As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s a timely moment to reflect on the progress we've made — and the work still ahead — in making sailing a sport where everyone feels they truly belong. 

Last year, Australian Sailing proudly launched its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy 2025–2028, setting a clear direction to make sailing more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all. This strategy recognises that representation matters and that creating equitable opportunities is essential if we want to grow a vibrant and diverse sailing community. 

Through five key focus areas — leadership, connection and engagement, environment, education, and visibility — the strategy outlines tangible steps to address barriers to participation. These include challenges often faced by people from. LGBTQ+ communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women and girls, people with disabilities, and young people. 

Research has shown that sailing is still perceived by many as difficult to access, expensive, or exclusive. For some, the barriers are compounded by experiences of discrimination, lack of visible role models, or rigid systems that don't allow for flexibility or inclusion. These experiences are especially true for those with intersecting identities — like an LGBTQ+ woman from a culturally diverse background — who may face multiple, layered challenges. 

That’s why intersectionality is central to our approach. We know that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. What’s empowering and inclusive for one person may not be for another. Our DEI Strategy recognises these differences and responds with tailored, community-informed actions. 

One such achievement we're proud to share this Pride Month is that, as a result of this strategy, Australian Sailing was awarded Bronze Status from Pride in Sport for its LGBTQ+ inclusion work— a significant milestone that reflects our genuine commitment to making sailing a safe and welcoming space for people of all identities. 

This Bronze recognition came alongside the development of allyship resources, education sessions to clubs, and visibility campaigns aimed at breaking down stigma and promoting positive inclusion at all levels of the sport — from club rooms to classrooms, and from coaches to competitors. 

As we honour Pride Month, we reaffirm our belief that sailing should be for everyone — regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, background, or ability. This Pride Month, and every month, we're proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community and continue working towards a future where everyone can get on the water, in more ways, more often — and feel they truly belong. 

Photo by: Beau Outerridge