The Dubbo Demons and Orange Tigers spearhead AFL Central West Pride Round

The Dubbo Demons and the Orange Tigers both know that many people still feel discouraged from community sport. Around 70% of LGBTIQ+ people feel that sport is not a safe or welcoming environment.

But there is a way that community sporting clubs can attract new members and create a fun, safe space for all.

You can’t be what you can’t see

Earlier this year, the Dubbo Demons and Orange Tigers worked together to host the inaugural AFL Central West Pride Round.

“It's important that people know that the club itself, the sport itself, is accepting and that it doesn't really matter what your sexuality is,” said Cara Jordan, Orange Tigers Committee member and co-organiser of the event.

When asked about why her club was on board, Dubbo Demons president Kaitlyn Waldie said the Pride Round was key to increasing visibility of the LGBTQI+ community.

“I'm a firm believer in ‘you can't be what you can't see’ and creating a safe and inclusive culture within clubs,” she said. “Part of that is openly communicating and advertising that.”

A safe, family-friendly event

To have a safe, welcoming space for everyone to celebrate, Pride Round was a dry event. The no-alcohol atmosphere means it’s a great time for all ages.

The Orange Tigers and Dubbo Demons are both Gold Medal accredited Good Sports clubs.

This means they’ve reached the highest level of the program, and are doing everything they can to meet their duty of care to their members.

Their Good Sports policies cover alcohol management, smoking, safe transport, mental health and illicit drugs.

For her tenure as President, Kaitlyn is looking forward to taking advantage of Good Sports resources.

“We have recently just renewed our Good Sports accreditation, and I would really like the opportunity to work more closely with Brad and the Good Sports team in the coming months.”

Tips for clubs to create an inclusive environment for everyone

When asked about what tips she had for other clubs looking to promote a safe, inclusive atmosphere, Kaitlyn stressed how important it is to get the ball rolling.

“Don't wait, start! Even somewhere small and build on it,” she said.

“If the league or our team weren't to [run the Pride round], would people know our club or team is accepting?”

Want more tips? Check out our article LGBTIQ+ resources, where we’ve listed some great resources from Proud2Play and Pride Cup.