Water Polo Australia joins major sporting codes to commit to landmark Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Measures

In a world first, Water Polo Australia joined with seven other peak sporting bodies to pledge the sport’s commitment to implementing governance that supports a greater level of inclusion for trans and gender diverse people in our sports.

At a launch held today at the Sydney Cricket Ground, leading national sporting organisations (NSOs) came together to unveil their guidelines relating to the participation of trans and gender diverse people. Click here for Water Polo Australia Guidelines.

WPA joined with AFL, Hockey Australia, Netball Australia, Rugby Australia, Tennis Australia, Touch Football Australia and UniSport Australia to unveil the trans and gender diverse inclusion frameworks for their sports

This initiative, spearheaded by ACON’s Pride in Sport program, Australia’s only program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with the inclusion of people of diverse sexualities and genders at all levels, was undertaken following the identification of a need for national guidance on how NSOs can be inclusive of trans and gender diverse people.

Pride in Sport National Program Manager, Beau Newell, said that the joint commitment made by the NSOs marks a major moment in Australian sport.

“This launch demonstrates a fundamental shift within Australian sport towards the greater inclusion of trans and gender diverse athletes,” Newell said.

“By formalising their stand to be inclusive of trans and gender diverse people, these Australian sports have shown a true and tangible commitment to providing environments where everyone involved is treated with respect and dignity.

“Sport has an amazing opportunity to provide a safe and inclusive environment to all people, including people with diverse genders and sexualities. As a country that holds sport very close to our hearts, it also has a unique position to be able to help change attitudes of many Australians.

“The demand for more inclusive sporting cultures makes clear that Australian society increasingly expects that sport should be for everyone, including trans and gender diverse people.”

Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said: “As a founding member of Pride in Sport, Water Polo Australia is proud to join today with leading national sporting organisations to further extend our sport inclusion policies to include transgender and gender diverse people.

“Water Polo Australia wants all people, from athletes to officials and volunteers, to feel welcome in our sport and we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone including people with diverse genders and sexualities.”

Data from the National LGBTI Health Alliance state that trans and gender diverse adults are nearly 11 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population, with 35% of trans and gender diverse adults having attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Further, international research concludes that trans and gender diverse people are much less likely to participate in sport due to fear of transphobic discrimination from other players, coaches and club officials.

Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said: “At Lifeline, we are well aware of the detrimental impacts of isolation, rejection and discrimination – impacts that can be so devastating to mental wellbeing, they can lead to suicide.

“A sense of belonging is one of our most important human needs and sport provides a great opportunity for connecting with others. Today’s commitment by these national sporting organisations to make their sports more welcoming, inclusive and safe for all Australians is a positive step towards saving lives,” Seery said.

For more information on the guidelines, please visit prideinsport.com.au/trans

Frequently Asked Questions

People needing support can contact:

Lifeline (24 hours a day) on 13 11 14 or chat to a Crisis Supporter online at lifeline.org.au (7pm-midnight).

ACON provides counselling support for LGBTIQ people

To make an inquiry, call (02) 9206 2000 or visit www.acon.org.au

The following services are also available for mental health and wellbeing assistance:

Q Life – 1800 184 527

Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636