A number of Australia’s largest sporting codes have signed on to a new initiative aimed at reducing homophobia and transphobia in Australian sport.
The Pride In Sport Index kicked off this week, working with Australian sporting codes to cultivate an inclusive environment for LGBTI players, spectators and staff alike.
The results of the ‘Out on the Fields’ survey released in 2015 showed that as little as 1% of participants felt LGBTI people were accepted in professional sport and 78% believed LGBTI people were not safe as spectators.
Major Australian codes Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, National League, Football Federation of Australia and Cricket Australia have all signed up to participate.
Water Polo Australia, Swimming Australia, Golf Australia and Basketball Australia will participate at an advisory level.
Pride in Sport co-founder Andrew Purchas told Star Observer the Index is a world first.
“It will provide the means for the sports organisations to demonstrate how they are reducing homophobia and transphobia in their sport and making it more available to all, regardless of sexuality,” Mr Purchas said.
The results of the Index are due to be announced in March next year.
OIP Staff
