The Sydney Sixers are committed to using education to create a safe environment for the LGBT+ community to watch and play cricket and have developed a 3-year strategy aimed at delivering upon this purpose.
In developing the strategy, the club has reaffirmed its social responsibility to encourage others to be themselves, supporting clubs and associations to welcome and include those from diverse backgrounds, and host Pride themed women’s and men’s Big Bash League games to highlight the importance of inclusion to the wider community.
Sydney Sixers General Manager Jodie Hawkins said the strategy was developed as the result of consultation with experts and the LGBT+ community.
“We have developed a number of relationships within the LGBT+ community over the past few years, including Proud2Play, Rainbow Families and our Sixers LGBT+ Supporter Group. This strategy developed through internal and external consultation allows us to formalise our work and look to the future," Hawkins said.
Christine Granger, CEO of Proud2Play, an organisation focused on increasing LGBTI+ engagement in sport, exercise and active recreation, commended the Sixers for their work in formulating the strategy.
"Proud 2 Play is pleased to endorse the Sydney Sixers LGBT+ strategy. It is a framework that crosses all levels of engagement from elite through to community, and is driven by a desire to provide safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTI+ communities at all levels of the game. We look forward to working with the Sixers on the delivery of this strategy over the next 3 years," Granger said.
Executive Office of Rainbow Families Ashley Scott (Executive Officer) said the partnership between the Sixers and Rainbow Families was incredibly important to both organisations.
"Rainbow Families and the Sixers have been working together for the past few years to support LGBTQ+ families to feel safe and included in sport. We are excited about continuing this partnership over the coming years, and thank the Sixers for being so inclusive of our families," Scott said.
The key action points of the strategy comprise of the following:
CLICK HERE to read the Sydney Sixers LGBT+ strategy in full.
CLICK HERE to join the Sydney Sixers LGBT+ Supporter Group.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Proud2Play.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Rainbow Families.
Supporting articles:
Sixers Support CA Gender Inclusion Policy
Cricket Australia Media Release
If you are interested in any of these programs or have any questions please contact Fan Engagement Specialist Aaron Wharton aaron.wharton@sydneysixers.com.au
Sydney Sixers Partners
