NSW

LGBTQ INCLUSIVE INITIATIVE AWARD

• Champion Q League Netball, Queer Sporting Alliance and Netball Victoria
• 2023 NBL Champion Pride Round
• Rainbow Racquets, Squash Australia
• Sydney WorldPride Tennis Project, Tennis NSW

INCLUSIVE COACH OF THE YEAR

• Shaun Jacobs, Sydney Hookers [Boxing]
• Trent Robinson, Sydney Roosters/Allianz Coach for All [Rugby League]
• Georgia Verry, Conscious Combat Club [Martial Arts]
• Lil Waters, Mt Alexander Falcons [Australian Rules Football]

LGBTQ ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

• Davis Atkin, Hockey ACT / Hockey Australia
• Campbell Harrison, Sport Climbing Australia
• Greta Hayes, Hockey NSW / Hockey Australia
• Martin Stark, World Gay Boxing Championships

POSITIVE MEDIA AWARD

• “Sam Kerr: ‘Everyone should feel comfortable in whatever skin they’re in, whoever they want to be, whoever they want to love.’” – Liana Buratti, Football Australia
• “’We always play with pride’: How the Matildas helped pave the way for LGBTQIA+ visibility in football” – Samantha Lewis, ABC News
• “A-League player Josh Cavallo tells football codes to ‘grow up’ and be more inclusive ahead of pride round” – David Marchese, ABC Triple J
• “Equal the Contest” – Mitch Nivalis

ADDITIONAL AWARDS ANNOUNCED ON THE NIGHT*

• Sporting Organisation of the Year*
• Community Sporting Organisation of the Year*
• Most Improved Sporting Organisations*
• Gold, Silver and Bronze tier Sporting Organisations*

*These awards are subject to the results of the 2024 Pride in Sport Index (PSI)

Media Enquiries
For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: (02) 9206 2044 M: 0428 477 042

ABOUT PRIDE IN SPORT

Pride in Sport is a national not-for-profit program that assists sporting organisations and clubs with the inclusion of LGBTQ employees, players, volunteers and spectators. It is part of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, which provides a range of services to employers, sporting organisations and service providers with support in all aspects of LGBTI inclusion. All funds generated through membership and ticketed events go back into the work of Pride in Sport, actively working alongside sporting organisations, clubs and participants to make Australian sport inclusive of LGBTQ communities. For more information, visit the Pride Inclusion Programs website here.

ABOUT THE PRIDE IN SPORT INDEX

The Pride in Sport Index (PSI) is a benchmarking system, independently administered from sporting bodies, that provides the opportunity for all national and state sporting organisations to have their LGBTQ related initiatives, programs and policies reviewed, measured and monitored. An initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Sports Commission and a legacy of the Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 (the world cup of gay rugby), it was developed alongside an advisory group that includes representatives from the National Rugby League (NRL), the Australian Football League (AFL), the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), Football Federation Australia (FFA), Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia, Water Polo Australia, Basketball Australia and Golf Australia. For more information, visit the Pride in Sport website here.

Strengthening and supporting the physical health of older LGBTQ+ people and addressing unique issues impacting their overall wellbeing lies at the heart of a new program from ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ health organisation, in partnership with Gymnastics NSW.

Bringing together Gymnastic NSW’s ‘Fitter For Life’ program and two ACON programs, Pride in Sport and the LOVE Project, the new initiative called ‘Fitter For Life & LOVE’ aims to address factors which have led to a disconnection from organised physical activity by older LGBTQ+ people 55 and over in NSW.

“We know from both research and our work with older people in our communities that many face unique challenges in accessing healthcare and organised sport. Given the link between positive health and physical activity, this is unsurprisingly evidenced by older LGBTQ+ people’s disproportionate rates of chronic disease, including heart disease,” ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said.

Studies have demonstrated the negative health impacts that discrimination and prejudice experienced by many LGBTQ+ people have had on them over their lifetimes. This is compounded by a general disconnect from organised sport and physical activity, in addition to adverse health outcomes demonstrated across the LGBTQ+ population as a result of discrimination.

“Gymnastics NSW believe that everyone of all ages and stages has the right to participate. We are honoured to be part of a collaboration with so many highly respected organisations to promote healthy hearts, minds and bodies,” Gymnastics NSW Business Operations Manager Kait Carter said.

Australian Physiotherapy Association LGBTIQA+ Advisory Panel Chair Dr Megan Ross said: “This program is a great way for people to try a new activity, participate in health promoting behaviours in their own space, at their own pace. Our involvement in this project is just one of the many ways the Australian Physiotherapy Association is supporting our members to provide evidence-based, leading practice affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community.”

“This program is a great way for people to try a new activity, participate in health promoting behaviours in their own space, at their own pace.”

ACON Ageing Program Coordinator Russ Gluyas said that Fitter For Life & LOVE will support older LGBTQ+ in improving and maintaining their health and wellbeing through increased physical exercise and community connection.

“Participants will engage in this fabulous, tailored exercise class from the safety and comfort of their home – and will have the opportunity to increase online connections, access professional support from Gymnastics NSW Fitter For Life clubs and learn more about the LOVE Project,” Gluyas said.

“Including a community icon, peer leader or celebrity drag personality as a program facilitator also encourages participation among a population who may be reluctant to take part. It’s a LGBTQ+ inclusive, fun, social and healthy innovation.”

Pride in Sport National Program Manager, Beau Newell said: “The Fitter For Life program has been developed by Gymnastics NSW, adopted by Gymnastics Australia and endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Sessions include activities for participants with strength and mobility limitations or who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Everyone is welcome and anyone can participate, which is crucial to older people in our communities feeling included and connected.”

Fitter for Life & LOVE is funded by the Heart Foundation Innovation Grant.

For more information visit: gymnsw.org.au/heartsmart

ENDS

For more information please contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au
T: +61 (02) 9206 2044
M: +61 (0)428 477 042

Australian Sports Commission CEO and Olympic legend Kieran Perkins OAM will join delegates from across Australia when they will gather in Sydney in September for the first Pride in Sport Summit, the only national summit dedicated to advancing the inclusion of diverse sexualities and genders within all aspects of sport. 

Taking place on 27 September at the Australian College of Physical Education at Sydney’s Olympic Park, the summit will be a dedicated conference that not only showcases sport industry leaders, athletes, advocates, and allies, but also offering a comprehensive experience that celebrates inclusivity and offers unique learning opportunities. 

The Summit will be an opportunity for delegates to engage in a range of sessions comprising workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses, that will facilitate an exchange of perspectives that will contribute to shaping the future of LGBTQ inclusion in sport and identify areas where resources can be better allocated to drive impactful change. 

Joining Kieran Perkins will be fellow guest speakers Australian Cricket icon and Pride in Sport Co-Patron Alex Blackwell, trans sport pioneer and Pride in Sport Ambassador Ricki Coughlan, and Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager Bianca Broadhurst OLY. 

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said the Pride in Sport Summit provides an important opportunity for athletes, advocates, and sporting leaders and organisations to come together and explores issues, ideas, and best practice in inclusion.   

“This ground-breaking event for Australian Sport offers a comprehensive experience that celebrates inclusivity and empowerment, and also provides unique opportunities for learning, collaboration, and resource assessment,” Parkhill said. 

“Practice is continuing to shift significantly in the inclusion space within Sport across Australia, and we see that many in the industry are strengthening their commitment to improve inclusion efforts. By engaging in events such as the Pride in Sport Summit, they’re equipping themselves with ways by which they can build on their initiatives, knowledge, and awareness. 

“The opportunities provided at this conference, along with the work done by Pride in Sport in general, goes such a long way in helping create more diverse and welcoming environments, and make real and substantial change within Australian sporting culture.” 

“This event is a game-changer, revolutionising the sports landscape one stride at a time. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative movement.” – Beau Newell, National Program Manager, Pride in Sport.

Beau Newell, National Pride in Sport program manager added: “This event is a game-changer, revolutionising the sports landscape one stride at a time. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative movement.” 

“From community sporting clubs right up to National Sporting Organisations, the Australian Pride in Sport Summit has attracted a wide range of delegates with roles that are responsible for creating inclusive workplaces for their LGBTQ peers across the realm of sport and recreation, including CEOs, diversity and inclusion professionals, Pride Network Groups, volunteers, community leaders, and much more. 

“Secure your spot today and help make sure that together, we can create a future where everyone can participate and thrive in sports, regardless of their identity or background.” 

The Pride In Sport Summit is on 27 September at Australian College of Physical Education, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney. For more information about the conference, go to prideinsport.com.au/summit/ 

ENDS  

Media enquiries:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au  
T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042

Picture: Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates with her partner Kristie Mewis. Photo Source: Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

In the world of sports, the ability to unite diverse talents and backgrounds under one banner often stands as a powerful testament to the shared spirit of competition. Nowhere is this more evident than in the exhilarating spectacle of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where athletes from various corners of the globe come together to showcase their prowess on the pitch. As the 2023 Women’s World Cup unfolds in Australia and New Zealand, there’s a unique story unfolding within the Australian Women’s Football team, the Matildas – a narrative of courage, inclusion, and the challenge of breaking down stereotypes.

A recent article by OutSports highlighted a staggering revelation that a record number of at least 96 LGBTQ athletes are participating in the Women’s World Cup, a groundbreaking figure that amounts to over 13% of all competitors. This wave of visibility and acceptance is transforming the landscape of women’s sports, one goal at a time.

It’s worth acknowledging that while society’s attitudes towards LGBTQ athletes have undeniably progressed, certain stereotypes still loom over their presence on the field. Historically, women who participated in sports perceived as traditionally male-dominated often faced the assumption that they were LGBTQ, a common misconception that is still noticed in today’s society. Such perceptions can create a sense of otherness and exclusion for LGBTQ athletes, who find themselves unfairly pigeonholed based on their sexuality rather than celebrated for their athletic achievements.

In the case of the Matildas, this tale of triumph over stereotypes is vividly illustrated by the stories of players who identify as LGBTQ. These athletes are paving the way for a new era of inclusivity, courageously defying misconceptions and stereotypes. Names like Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Alex Chidiac, Katrina Gorry, Teagan Micah, Kyah Simon, Emily Van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop and FIFA’s highest rated player, Sam Kerr [pictured], are rewriting the narrative by being true to themselves both on and off the field. Their stories resonate far beyond the stadium walls, sending a resounding message to LGBTQ youth across the globe: there’s a place in sports for everyone, exactly as they are.

The significance of this milestone cannot be overstated. The Matildas’ presence as out and proud athletes in such a high-profile tournament is a testament to the progress that has been made, but also an acknowledgment that there’s more work to be done. These women are catalysts for change, proving that being authentic to one’s identity doesn’t compromise success. Their stories inspire countless others, and their visibility challenges the notion that LGBTQ athletes don’t belong in sports.

“These women are catalysts for change, proving that being authentic to one’s identity doesn’t compromise success.”

However, it’s crucial to recognise that challenges still persist. The prevalence of stereotypes and misconceptions reveals that the road to true inclusivity is not without its obstacles. Even as the statistics demonstrate growing acceptance, the journey towards eliminating biases is ongoing. The revelation that almost 90% of female athletes believe that playing certain sports labels them as LGBTQ[1] is a stark reminder of the work that remains to challenge these stereotypes.

Within this context, initiatives like Pride in Sport emerge as significant drivers of change. Our primary goal is to cultivate environments within sports that are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive for LGBTQ individuals. Moreover, there is a clear business case for collaborative efforts between sporting organisations and initiatives like Pride in Sport to establish spaces that empower LGBTQ athletes to excel without the weight of stereotypes and biases.

The Matildas, beyond their remarkable performance on the pitch, are becoming pioneers of change. Their stories, similar to those of renowned athlete Alex Blackwell (Pride in Sport Co-Patron), are narratives of resilience, courage, and the transformation of perceptions. Blackwell’s journey from being profiled as a predator due to her sexuality to becoming a powerful advocate for LGBTQ inclusion exemplifies the transformation that is possible when athletes stand up and speak out.

As the Matildas continue their journey in the Women’s World Cup, they stand as champions not only for their sport but also for the LGBTQ community. Their presence on the international stage is a testament to the transformative power of visibility, breaking down barriers, and rewriting the narrative for LGBTQ athletes. Each goal they score and every game they play sends a resounding message: sports is a realm of acceptance and opportunity for all – regardless of who they love or how they identify.

In the end, the Matildas are not only aiming for victory on the pitch but also for a triumph of equality and inclusion. They are embodying the spirit of fair play by fighting for a world where stereotypes are shattered, and athletes can shine based on their talent and dedication. Their journey serves as a reminder that the field of play should be a space where everyone is celebrated, respected, and welcomed.

Find out more about Pride in Sport. Visit www.prideinsport.com.au

Article written by Beau Newell, National Program Manager – Pride in Sport (15.08.2023)

[1] Pride in Sport (2023). Pride in Sport Index (PSI) National Survey. ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs

LGBTIQ+ sporting bodies and human rights organisation Equality Australia have welcomed the fact the new Australian Institute of Sport guidelines do not include a blanket ban on trans athletes.

“After extensive consultation and research, the AIS has found there is no case for a blanket ban on trans athletes in any sport, even at the elite level,” said Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia.

“The guidelines also encourage sporting bodies to start from a position of inclusion and state that any restrictions must be justified on a case-by-case basis and be no more than necessary to ensure meaningful competition for everyone.”

Ms Brown noted that the new guidelines make a clear case for trans inclusion in community sport.

“The public conversations about trans people’s participation in sport has undue impact on the trans community and real consequences for their participation in the sports they love at a community level,” she said.

“Overwhelmingly, sporting bodies in Australia have been navigating these issues in a sensible and practical way and we hope to see this continue.

“Sport improves health and wellbeing, fosters connection and builds community. It’s part of the Australian way of life and something that should be for everyone.”

CEO of Pride Cup Hayley Conway:

“Everyone loses when we exclude people from sport because of who they are. No athlete should be targeted for wanting to compete or experiencing the joy of being part of a team.”

National Program Manager of Pride in Sport Beau Newell:

“Every person in Australia has a fundamental right to participate in sport. The announcement of these new guidelines reinforces the importance of inclusion, and that there is a place for trans and gender diverse athletes in elite sport.

“Sport is for everyone, and these guidelines reaffirm the need that sporting bodies play their part in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all.

“Every player, coach, volunteer, and fan have the right to be accepted for who they are, including people with a trans experience. We know that when everyone feels welcomed and included, their mental and physical health improves.”

CEO of Proud2Play Christine Granger:

“The practice of sport is a human right that everyone has the right to participate in free from discrimination, even at the highest levels. Elite sport plays a unique role in driving society’s attitudes, and thus every sport has the opportunity and responsibility to make sure they consider all elements when creating their policies.”

Olympic silver medallist swimmer Madeliene Groves:

“Australia prides itself on being a country that gives people a fair go, we should never deny people opportunities because of their gender. Sport exists to entertain and inspire the community; sports people are celebrated for their talent, hard work and dedication, and trans people are wholly capable of all of these things. Trans people deserve to play sport like anyone else.”

Olympic silver medallist swimmer Taylor Mckeown:

“I’m all for allowing trans athletes to compete in sport and giving them equal opportunity to pursue their dreams, have fun and compete to the best of their ability. After all, isn’t that what sports are all about?”

ACON / Pride in Sport Media Contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au
T: (02) 9206 2044
M: 0428 477 042

Paddle Australia has become the newest member of the Australian Pride in Sport program, committing to further develop and enhance the inclusion of LGBTQ people.

ACON Health’s Pride in Sport program is the only sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with the inclusion of employees, athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and spectators with diverse genders and sexualities.

Being a Pride in Sport member means changing practices and working towards a more inclusive, safe, and healthy sporting environment for people with diverse sexualities and genders.

Paddle Australia started its Pride in Sport journey in 2022 as a member of the Pride in Sport Collective, running a number of inclusive Come & Try Days, and officially formalised its 12-month membership to Pride in Sport in March 2023.

Phil Jones, CEO of Paddle Australia is excited about the opportunity that Pride in Sport will play when helping promote positive messages and examples around LGBTQ inclusion for sport and recreation programs at Paddle Australia.

“Paddle Australia is pleased to have partnered with Pride in Sport. We aim to further our inclusive practices so that everyone feels welcome. Paddle Australia is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all people, regardless of gender expression, gender identity and sexuality. Inclusion is at the core of our values as an organisation, reflective of the diversity of our local communities” Jones said.

Beau Newell, National Program Manager of Pride in Sport Australia, said actual and perceived social exclusion is a leading cause of preventable death in Australia, and creating a much healthier and safer sporting culture for LGBTQ people has never been more important.

“By joining Pride in Sport and working with ACON, Paddle Australia is showing the community that they care about the health and wellbeing of their athletes, and members across the nation” Newell said.

“Congratulations to Paddle Australia for leading the way in changing Australia’s sporting culture, to be more inclusive.”

ENDS

ABOUT PRIDE IN SPORT

Pride in Sport is a national not-for-profit program that assists sporting organisations and clubs with the inclusion of LGBTQ employees, athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and spectators. It is part of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, which provides a range of services to employers, sporting organisations and service providers with support in all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion. All funds generated through membership and ticketed events go back into the work of Pride in Sport, actively working alongside sporting organisations, clubs and participants to make Australian sport inclusive of LGBTQ communities. For more information, visit the Pride Inclusion Programs website here.

ABOUT THE PRIDE IN SPORT INDEX

The Pride in Sport Index (PSI) is an independently administered benchmarking system that provides the opportunity for all national and state sporting organisations to have their LGBTQ related initiatives, programs and policies reviewed, measured and monitored. An initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Sports Commission and a legacy of the Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 (the world cup of gay rugby), it was developed alongside an advisory group that includes representatives from the National Rugby League (NRL), the Australian Football League (AFL), the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), Football Federation Australia (FFA), Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia, Water Polo Australia, Basketball Australia and Golf Australia. For more information, visit the Pride in Sport website here.

ACON / Pride in Sport Media Contact:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au
T: (02) 9206 2044
M: 0428 477 042

Paddle Australia Media Contact:
Georgia Thompson, Beyond The Break Consulting
E: georgia.thompson@btbconsulting.com.au
M: 0423737748

Finalists for the 2023 Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been announced ahead of the sixth annual awards ceremony that will see sporting identities, clubs and codes across the country gather to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australian sport on 10 May in Melbourne.

First held in 2018, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards is a national event dedicated to recognising exceptional efforts in making sport more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. It is produced by Pride in Sport, the national not-for-profit sporting inclusion program spearheaded by Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON.

The Awards will feature keynote speakers from experts within the industry, as well as the much-anticipated award ceremony.

One of the leading events on the LGBTQ+ sporting calendar, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards honours athletes, employees, volunteers, and organisations as it showcases the results of the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) – the national benchmarking instrument used to assess LGBTQ+ inclusion within Australian sport.

In addition to the recipients of this year’s awards, additional awards will be presented based on the results from the 2022 Pride in Sport Index, including Sporting Organisation of the Year, Community Sporting Organisation of the Year, Most Improved PSI Results, as well as Gold, Silver and Bronze tier sporting organisations.

Pride in Sport National Program Manager, Beau Newell said: “The PSI allows sporting organisations and clubs to benchmark their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices annually, and the Australian Pride in Sport Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those that have demonstrated very real efforts towards making sport welcoming of everyone.”

“Over the past decade, the shift in focus towards LGBTQ inclusion, zero tolerance of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, not only within the corporate sector via their diversity and inclusion practices, but also within sport and society as a whole has been inspiring and very encouraging.

“Many of Australia’s sporting organisations and clubs are recognising positive steps need to be taken to ensure your sexuality and gender identity does not impact your ability to play, watch or be involved with sport at any level.

“Since its inaugural year, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been acknowledging and celebrating this significant shift in practice with LGBTQ+ inclusion work in Australian sport.

“With each year that the PSI and Awards have existed, we have observed a sustained growth in the number of, and range of, sporting organisations participating, as well as stronger commitments by sporting bodies to provide safer and more inclusive environments and experiences for LGBTQ+ people.

“This is fundamentally what the Pride in Sport Awards is all about and we couldn’t be happier to come together and celebrate these achievements.”

The 2023 Australian Pride in Sport Awards is on Wednesday 10 May 2023 6pm – 10pm at CENTREPOINT at Melbourne Park, Olympic Boulevarde, Melbourne VIC.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

ENDS

2023 Australian Pride in Sport Awards Finalists

ABOUT PRIDE IN SPORT

Launched in 2016, the PSI was developed in conjunction with the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Sports Commission and Bingham Cup Sydney, alongside an advisory group comprising representatives from a range of peak sporting bodies including the National Rugby League, Australian Football League, Rugby Australia, Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia, Golf Australia, Water Polo Australia, and Football Australia.

The Pride in Sport Index is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Sports Commission and a legacy of the Bingham Cup, Sydney.  Following the release of the Out on the Fields study in May 2015, the largest international study examining homophobia in sport, these organisations commissioned Pride in Diversity to develop a Pride in Sport Index.

The Pride in Sport Index™ (PSI) is the first and only benchmarking instrument specifically designed to assess the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders across Australian sport. Participating in the index will allow Australian sporting organisations to not only assess their own practice, but determine that which constitutes good practice, along with the ability to benchmark their own initiatives against an external measure and other sporting organisations.

Pride in Sport is an ACON program, one of three within the Pride Inclusion Programs that specifically look at the inclusion of people of diverse genders and sexualities within sport, the workplace and health service provision.

INVITATION TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN REGARD LGBTQ INCLUSION IN SPORT

then click “New ‘Come-back-Later’ Code” to start survey

This year we encourage everyone involved in Australian sport to participate in the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) National Survey.  This is a national survey that allows us to assess and benchmark the progress in the area of inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders, in all sporting codes across Australia.

This may be just one area of a sports diversity & inclusion work. While the survey focuses on LGBTQ inclusion, it does not by any means diminish an organisations focus or activity in other areas of diversity practice. Rather it will allow us to narrow down on some of the core issues that need addressing in this space.

Regardless of how you personally identify, we encourage you to participate in this Survey. 

Have your say on:

• Inclusion initiatives such as Pride Games
• What more needs to be done for great inclusion of trans and gender diverse people?
• Are sporting leaders being held accountable for their public stance on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia?
• Are sports doing enough?
• Can sports put more effort into LGBTQ inclusion?

Participation is 100% anonymous: Individuals within the survey cannot be identified by either Pride in Sport, the not-for-profit support program running the benchmark, or by any sporting organisation.

Your feedback will enable us to not only gauge the visibility of inclusion initiatives by sporting codes, but will also enable us to understand the views of those who do not identity as LGBTQ, as well as the experiences of those who are of diverse sexuality and/or gender.

The first few pages of the Survey provides:

• The purpose of the survey; and
• An outline of terminology used.

Hot tips:

• Please ensure you use the navigation buttons within the survey instrument, not the browser buttons.
• Please ensure you click the ‘submit’ button upon completing the PSI National Survey.

Help us lead guide sporting organisation in Australia for greater LGBTQ inclusion, and complete this survey!

then click “New ‘Come-back-Later’ Code” to start survey

The survey will close at 9:00am AEDT Monday 6 March 2023.

Results from the survey will be published on our website in the second half of 2023.

For specific queries, please email – psi@prideinsport.com.au 

ACON and Pride In Sport are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Australian sport pioneer and LGBTQ+ community advocate, Simon Dunn.

Simon was the first openly gay man to represent any country at the Olympics in the sport of bobsled, as well as a beloved player for the Sydney Convicts rugby club.

He was an ambassador for ACON’s Pride in Sport program where he advocated for the greater inclusion of people with diverse genders and sexualities in all levels of Australian sport.

Most recently in his capacity as Pride in Sport Ambassador, Simon spoke at the 2022 Pride in Sport Awards where he was interviewed by tennis great Casey Dellacqua. He shared his lived experience of being an out gay male athlete in international sport and spoke to the comradery he received in community sport, and the critical importance that all sporting organisations play in providing safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people.

Simon’s story touched the hearts of everyone in the room and provided encouragement that while many sports are starting to see the impact an inclusive environment can have on athletes, there is still an enormous opportunity for improvement.

However, Simon’s advocacy was not confined to the sporting field. He was a tremendous supporter and ally of people living with HIV through his work for the Terry Higgins Trust in the UK and as an ambassador for the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Simon’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. He will be deeply missed but his impact on sport and legacy is one that will not soon be forgotten.

Vale.

We encourage anyone who is need of support at this time to reach out to a friend or family member, or contact ACON on 9206 2000, QLife on 1800 184 527, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.