Essendon Football Club will ‘Stand Up for Equality’ to raise awareness and show support for the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) community at this weekend’s game against North Melbourne.
The Bombers are making a stand for equality to promote social inclusion and provide a safe environment for all supporters regardless of race, religion or gender.
In the lead up to the game, Purple Bombers’ President, Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, spoke to the players, coaches and staff about the importance of equality in life and football.
Jason has been an Essendon member for more than thirty years and said the Club’s support has helped galvanise the large community of LGBTIQ football supporters.
“It was a real privilege to share my personal story as a gay fan of 34 years and my coming out story and to tell them that we’re trying to help make the AFL a safer place for LGBTIQ fans and players,” Tuazon-McCheyne said.
“Today, I got to stand with my husband and son in front of the entire playing group and staff of the Essendon Football Club and share my story and know that not only am I respected as an equal supporter of the football club but the club loves me back.
“I’m extremely proud of the ‘Stand Up for Equality’ campaign and that the Essendon Football Club wants to be the most inclusive club in the AFL.”
CEO, Xavier Campbell, said Jason’s energy and passion to promote equality in the AFL industry and broader community is inspiring.
“This campaign reaffirms our commitment to becoming the most successful, inclusive and respected club in the Australian sport, one that consistently sets the benchmark on and off the field,” Campbell said.
“Jason has an extremely powerful story to tell and he is doing a tremendous job in educating our staff, players, members and supporters about the importance of acceptance and inclusion at the football and in the community.”
“No matter what your race, religion, gender or sexuality – we are making a stand for equality to say you are welcome at the Essendon Football Club and you are welcome at our game.”
The Club will dedicate a number of match day initiatives to support the ‘Stand Up for Equality’ campaign, including;
- AFL 9’s game between the Purple Bombers and Blue Roos
- ‘Stand Up for Equality’ education video on the big screen
- Interview with Purple Bombers President Jason Tuazon-McCheyne on the big screen
- ‘Stand Up for Equality’ written on the Club’s game day banner
- Purple Bombers guard of honour
The Club’s Stand Up for Equality’ campaign also coincides with IDAHOT Day – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17.
IDAHOT was created in 2004 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ people internationally.
As part of the Club’s equality campaign, the Bombers are also supporting Stand Up Events – a not-for-profit organisation that supports the LGBTIQ community throughout Victoria.
Angie Green, Founder of Stand Up Events, said the Bombers’ support was important to raise awareness for sexual and gender equality and challenge hetero-normative thinking and behaviour in our society and our sporting culture.
“It’s not just about the players, but the community of supporters who attend the game as well,” Green said.
“Sexual and gender equality is a human issue, and sport, especially football, is one of the most celebrated things in Australian culture so we have a great opportunity to use such a platform to stamp out homophobic language and behaviour.”
Stand Up Events will be hosting its Move in May fun run on Sunday 22 May at The Tan Running Track. For more information, head to; standupevents.com.au
For more information about the Purple Bombers, please head to; purplebombers.com
