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All Australians respect the transformative value of sport because it has the power to change the world and level the playing field for everyone, particularly our LGBTQIA+ community.
Championing diversity in sport and in life
Sport is an international language. It's a voice that speaks to everyone, of every age, every colour, and every gender expression and orientation.
All Australians respect the transformative value of sport because it has the power to change the world and level the playing field for everyone, particularly our LGBTQIA+ community.
The Australian sporting landscape has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to promote greater inclusion. The power of visibility lies in the power of sport.
Overcoming emotional hurdles through sport
Hiding who you are in sport and society can have huge ramifications on your mental state. A sense of not belonging, or of not conforming to society's standards, leaves you feeling ashamed of who you are, which leads to fear, self-blame, and isolation.
According to the recent Trevor Project survey on LGBTQIA+ mental health, 60% reported that they have experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender affinity. It's this myopic attitude that validates young LGBTQIA+ people's fears.
Through sport, we can represent the LGBTQIA+ community and change those attitudes that are so damaging to an already vulnerable community. Small changes such as inclusive language, mixed-gender teams, non-binary uniforms, and gender-neutral bathrooms encourage visibility for LGBTQIA+ athletes.
A history of pride
Looking back on the history of pride and the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia, we can see just how far we've come.
On 24 June 1978 a small group of gay and lesbian people operating as the Gay Solidarity Group staged a day of events in Sydney. In addition to promoting gay and lesbian culture, the organisation hoped to encourage political activism against its members' routine discrimination.
A march and public meetings were organised in the morning, followed by a street parade at night. The violent police response to the parade attracted national attention and helped make the parade an annual event.
As a result, Pride Month has evolved into a celebration of the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals. The occasion is a time to reflect on how far civil rights has progressed the past half century, as well as a chance to protest discrimination and violence.
Colourful facts to take pride in
- Pride Month gets its spark because of a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering for the LGBTQIA+ community in NYC, on 28 June 1969.
- The first pride flag is debuted on 25 June 1978, at the request of San Francisco City Supervisor and first openly gay elected official in the history of California, Harvey Milk.
- In 1995, Ian Roberts becomes Rugby League's first openly gay player.
- Same-sex marriage is finally legalised in Australia in 2017.
Stronger together, on and off the field
Diversity is something we champion every day at rebel. Because we believe in coming together to create a better, more just, and fairer playing field for all Australians.
By respecting and championing our own LGBTQIA+ community, their backgrounds, and cultural values, we can nurture an environment that will ensure everyone is comfortable enough to express themselves, so they can flourish without fear.
Here's to being better, brighter, and stronger together.
Someone to talk to
If you have questions about, or feel like you need support related to, sexuality or gender, there are people who have had personal experience with or training in dealing with LGBTQIA+ questions and concerns. Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 today.