With a packed program of events nationwide, the inaugural Australian Pride in Sport festival is in full swing, drawing sporting clubs, organisations, athletes and newcomers to the country’s largest community-driven celebration of LGBTQ+ participation in sport.
Produced by Pride in Sport, Australia’s leading LGBTQ+ sporting inclusion initiative, the program features events in a range of sports including basketball, rugby, soccer, tennis, martial arts, athletics, surfing, dodgeball, sailing, and roller derby.
Running from February to April 2025 and spanning cities across Australia, the festival offers unique opportunities for people from LGBTQ+ communities to engage in sport through various activities including “come-and-try” sessions, open days and workshops.
According to the latest Pride in Sport Index National Survey, 72% of LGBTQ+ individuals say they feel uncomfortable playing sport. 71% consider an organisation’s LGBTQ+ inclusion record when deciding to join. The festival will address these issues by offering accessible opportunities and encouraging clubs to create safer, more inclusive environments.
“The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is a milestone in the journey towards full inclusivity in Australian sport,” said National Program Manager of Pride in Sport, Beau Newell. “The Pride in Sport Festival provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to get involved in sports, which is crucial as many in the community still face barriers to participation due to concerns about inclusion.”
Pride in Sport, which collaborates with over 100 sporting organisations nationwide, works to creative inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is part of Pride Inclusion Programs, a suite of social inclusion programs delivered by ACON, Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ health organisation.
ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse said: “Sport unites and empowers, and Australian Pride in Sport Festival shows how we can create opportunities for all. It’s a celebration of the diversity that makes Australian sport unique and welcoming for everyone. We are excited to see LGBTQ+ people across Australia get involved in sport, which has great health benefits for individuals and communities.”
The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is presented in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and is funded through the commission’s ‘Play Well’ participation grants program. The festival is also supported by City of Sydney and the Victorian Government.
Newell added: “Sport is a place where people should feel safe and free to be themselves, and the Australian Pride in Sport Festival sends a message that sport is for everyone. I commend all the sporting clubs and organisations for participating in this festival and for their leadership in making sport more welcoming and inclusive for all Australians.”
The Australian Pride in Sport Festival starts 14 February with events happening throughout March and April in cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. For more information and to view the full program, visit prideinsport.com.au/festival-events
ENDS
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au M: 0428 477 042