AusLeisure

The AIS Thrive with Pride program is seeking new ambassadors to continue work being done across the country to promote LGBTIQ+ inclusion in Australian sport.

The Thrive with Pride program supports rainbow athletes and allies celebrate and empower LGBTIQ+ peoples, with ambassadors running events and spreading awareness to help foster respectful, educated, and inclusive sporting communities.

One event held by 2023 ambassador Para Jackaroo Serena Bonnell was the first all-inclusive Rainbow Versatility Pairs bowls tournament on the Gold Coast which welcomed people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to compete.

Another ambassador, Hockeyroo Greta Hayes, is now in the running for LGBTQ Role Model of the Year at the 2024 Australian Pride in Sport Awards after running pride events for Hockey WA and Hockey NSW, while Amelia Catt presented at community pride events and encouraged Sailing Australia to introduce initiatives supporting diversity within the sport.

Catt explained “I’m super proud of the Australian Sailing team changing their logo for Pride Month and also creating a diversity and inclusion group and staff member who is responsible for diversity and inclusion in Australian sailing."

Reflecting on the progress, she commented "even now, it’s super emotional (and) it’s just excellent to see inclusion acknowledged right up to high performance teams.”

Now in its third year, AIS Thrive with Pride is looking for its next cohort of athlete ambassadors to champion pride within their sport.

Athletes will undertake education sessions from inclusion experts before working with their chosen sporting organisation to run a LGBTIQ+ engagement, as well as connect with other LGBTIQ+ guests and attend community pride events.

The importance of an inclusive environment resonates with Catt, who credits her world number one ranking in the 470 class to feeling supported by her team.

She notes “when I was able to bring my full self to work, we sailed so much better. The energy I had previously spent hiding myself, I put into my sport, and we saw it directly translate into results.”

Recommending the program to other athletes wanting to foster these supportive environments, Catt added “it was really good just to get out there and chat with the different people in the community and let them know that the AIS is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTIQ+ people.”

Bonnell echoed this, explaining “I have always been an ally, but I’ll be the first to admit that I lacked knowledge about this space. I didn’t know how I could be proactive, and it’s been great to be given some tools to really support the LGBTIQ+ community.”

Applications close 26th March 2024.

Click here to register interest in being an athlete ambassador or find out more information.

Lower image: The inaugural Rainbow Versatility Pairs bowls tournament on the Gold Coast welcomed people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to compete. Credit: AIS.

Related Articles

8th March 2024 - Workshop at AIS addresses need for responsible artificial intelligence in sport

15th February 2024 - Victoria’s Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum attracts more than 200 delegates

20th January 2024 - AIS opens EOIs for retired female athletes pursuing career options in sport

3rd January 2024 - AIS spotlights thriving collaboration in its ‘Elevate Lead’ coaching program

8th July 2023 - Sport Integrity Australia commits to inclusion with membership of Pride in Sport

12th June 2023 - Allianz Australia partners with Pride in Sport to support young LGBTQ+ athletes

12th May 2023 - Pride in Sport Awards celebrate athletes, clubs and organisations for LGBTQ Inclusion

23rd February 2023 - Les Mills spotlights experiences of LGBTQIA+ fitness instructors to coincide with Sydney Worldpride 2023

17th February 2023 - Australian Diamonds player among AIS ambassadors helping to drive LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport 

5th March 2022 - 12 National Sporting Organisations partner with Pride in Sport to launch new collective

2nd February 2022 - Australian athletes champion LGBTIQ+ pride in sport

28th October 2021 - Pride in Sport issues statement on Adelaide United FC Player Josh Cavallo

1st October 2020 - Athletes, Sporting Clubs and Organisations recognised for LGBTQ inclusion

7th August 2020 - New VicHealth study finds LGBTI+ community still experiencing social barriers to sport participation

26th June 2020 - VicHealth continues to promote LGBTI+ inclusion in community sport

25th June 2020 - UniSport commits to inclusion with membership of Pride in Sport

4th March 2020 - Finalists announced for National LGBTQ sporting inclusion awards

28th October 2019 - Australian LGBTIQ+ groups receive funding for sport and arts programs

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.