The university was one of only five Australian sporting organisations and individuals to achieve the Gold Tier in the Pride in Sport Index (PSI), which is a national benchmarking tool used to assess LGBTQ inclusion within sport.
“I am really proud we have retained our gold status," says Campus Life CEO, Pete Boyle. "To do it three years in a row is unprecedented and is testament to the amazing work completed by our University Sport team, our Pride in Sport Ambassadors, our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging team, and the wider Campus Life staff. It truly is, and continues to be, a team effort.
"Universities play an important role in the Australian sporting landscape, especially when it comes to supporting anyone who wants to participate in sport – and anyone who wants to participate should feel welcome to do so. This award reaffirms that Macquarie University is a leader in this space and sets a high bar for other universities.”
Launched in 2018, the Australian Pride in Sport Awards is the first event of its kind dedicated solely to celebrating and acknowledging exceptional efforts in making Australian sport more inclusive of LGBTQ people. It is produced by Pride in Sport, the national not-for-profit sporting inclusion program spearheaded by leading Australian LGBTQ health organisation, ACON.
The awards showcase the results of the Pride in Sport Index, the first and only tool specifically designed to assess the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders within Australian sporting organisations and codes. PSI co-founder Andrew Purchas says, “Every year, the awards build on progress in achieving LGBTQ rights and ongoing work in making sporting arenas, pitches, and spectator stands more inclusive.”
The awards recognise sporting clubs and organisations, individuals, as well as allies from a range of codes that have made efforts to make their respective sports more welcoming for LGBTQ people both on and off the field. Finalists were judged across five categories – strategy and governance; visibility; education; engagement; and research – and Macquarie University's scores reflect notable efforts in all areas. Some of the inclusive approaches made by Macquarie University Sport include dedicated Diversity and Inclusion officers, gender inclusive uniform policies, LGBTQIA+ Awareness training, and 'Your Safe Space' branding. The organisation also issues an annual Pride in Sport survey to help identify areas of improvement.
The rise in clubs, organisations and codes that participate in the Australian Pride in Sport Awards demonstrates a growing focus on LGBTQ inclusion and zero tolerance for homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. However, the awards also serve as a reminder that there is more to be done to ensure that sport, whether on or off the field, is inclusive of everyone and that every person feels welcome as they are, in the sport they love.
"Macquarie University Sport will continue to explore ways we can improve our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion," says Boyle. "Our efforts are a testament of the importance of creating an inclusive sporting culture in Australia."
