AIS Thrive with Pride program looks for athletes to champion inclusion in sport

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.