The importance of recognition in sport: 

Like many people, sport was one of the first places I found representation and felt like I could learn about myself and my identity. That’s one of the reasons I was so drawn to working in sport and especially for the AFLW. To see people who are like you - and have something like that to look forward to being a part of - was really important to me growing up. 

Sport holds so much importance in society so seeing people like Darcy Vescio being out on such a national level is so great: the fact they can be so proud of their identity and receive so much support holds hope for other LGBTQIA+ people.

The importance of recognition and celebration in the workplace: 

To be seen and respected in the workplace feels so special. For the longest time I was afraid that I wouldn’t receive this kind of support around my gender identity, especially because of the stigma around being in what was traditionally a cis/straight-dominated environment.  

The fact that I am not only respected, but also celebrated, fills my heart with so much joy. I value every question and conversation I have about my identity because it is who I am, and I love sharing that with people. Everyone is different and deserves to feel this, so the fact that I receive this makes me feel valued as a voice in the Club. 

I just appreciate the fact that I am accepted as if I am any other person at the Club and being treated with respect. When I said I use they/them pronouns, it was treated as though I said I use she/her or he/him.  

I am a person and I am worthy of respect. 

Pride Round and what it means to me: 

Pride Round is really important to me. It is about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and therefore it has always felt like such a safe game to attend.

Pride and celebrating queerness will always be amazing to see — growing up, there wasn’t that celebration, so to have Pride Round and everything that leads up to it is so cool. 

Pride Round is also great as a tool to teach people about the LGBTQIA+ community. To me, this weekend represents a chance to educate those who aren’t in the community and hopefully change people’s pre-conceptions about things.

The other day, I was speaking to Darcy Vescio about how people don’t even realise how gendered their language is.

This isn’t a bad thing of course, but when you don’t know someone’s pronouns, it goes a long way to just use gender neutral language. 

It’s not a hard thing to do. People just don’t realise how gender based their language is until you point it out to them.  

A bit about my own journey: 

I came out to myself as non-binary a year ago, but every day I discover more about myself and how I like to be perceived.

The journey is a hard one, but I am lucky to have so many wonderful and supportive people in my life. This week is massive for me in regard to taking the steps to medically transition.  

I am about to start low-dosage testosterone hormones and in a couple of days, I should have the rough date of when my top surgery will be.

Of course, not every non-binary person will take the same steps I do, but I am so excited to take further steps in being able to present myself to the world as I have always dreamed of being. 

Being out is still a scary thing: we all want to be accepted, and it does hurt when you’ve told someone your pronouns, but they still get it wrong.

For the most part, people are so accepting and want to respect you. I think everyone makes mistakes so it is important to be understanding towards that.  

How people can continue to acknowledge/support the community in the future: 

Our bonds to the community can only grow through asking questions and letting other people’s voices be heard. We are so lucky to be able to learn from others and that’s why Pride Round is so special.  

It is great that we can come together and pay tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community that helped foster women’s football, but also pave the way for new voices and people to feel like they can express themselves however they need to. 

Gender and sexuality are so fluid and individual, so it’s great that we are able to support those who identify differently as well as learn from them. Sharing these stories is just so great.  

For so long, I felt alone in my gender and sexuality.  

But everyday at Carlton and in the AFL community, I feel so supported and praised, even though I am truly just existing to my best ability.