Improving LGBTQIA+ inclusion in leisure and recreation

Members of the Belgravia Leisure team have recognised the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in recreation, and are working to raise awareness and to ensure patrons feel welcome.

On 17 May, the MOVE Moonee Valley team celebrated IDAHOBIT by ‘going rainbow’. IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia. The day raises awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.

Ascot Vale Leisure Centre was decked out in Pride flags and rainbow streamers, bunting and balloons. Members of the team showed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community by donning rainbow ribbons and colours.

Going to rainbow at MOVE Moonee Valley.png

The MOVE Moonee Valley team isn’t limiting its efforts to one day of the year. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community attended its Community Network Forum in March, and the team is currently planning staff education sessions with Proud 2 Play. Community Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator, Verity Shepherdson, hopes this will be a springboard for larger strategic efforts. She is also keen to replicate the visibility of MOVE’s IDAHOBIT commemoration on Wear It Purple Day in August.

This work is important, as a significant number of LGBTQIA+ people experience discrimination based on their sexuality. Research also shows that many Australian sports participants aren’t out as sexuality or gender diverse to their sporting peers, and that some people avoid playing sport because of their sexuality or gender identity.

Belgravia Foundation wants recreation and leisure spaces to feel safe for everyone, and for staff and patrons to feel comfortable to be themselves. We are pleased that the MOVE team received positive feedback about IDAHOBIT from patrons, and we encourage other facilities to take part in diversity days like this. It is a simple but powerful way of celebrating diversity and showing that you won’t tolerate discrimination.

Another way to foster a welcoming environment is to encourage your networks to improve their understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Belgravia Foundation recommends the following free online training resources:

  • The Play by the Rules and Proud 2 Play Creating an LGBTI+ Inclusive Club course highlights how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in leisure and community sport settings.

  • Minus18 Foundation introduces us to pronouns and shares the importance of using the pronouns a person prefers.

Belgravia Foundation is proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, always.

Emma Lowe