Discover Top Posts Tagged with #proud2play

Grand Prix Pride Hub wins Victorian Sport Award for inclusion

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/grand-prix-pride-hub-wins-victorian-sport-award-for-inclusion/

Grand Prix Pride Hub wins Victorian Sport Award for inclusion

The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix Pride Hub has won the Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award at the Victorian Sport Awards.

The Victorian Sport Awards recognise and celebrate those who have made an outstanding contribution to Victorian sport.

At this year’s awards, Proud2Play received the Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award for the first pop-up Pride Hub at a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2024.

“This recognition means a lot to us,” Proud2Play said via social media.

“The Pride Hub is a space that lets people know that LGBTIQA+ people belong everywhere, including at some of Australia’s largest sporting events.”

Proud2Play gave huge thanks to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Racing Pride for their support and belief in this concept.

“To the volunteers who bring energy, warmth, and passion to the Hub, you’re the heartbeat of this work,” they continued,

“To every Proud2Play supporter, thank you for helping us grow, evolve, and push the boundaries of what inclusion in sport can look like.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Proud 2 Play Inc. (@proud2playinc)

Finally felt seen at motorsports.

The award-winning Grand Prix Pride Hub returns to the Grand Prix this year.

Recognising the need to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ motorsport professionals.

With a dedicated space for community and allies to come and connect.

“Last year, we were stepping into the unknown as it was the first time,” Kade Matthews from Proud2Play told QNews.

“Over 450,000 people attended the Pride Hub across the weekend.”

“It was also the biggest audience we’d ever had to potentially talk to about LGBTIQA+ inclusion, not just in motorsport, but in sport as a whole.”

“The response exceeded our expectations, with fans, drivers, and industry professionals visiting the hub and embracing the space.

“We had people visiting the hub from all over Australia and the world,

“With many requests to see other events take on their own Pride Hubs.

“One of the most powerful moments was hearing from attendees who said it was the first time they’d felt truly seen and supported in a motorsport setting.”

When we think about racing, we only think about the cars or people driving them.

But a whole lot more people come to the table.

“Motorsport has historically been a challenging space for LGBTQIA+ inclusion,” Kade said,

“Often it’s seen as a hyper-masculine environment where diversity hasn’t always been openly embraced.”

“However, in recent years, there’s been a shift.

“More organisations are recognising the need for inclusivity.

“There’s still progress to be made, but spaces like the Pride Hub show that motorsport can be a place where everyone belongs.”

This year, as part of the Pride Hub expanded their ability to bring along Rainbow Families to the Grand Prix.

Recognising that for many fans, their first F1 experience was with family.

Image: Supplied

Community exists in spaces you wouldn’t expect.

After the first year of the award-winning Grand Prix Pride Hub, LGBTQ+ people in motor sports came out of the closet.

“In our first year, we discovered that LGBTA+ people were at the Grand Prix but weren’t represented,” Kade said,

“Having the Pride Hub as a dedicated space for the community to meet, engage and exist allowed it to grow.”

“And a lot of those people came back to support the Pride Hub in 2025 as volunteers.

“They found each other in 2024 and felt safe.

“It gave them connections and friendships where they could share common interests.

“That isn’t something everyone had before.

“Having that be one of the outcomes of the Pride Hub is really special.

“Community exists in spaces you wouldn’t expect, and seeing its continued elevation is great.”

18 awards were presented at the Victorian Sport Awards.

Honouring the grassroots heroes who excelled at a community level.

As well as high-performance athletes who shone at a national and international level, and everyone in between.

You can see the full list of winners here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgp)

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#inclusive sport #Proud2Play #Victorian Sport Award

Melbourne defeat Perth in Australian Women’s Ice Hockey's first Pride Round

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/melbourne-defeat-perth-in-australian-womens-ice-hockeys-first-pride-round/

Melbourne defeat Perth in Australian Women’s Ice Hockey's first Pride Round

Melbourne Ice Women defeated Perth Inferno in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League’s first Pride Round on the weekend.

Playing ice hockey was the perfect way to keep cool as Melbourne’s temperatures soared on Saturday.

Winning 8-7, Melbourne Ice Women defeated Perth Inferno in a tight game celebrating inclusion and diversity on the ice.

Wearing exclusive pride jerseys made for the match it was neck and neck until the last ten minutes of the final period.

With the rink adorned in pride flags and a fantastic turnout of supporters, the atmosphere was electric.

“This is not just about a game, tonight is about a celebration.” Joe Ball said.

The Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities attended the game and dropped the puck to kick off the event.

“It was amazing to see the rink filled with pride, unity, and support for LGBTIQA+ communities.”

“Here’s to many more moments like this on and off the ice!” Joe wrote on Instagram.

The Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League enables elite female hockey players to pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melbourne Ice Women (@melbourneicewomens)

Celebrating everyone on the ice

Working together to create a safe, welcoming environment for LGBTQI+ people in sports the Pride Round helps tackle discrimination head-on.

Before the Pride Round players from Melbourne Ice Women took to their social media to share why pride is so important to them.

“I have a lot of family, friends, people in my life that are part of the community.” one player said,

“I know how much everything means to them in terms of inclusivity and just being represented in all areas of life, including sports.”

“Pride means coming together as a community and being able to celebrate and accept everyone as their unique and authentic selves.” said another,

“Pride to me is being able to celebrate everybody’s identity, not just their sexuality.” said another,

“That’s also the genderqueer people who are within the community of hockey,”

“And also in the wider community and being able to celebrate who I am as well.”

“A Pride Round is something that’s needed.” Andrew MacDougall from the Pride and Puck Podcast said.

“I know a lot of people who are part of the community that play ice hockey in this league.”

“To have a game that represents them is fantastic.”

“There is a really healthy crowd here in attendance.”

“It’s great to have them come to watch the game and also find out about the educational side of things as well.”

Supported by Proud2Play, the Pride Round included inclusion training to create a more inclusive space on the ice.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melbourne Ice Women (@melbourneicewomens)

Continuing to foster pride in sport

LLO’s Officers from Victoria Police and drag artist Frock Hudson were in attendance as well as volunteers from Proud2Play.

Frock MC’d the entertainment at breaks where children had to chuck a puck onto the ice and get it in a net to win a prize.

Melbourne Ice Women and Proud2Play collaborated for the Pride Round.

The Melbourne Ice Pride Jerseys are being auctioned right now to help raise funds for both organisations.

Splitting proceeds 50/50, they are working together to continue fostering LGBTQI+ engagement in sports and tackle discrimination.

The auction will remain open until 19th January.

“We are so proud to have partnered with Proud2Play” Melbourne Ice wrote in a wrap-up on their socials.

“They are an incredible organization working to reduce social isolation, stigma, and discrimination for LGBTIQ+ communities through the power of sport,”

“Creating safe and affirming spaces for all.”

Congratulations to Melbourne Ice Women for their win and also for starting the year with a powerful statement of pride and inclusion.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#Pride Round #Proud2Play

Proud2Play's all queer lineup for League of Laughter Fundraiser

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/proud2plays-all-queer-lineup-for-league-of-laughter-fundraiser/

Proud2Play's all queer lineup for League of Laughter Fundraiser

Proud2Play’s hilarious League of Laughter returns with a lineup of queer comedians putting the fun in fundraising.

Tom Ballard, Alex White and more are ready to bring the laughs to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport in January.

For the second year, Proud2Play hosts a night of laughs to support their vision that everyone is welcome when it comes to sport.

“When we were thinking about a fundraiser, we knew we wanted to do something different.”

“A lot of organisations have galas and trivia nights, which are great, but we wanted to do something closure to our culture.”

“A night where people could come together and have a laugh.” Kade Matthews from Proud2Play said,

“Where organizational partners, the community and allies could come together in queer celebration.”

Taking place at Mollies Bar and Diner, the night will see four awesome queer comedians on the mic.

“Bringing people together is one thing, but so is getting queer comedians of a mixed variety,”

“We did it for the first time last year and we think it makes a big statement of visibility and support.

“It’s a great opportunity for up-and-coming and established community members to work together.

“Which is something we are working on for future events.” Kade said.

The nights comedians include Alex Ward, known for her whip-smart punchlines and relatable humour.

Nick White, a master of impressions and sketch comedy with over 700k followers on social media and 40 million likes on TikTok.

Sez armed with a guitar and a fearless attitude, with folk-pop sings and material that’s both raw and hilarious.

And award-winning comedian and political satirist Tom Ballard, who has a sharp wit and a unique ability to tackle big issues with humour.

Source: Eventbrite

Fundraising events help to keep their work growing

Proud2Play are all about inclusion in sport.

With the team and volunteers spending a lot of their time at matches or on the field.

With Victoria’s Pride Seasona already is swing it must be nice to plan an event that is a little different for them.

“The weeks on either side of the event have Midsumma Carnival and Pride March, plus a sports forum and a pride day,”

“We are getting plenty of sport in to start the year.” Kade told us,

“So it is nice to have an evening event where we’re relax with everyone and take in some entertainment.”

“Proud2Play is a tiny team of just three people, and the work we do has a huge impact.

“There aren’t that many people working in this queer sporting space,”

“And we’re the only organisation that started tailored individual support as well.

“If someone’s experiencing discrimination or want to connect with a sports club, we work on that individual level as well with sporting organisations.

“That individual work isn’t funded by government, that’s not funded by corporate, it’s funded by donations.

“It’s not something we make money on, so these fundraising events are helping to support us.

“When someone has a bad experience in sport or wants to discover a sport and doesn’t know where to turn,”

“We are the perfect place to ask that question and get that support.”

Taking place Thursday 30th January, grab your tickets and find out more here.

#Proud2Play #tom ballard

Proud2Play and Disability Sports Australia join forces to ensure sport welcomes all

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/proud2play-and-disability-sports-australia-join-forces-to-ensure-sport-welcomes-all/

Proud2Play and Disability Sports Australia join forces to ensure sport welcomes all

Proud 2 Play and Disability Sports Australia join forces to reshape the narrative of who belongs in sport.

Written by Kade Matthews

Like many of our community in sports, we often stand on the outer, watching a game unfold.

We’re eager to join but hesitate, but not because we lack skill, passion or ambition.

It’s because we’re unsure if we’ll be accepted.

Many of us manage multiple intersectional identities.

We know how often sports can feel like a space where we are left out.

Sports should be a place of belonging, social connection and celebration.

But instead, it can be brought down by attitudes of exclusion and judgment.

Source: Supplied

Disabilities bring another barrier

For LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities in particular, the barriers are significant.

That’s why Proud2Play and Disability Sports Australia (DSA) have joined forces with a new long-term partnership.

A partnership that aims to address the overlapping barriers faced by those with intersectional identities.

Ensuring that sport becomes a space where everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are.

Something Proud2Play CEO Christine Granger feels very strongly about.

“When you live at the intersection of two marginalised identities, it can feel like neither space is truly built for you,”

“This partnership is about changing that, ensuring people can show up as their full selves in sport.”

LGBTQIA+ individuals in sports often face discrimination, homophobia, or subtle exclusion from team cultures steeped in toxic masculinity.

While people with disabilities encounter their own set of challenges.

This includes inaccessible facilities, lack of adaptive equipment, and societal attitudes that question their place in sports.

When these identities intersect, the experience can drive people away from sports and embed lifelong health disparities in individuals.

Source: Supplied

Visibility to Intersectional Identities

It’s outcomes like these that Proud2Play and DSA are determined to change with this partnership.

Which focuses on creating meaningful change for queer people with a disability in sports.

“Sport should be a space where everyone feels they belong.” DSA CEO Ayden Shaw said,

“By working together, we’re not just addressing barriers—we’re building bridges,”

“Creating a sporting world that’s accessible and welcoming for all.”

Both organisations want to reshape the narrative of who belongs in sport.

And both are committed to highlighting the voices and stories of individuals who have faced these barriers.

Athletes like Proud 2 Play ambassador Al Viney.

Al is a Paralympian who competed in Tokyo and Paris in Para-Rowing.

Bringing visibility to intersectional identities in sports and sharing her journey to inspire others and push for a more inclusive sporting world.

Together, the organisations will deliver education to help sporting organisations understand the needs of participants.

Which will equip them with the tools to create genuinely inclusive spaces.

This is inspired by Proud 2 Play’s successful Rainbow Roadmap program.

The development of a Disability Sport Roadmap will serve as a comprehensive framework.

Which will help organisations integrate disability inclusion into their operations.

Creating change and ensuring that no one is left on the outer when accessing the benefits of sport.

Source: Supplied

You can find out more from Proud2Play here, or Disability Sports Australia here.

#Proud2Play

When am I free to be 'me' playing sport?

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/when-am-i-free-to-be-me-playing-sport/

When am I free to be 'me' playing sport?

Kade Matthews from Proud2Play explains why sport is still a barrier for many LGBTQIA+ people.

At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the whole country cheered as the Australian sports icon won gold in the 400 metres.

The moment was recently declared Australia’s top sporting moment. It united the nation, showing sport’s power to bring us together.

While we have queer Olympians and Paralympians who’ve made significant contributions to sport, breaking barriers and setting examples, many in our community have had their experiences in sport tainted by abuse, discrimination, and exclusion.

Sadly, many of us feel sport “isn’t for us”. We continue to face immense challenges in fully accessing the unifying and empowering potential of sport.

We need to view sport as a fundamental human right, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth who are disproportionately dropping out of team sport.

Data doesn’t lie

Australia’s first study on LGBTQIA+ youth participation in sports, Free to Exist, tells us that 53% of LGBTQIA+ young people have witnessed discrimination in sports.

And 40% of LGBTQIA+ young people have directly experienced it.

These alarming statistics show that despite improvements, there’s still a long way to go. Sport is more than just games and competitions. It’s a cornerstone of health, well-being, and community.

88% of Australians believe sport can unite communities, according to Clearinghouse for Sport reasearch. Even more, 97%, see it as beneficial for health and wellbeing.

However, LGBTQIA+ people often face barriers that prevent them from participating, leading to significant personal and communal loss.

Sport is essential for creating change in the lives of LGBTQIA+ people. The importance of sport and physical education is officially recognised by the United Nations.

When young queer individuals leave team sports because they feel excluded, they miss out on the many benefits sport provides, including better physical health, mental resilience, and social connections.

How can we change things?

Free to Exist highlights that only 37% of LGBTQIA+ youth currently play social sport, and a mere 33% play competitive sport. This is a significant drop from pre-pandemic levels.

The Sport for Development model leverages sport to achieve social goals, using its appeal to foster community engagement, promote wellbeing, and drive social change.

Despite the benefits, Australia lacks any Sport for Development programs focused on the LGBTQIA+ community.

We need support from the government, the sports sector, health and community organizations, and individuals to adopt a human rights-first approach. The Sport for Development model aligns with international best practices.

Sport needs to serve the needs of our community, and we must call for it to do so. Sport is a right that everyone deserves, and it has the power to change lives.

By recognising and fighting for sport as a human right, we can break down barriers, reduce social isolation, and promote healthier, more inclusive communities.

Let’s work together to ensure that sport remains a universal language of respect, understanding, and advocacy for all individuals, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Whether team sports, gyms, recreation groups, or something else, everyone deserves a space to be themselves when playing sports.

Want to step back into sport? Check out Proud2Play’s directory for a space that welcomes you to come and play.

#discrimination #Proud2Play