25/06/2026
Everyone should have access to spaces where they can move their body, get active and feel safe doing so. But this isn't always the case for transgender and gender diverse people.
Until June 30, we're raising money to create a grant round dedicated to spaces and organisations that are providing supportive environment for everybody.
TJ Lawson, president of Hobart Out Tennis Club, explains why inclusion is important, and what it can look like:
“Inclusion for T/GD people in sport is incredibly important. Personally, I believe this is more so for team sports. Sport allows us to engage in our passions and being accepted openly as part of a team can in someway substitute a loss of family and friends that many T/GD people experience when coming out. We often face abuse from society (sometimes on a daily basis, especially if we do not “pass”) and having a team that accepts you for you provides a safe space, a place where you can be you without the constant thought of “am I going to be abused, am I going to be bashed”. I can’t express the need for safe spaces for T/GD people and the relief that provides, if only for a few hours a week. Inclusion in sport for T/GD people goes far beyond the sport itself.
Inclusion of T/GD people in sport doesn’t have to be a big statement. Don’t get me wrong, big statements are great and necessary. It can be things like advertising on promotional material that the club are allies, have the pride flag on posters (or like Sorrell tennis club, include pride as part of a mural), participate in pride day events, let it be known that you are a safe space for T/GD (or anyone for that matter) people. For me, the most important thing to do is make a space where people can turn up as themselves, are accepted for whatever that looks like and enjoy the sport they love.”
Donate before June 30th to support our campaign and contribute to our grant round.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
https://pridefoundation.org.au/donate/
