Prior to Saturday’s match against the Adelaide Crows, the Purple Bombers hosted a special pre-game function with more than 150 supporters in attendance.
The function was the first Pride event ever held at an AFL venue and is the culmination of continuous momentum the group has generated since forming a year ago.
The Purple Bombers aim to assist the Essendon Football Club and the AFL in being leaders of change by creating a safe environment for LGBTIQ supporters and players, and by encouraging and promoting diversity, tolerance and acceptance within the wider football community.
They are committed to removing homophobia from football and are striving towards their ultimate goals of establishing a pride round and assisting other AFL clubs to establish their own LGBTIQ supporter groups.
The event featured notable entertainment from comedian Thomas Jaspers and musician Romantasaurs; appearances from Michael Hurley, Alex Browne and club legend Jack Jones; and a Q&A session from CEO Xavier Campbell.
“The work here with the Purple Bombers and the cultural awareness elements that we need to be mindful of are really important to me as well and to us as an organisation” Campbell said.
“We want to create an environment where regardless of your race, religion or sexual orientation that you feel welcome.
"We all know diversity will make us a stronger society and a stronger football club, so our EFC Respects campaign is about the initial education needed and what we expect as a minimum standard across our supporter base.”
Purple Bombers President Jason Tuazon-McCheyne shared a heartfelt message about his journey as an Essendon supporter.
“I’ve loved the Essendon Football Club for over 35 years with all my heart, but it wasn’t until last July that they told me they loved me back. And I can speak on behalf of most of you here that love has been overwhelming and has allowed me to safely combine my family and my love for my football team together for the first time," he said.
“These people have worked their behinds off these past 12 months to try and show the AFL that this is needed and that we want to be visible and have our place as part of the AFL community.”
For more information on the Purple Bombers, please visit: www.purplebombers.com
