LGBTQ+ Communities

LGBTQ+ Communities

Australian Sailing is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved in sailing, including people of diverse sexualities, genders and sex characteristics.

Clubs and class associations play an important role in ensuring everyone feels respected, valued and able to participate. Small changes to club culture, communication, facilities and activities can make a meaningful difference in helping LGBTQIA+ people feel welcome in the sport.

Creating an Inclusive Club Environment

Clubs and class associations can take practical steps to foster an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and included. Consider how your club or class can:

Promote a culture of respect 

  • Set clear expectations that bullying, harassment, discrimination and vilification are not tolerated.
  • Ensure club members, staff, coaches, officials and volunteers understand their responsibilities for maintaining a respectful environment.
  • Challenge discriminatory language, jokes and behaviour, and provide clear ways for people to raise concerns.
  • Celebrate diversity and communicate that everyone is welcome, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

Use inclusive language and communication

  • Use respectful, inclusive language in club communications, registration forms, policies and promotional materials to cater to all participants.
  • Avoid assumptions about people's partners, families, pronouns or gender.
  • Use a person's affirmed name and pronouns, and respect their privacy.
  • Ensure images and communications reflect the diversity of people who participate in sailing.

Review facilities, uniforms and activities 

  • Consider whether change rooms, toilets and other facilities are accessible and welcoming to people of diverse genders.
  • Where possible, provide private changing options that are available to anyone who wants them.
  • Ensure dress codes and uniform requirements are respectful of gender diversity while meeting relevant safety requirements.
  • Review social activities, events and participation requirements to identify unnecessary barriers to inclusion.

Support all officials and volunteers

  • Help coaches, instructors, officials and volunteers understand how to create inclusive training, racing and social environments.
  • Ensure selection processes, team activities and club events are conducted fairly and respectfully.
  • Provide clear guidance on how to respond to discriminatory behaviour and where to seek support.
  • Encourage all personnel to undertake inclusion training and build their confidence in supporting LGBTQIA+ participants.


Policies & Resources

Australian Sailing has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and vilification, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and interphobia.

Clubs and class associations should familiarise themselves with applicable Australian Sailing policies and integrity requirements, ensure their own procedures are consistent with relevant obligations, and make it clear how members can raise concerns.

Review the following resources to help your organisation understand its responsibilities and develop inclusive practices:

Australian Sailing Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Inclusive Language Guide for Sailing
Inclusive Language Guide - Poster
Inclusive Social Media Resources
LGBTQ+ Peers and Allies Guide
Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Sport
Coach for All - inclusive online course for coaches
Pride in Sport Resources
Proud2Play Resources


Facilities Improvement Resources

Guide to Gender Neutral Bathrooms (Centre for Universal Design Australia)
Inclusive Leisure Facilities (Centre for Universal Design Australia)
Changing Rooms for Gender Diversity (Curtin University WA)
Design Strategies for Restroom & Locker Facilities (Opsis Architecture)
Designing for Inclusivity (HMCA)

 


Support & Reporting

Everyone involved in sailing should feel safe to raise concerns about bullying, harassment or discrimination.

All complaints will be taken seriously, managed confidentially, and dealt with in accordance with Australian Sailing's National Integrity Framework.

Glen Stanaway
Head of Governance and Integrity
0417 446 727

Email

Sue Phillips
National Participation & Inclusion Coordinator
(02) 9170 6943

Email


Further Information & Support

Australian Sailing works with organisations that provide specialist guidance, education and support for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport. Find more helpful information on their websites:

Pride in Sport

Resources and guidance to help sporting organisations create inclusive environments for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Find out more

 TransHub

Information and resources supporting trans and gender-diverse communities, inclusion, health and wellbeing across Australia.

Find out more

Proud 2 Play

Supports LGBTQIA+ participation in sport and recreation through education, resources and community engagement initiatives.

Find out more

Australian Human Rights Commission

Promotes and protects human rights, providing information about equality, discrimination, and legal protections.

Find out more

 QLife

Free, anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTQIA+ people and their families, friends and loved ones.

Find out more

Minus 18

Supports LGBTQIA+ young people through education, advocacy and initiatives that build inclusion, safety and belonging.

Find out more