Proud to Play and Disability Sports Australia Partnership
Proud 2 Play and Disability Sports Australia are excited to announce a partnership aimed at fostering greater inclusion and empowerment for individuals who navigate both LGBTQIA+ and disability identities in sport and active recreation. This effort will help drive change across communities, ensuring that sport is a safe, welcoming and empowering space for everyone.
Both organisations strive to break down the barriers that limit participation in sports for people living with disability and those identifying as LGBTQIA+. By collaborating, Proud 2 Play and Disability Sports Australia are committed to creating opportunities that will enable individuals from these communities to thrive and feel safe in sport.
In partnership, both organisations will work together on initiatives that include:
Education and training programs to support organisations in creating inclusive environments.
Development of training resources specifically tailored to the needs of participants and stakeholders across the disability and LGBTQIA+ spaces.
Collective advocacy efforts to create a more inclusive sporting landscape.
The exploration of a new “Disability Sport Roadmap,” building on the success of Proud 2 Play’s Rainbow Roadmap for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports.
Collaborative storytelling initiatives that highlight the journeys of athletes and participants who embody the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and disability identities.
Ayden Shaw, CEO of Disability Sports Australia said, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Proud 2 Play. Everyone deserves access to safe, respectful, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where they can be their true, authentic selves. We recognise that significant barriers still exist that impact LGBTQIA+ participation in sport, and these barriers are often further compounded when a person also identifies as disabled. We are committed to breaking down these barriers together.”
Christine Granger, CEO, Proud 2 Play said, ‘At Proud 2 Play, we know that individuals with intersectional identities—those who are both LGBTQIA+ and living with a disability—face unique and compounded challenges in accessing sport and recreation. These communities need additional support to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Our partnership with Disability Sports Australia allows us to take meaningful steps toward amplifying these voices, not just within our organisations but across the wider sporting sector. We are committed to creating spaces where everyone can participate and feel empowered, no matter their identity or background.’
This partnership also aims to promote co-branded events, connect with corporate partners, and raise awareness across local governments and sporting organisations about the importance of inclusive sport. Proud 2 Play and Disability Sports Australia will collaborate on advocacy campaigns that champion greater inclusion of people with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ folks, ensuring that the voices of athletes who navigate these intersectional identities are heard.
The partnership highlights both organisations’ commitment to empowering our communities, ensuring that every individual - regardless of gender, sexuality or ability - has the opportunity to engage in sport without fear of discrimination. By working together, Proud 2 Play and Disability Sports Australia will build towards creating a more inclusive sporting environment for all.
For more information on this partnership and the upcoming initiatives, please contact:
Proud 2 Play
Kade Matthews
Community Development Officer
Disability Sports Australia
Celeste Taylor
Communications Lead
About Proud 2 Play: Proud 2 Play focuses on addressing the disengagement of many LGBTQIA+ people from sport and recreation, as these environments have not kept pace with societal change. Their mission is to reduce social isolation, stigma, and discrimination by creating safe and inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can confidently participate. Proud 2 Play envisions an Australia where everyone can engage in sport and recreation without fear or discrimination, fostering connection and community through sport.
About Disability Sports Australia: Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a distinguished National Sporting Organisation, a not-for-profit entity, and a charity that champions active participation in sports for people with disabilities.
As a leader in Australia’s disability sports landscape, DSA is unwavering in its commitment to creating sporting opportunities that are accessible to all, promoting inclusivity, and upholding the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities.
