On May 17, 1990 the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and this landmark move is why we celebrate IDAHOBIT Day. While this is a milestone to celebrate, and gives us an opportunity to come together and acknowledge the progress we’ve made, we still have so much work to do.
LGBTQIA+ people in Australia still today experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment and discrimination. Sport is also a site where homophobia and transphobia affects people’s access to sport through participation, volunteering and also feeling safe and welcome in the stands as fans.
On May 17, and every day, Siren Sport celebrates the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people to sport and especially the dedicated work of the queer community in creating and driving so many women’s sports. We would not have a thriving women’s sport landscape without the LGBTQIA+ community.
You can learn more about IDAHOBIT Day here and the ways you can get involved.
If you’re in a position to, you can also support organisations doing amazing work in the community like the amazing Minus18. One organisation we’re also proud to support at Siren is Proud 2 Play.
Proud 2 Play focuses on increasing LGBTIQ+ engagement in sport, exercise and active recreation. They work with all levels of the sporting community, from individual participants and grassroots communities, to state and national sporting organisations.
We are currently fundraising for Proud 2 Play through the sale of our sticker packs where all profits will go to supporting their services.
Our limited edition Siren Sport sticker pack is on sale until 11.59PM AEST on Monday 22 May! Don’t miss out!
Each pack includes four designs to celebrate women in sport and diversity and inclusion in sport—causes we’re very passionate about at Siren.
Sticker packs start at just $10.00 (including postage in Australia, international postage is an additional $5AUD) and proceeds from these go to our friends at Proud 2 Play.
And for our international friends—hello!!
By purchasing a Siren sticker pack, you’re playing a big role in supporting Proud 2 Play’s work.
If you are in a position to, you can also make a donation to Proud 2 Play through their website.
So get your stickers now and let’s keep championing inclusion for all in sport!
Opportunity for emerging First Nations women sports writers
The ABC’s International Development (ABCID) unit has an opportunity for First Nations female journalists and women with sporting knowledge from across Australia to develop commentary and mobile reporting skills.
For the commentary program, you do not need to have previous sports commentary experience but will need to demonstrate a capacity for broadcasting or have participated in football (soccer) at a competitive level as a player, coach, or administrator.
For the mobile journalism course, you will need to have demonstrated experience or potential as a journalist (online and/or broadcast) and have access to a smartphone.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please outline in no more than 250 words why you wish to take up this opportunity and any personal or professional history that is relevant. Please indicate whether you prefer to be part of the commentary or mobile journalism program.
Please send all applications to Kearney.Aaron@abc.net.au. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is Monday May 22, 2023.
Learn more about this opportunity from the ABC’s International Development (ABCID) unit.
Women Onside 2023 Women in Football Leadership Conference
The Women in Football Leadership Conference 2023, run by Women Onside, will be held virtually on 25 May 2023 following a successful inaugural conference in 2022.
This year’s theme, “Level Up!”, recognises the efforts being made by women’s football leaders to bring gender equity to football, while also demonstrating the enormous opportunities for new leaders and investors to get involved.
With some great speakers, and an online schedule making it easy to join no matter where you are, this is an event not to be missed!
Head to the Women Onside website for more information and to register.