RAINBOW WARRIORS
Roos, Surfers set for a slice of LGBT history
THE Roo Pen will be transformed into a hub of vibrant colour tomorrow when Robina hosts the first Pride Cup for AFL in Queensland.
The Pride Cup has teams wear rainbow colours to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and to help sport become more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTIQ people.
When Robina’s women’s team takes on Surfers Paradise in Round 13 of QWFA Division 2 South, both teams will wear rainbow socks, the 50m arc will be painted as a rainbow, and the goal umpires will wave rainbow flags.
After the 10am match there will be a Pride Cup chicken and champagne lunch, with a trophy presentation and guest speakers including LGBTIQ rights campaigner Shelley Argent, OAM.
“Robina is a club that aims to create an atmosphere in which players and their families feel safe, respected and welcome, so the Pride Cup aligns with those values,” said event organiser and Robina women’s team co-ordinator Sally Crosswell.
“I could see a great opportunity for the women in my team, and in the league, to become champions for change and to send a message that we won’t tolerate homophobia.
“The long-term aim is to have a Pride Round in the same way as we have an Indigenous Round and an Anzac Round.
“This year’s match will be the ‘exhibition’ match that will hopefully encourage other footy clubs, as well as other sports, to be involved in the next few years.”
AFL Queensland women’s competition manager Joanna Main said AFL Queensland was proud to endorse the Gold Coast Pride Cup.
“This event signifies a celebration of inclusion, not only in football, but the wider community,” Main said.
“We aim at establishing a landscape where all people feel welcome and accepted on and off the football field and the Pride Cup is an excellent example of that.
“We’ve seen the success the Pride Cup has garnered in Victoria and at the AFL level and I look forward to seeing similar success at Robina for many years to come.”
To raise funds for the event, a Swans Pride Match training jersey signed by Lance “Buddy” Franklin, and a St Kilda Saints Pride Match jersey, will go up for auction.
Entry to the match is free. Tickets for the lunch have sold out but spectators are welcome.
ROBINA IS A CLUB THAT AIMS TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH PLAYERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FEEL SAFE, RESPECTED AND WELCOME, SO THE PRIDE CUP ALIGNS WITH THOSE VALUES ROBINA’S SALLY CROSSWELL