Queensland Australian rules football grounds will be a flurry of colour and excitement later this month, as the state celebrates the award-winning Jarah Corporate Pride Round across two weekends.
The annual state-wide Pride Round, which begins on Saturday July 19 aims to celebrate and create a safe space for members of the LGBTQI+ community who participate in Australian rules football.
Earlier this year the Jarah Corporate Pride Round won the LGBTQI+ Inclusive Innovation Award at the annual Australian Pride in Sport Awards.
The colourful display across Australian rules football grounds will see clubs wearing commemorative jumpers, umpires and players donning rainbow socks and rainbow goal flags and goal post wraps.
The event is not only a much-loved and highly anticipated fixture in the football calendar, but is also an opportunity for education and conversations.
AFL Queensland will be running a number of education sessions for staff and members of the football community across two weeks.
Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said the round shines a light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community and encourages meaningful change.
“We want everyone in Queensland to love and connect with Australia’s game,” she said.
“Our Jarah Corporate Pride Round aims to ensure that every player, coach, umpire, fan, administrator and volunteer feels safe, valued, and included.
“I look forward to seeing the rainbow club guernseys and participating in an education session with our AFL Queensland team.
“I would again like to thank Jarah Corporate for their support of this important round.”
Anthony Beasley, Director of Jarah Corporate, said they were looking forward to continuing with the momentum from their inaugural year as sponsor.
“We proudly support Pride Round because we strongly believe that everyone deserves to feel valued, seen, and celebrated for who they are," he said.
“As an ally, our organisation recognises the importance of standing alongside the LGBTQI+ community — including our own colleagues, friends, and family members — to promote equality, break down stigma, and drive real cultural change.
“Sponsoring Pride Round is one way we can visibly show that support and actively contribute to a more inclusive future.”
Pride Round will commence on Saturday July 19 and continue for a second week on Saturday July 26.