The Carlton Football Club has unveiled its 2020 Pride guernsey, ahead of Saturday’s AFLW Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs at the Whitten Oval.
Saturday’s match marks the third occasion in which the two teams will go head-to-head in a show of pride, with the game now a marquee date on the AFLW calendar.
The Pride Game recognises and supports the LGBTIQ community by celebrating inclusiveness, gender diversity and welcoming all people, no matter their sexual orientation.
The design of the Blues’ 2020 Pride guernsey was led by Carlton forward Darcy Vescio, who used the feedback and input of her teammates to help bring the artwork to life.
Vescio said the design was centered around the themes of coming together and being stronger through shared values.
“The jumper is made up of a series of circles which represent the communities and also football huddles,” Vescio said.
“We chose circles because of that and because of their equal structures. Everyone around the circle has a similar place.
“Then there are hands reaching off parts of the circles and grabbing onto other circles, which symbolise human connection and that anyone can reach out to anyone.
“Overall the actual design is like a chain, symbolising the relationship between people and communities.
“Each circle is comprised of different colours, which represents diversity throughout the community.”
After the match, the guernseys will be auctioned off via the Club’s online auction site, with proceeds split between the Carlton Pride Group and LGBTIQ charity Minus18.
Minus18 are the champions for LGBTIQ youth in Australia. The charity creates social change and mobilises community support through their identity-affirming, youth-driven events, workshops, education resources and campaigns across the nation.
Carlton Pride has been the official LGBTIQ supporter group of the Blues since 2017. The group exists to provide a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTIQ community. It welcomes all LGBTIQ people and allies.
A limited number of Pride guernseys will be available to purchase at The Carlton Shop (unless sold out prior).
