Macquarie University Sport, Hockey Australia, NBL, Touch Football Australia and Tennis Australia are among a range of sporting organisations and individuals who have been named as the country’s best for LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Australian Pride in Sport Awards held last night in Melbourne.
Launched in 2018, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards is the first celebration of its kind dedicated solely to celebrating and acknowledging exceptional efforts in making Australian 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.
In addition to sports clubs and organisations, members of the community, along with supportive allies across various sporting disciplines, were recognised for their endeavours in fostering inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals both within and beyond the realm of sports.
The awards showcase the results of the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) – a world-first national benchmarking instrument used to access LGBTQ+ inclusion within Australian sport.
Co-founder of the PSI, Andrew Purchas OAM, said: “Each year, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards contribute to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and the continuous efforts to create more inclusive sporting environments in arenas, fields, and stands.
“Since the establishment of the PSI and Awards, Australian sporting codes, organisations, and clubs have demonstrated their responsiveness to increasing demands and standards for inclusivity in sports. They are actively taking measures to ensure that an individual’s sexuality or gender identity does not hinder their ability to engage, observe, or contribute to sports at any level.”
“The growth that we see year on year in terms of participating clubs, organisations and codes is incredibly encouraging as it demonstrates an established focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion, zero tolerance of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
“I extend my congratulations to all the individuals who have received awards and those who made it to the finals, as well as to the numerous others who are dedicated to fostering inclusivity in Australian sports. I take pride in acknowledging their collective endeavours and in commemorating the achievements highlighted at the Pride in Sport Awards,” Purchas said.
The awards, hosted by Australian comedy legend Adam Hills, featured beloved Australian Idol alumni Emily Williams, as well as the much-anticipated award ceremony.
Pride in Sport National Manager Beau Newell said that the awards were a heartfelt celebration of the strides that have been made together in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
“These awards are a testament to our collective journey towards inclusion, showcasing the incredible efforts of individuals, teams, and organisations across Australia,” Newell said. “This year marks a significant milestone for the PSI. We’re incredibly proud to announce that this year’s PSI submissions have yielded the greatest results since the Index’s inception in 2016.”
“Likewise, the calibre of award nominations is nothing short of remarkable. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in pushing the boundaries for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
“With society continuing to become more inclusive, there is a growing anticipation for sports to mirror the diverse makeup of our communities. There remains work to be done in guaranteeing that sports, both on and off the field, embrace inclusivity, ensuring that individuals feel valued and welcomed in the sports they cherish, just as they are. Every person possesses an inherent right to engage in sports.”
Newell added: “There’s still much work to be done, but together, we can continue to break down barriers and champion equality in sports. Being vulnerable, sharing your journeys, successes, and learnings is crucial in enhancing and improving the culture of our sports. Here’s to celebrating the progress we’ve made and to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
ENDS
For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: (02) 9206 2044 M: 0428 477 042
2024 Pride in Sport Awards Recipients
Award | Recipient | |
Sporting Organisation of the Year | Macquarie University Sport | |
Community Sporting Organisation of the Year | Kingston City Rollers | |
Most Improved Sporting Organisations | UWA Sport | |
LGBTQ Ally Award | Kristen Penny, NBL | |
Executive Leader Award | John Baker AM, SLSA | |
LGBTQ Inclusive Coach Award | Shaun Jacobs, Sydney Hookers Boxing | |
LGBTQ Role Model Award | Greta Hayes, Hockey | |
LGBTQ Positive Media Award | “Equal the Contest” – Mitch Nivalis | |
LGBTQ Inclusion Initiative Award | Sydney WorldPride Tennis Project | |
Platinum Sporting Organisation | Macquarie University Sport | |
Gold Sporting Organisations | · Gymnastics NSW
· Hockey ACT · Hockey Australia · Lacrosse Victoria · Netball Victoria · Surf Life Saving Australia · Tennis Australia · Tennis NSW · Touch Football Australia · UWA Sport · VicSport |
|
Platinum & Gold Community Sporting Organisation | Kingston City Rollers | |
Silver Sporting Organisations | · Cricket Australia
· Hockey WA · National Rugby League · Netball Queensland · Squash Australia |
|
Bronze Sporting Organisations | · ANU Sport
· Athletics Australia · Australian Dragon Boat Federation · Basketball NSW · Bowls Australia · Hockey NSW · Hockey Queensland · Hockey Victoria |
· National Basketball League
· Netball ACT · NSW Rugby League · Paddle Australia · Queensland Rugby League · RMIT University Sport · Rugby Australia · St Kilda Football Club |