SBS celebrates LGBTQ athletes during Pride Month – SBS
The video series celebrates LGBTQ athletes and highlights the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in sport.
The athletes are sharing the message that sport has so much to offer and participation in sport is a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
With four episodes currently released and more to come throughout June, audiences can hear about the athletes’ experiences and how we can all champion LGBTQ inclusion in sport.
Episode One – Ian Roberts (he/him)
Rugby League
“Sport’s about being a part of something bigger, much bigger than yourself.”
Roberts played for a number of clubs in the NRL (National Rugby League) during the 1980s and 1990s, making history in 1995 when he became the first high-profile Australian sports person to come out as gay, and has led discussion of inclusion in sport for LGBTQ athletes since doing so.
Episode Two – Ricki Coughlan (she/her)
Running
“Making sport a more welcoming place and creating an inclusive and diverse environment makes our society a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse environment.”
A middle-distance runner, who competed at club and state level in 800 and 1,500 metre events, Ricki is widely recognised within the sporting industry as one of the world’s first transgender athletes.
Two of her big passions are running and helping other people become their own champion through performance running, fitness and personal development.
Episode Three – Matt Cecchin (he/him)
Rugby League
“We need more allies, we need more role models, we need more high-profile players to come out and be proud of who they are and lead the way.”
A decorated referee, who has officiated matches at the sport’s highest level such as the NRL grand final and State of Origin, as well as the rugby league World Cup, Cecchin was 11 years into his career before he came out, becoming the first professional in the sport to do so since Roberts in 1995.
Episode Four – Stella Lesic (they/them)
Basketball
“Sport is such an integral part of feeling like you belong and that you’re included.”
The President and Founder of Australia’s first LGBTQ basketball and roller-skating club, Queer Sporting Alliance, Stella is at the forefront of shaking up the way society views gender diversity in sport and working towards breaking down the stereotypes that continue to limit inclusion and participation.
Simon Dunn (he/him)
Former bobsledder and rugby player
“Sport has always promoted itself as being for everybody and we can all agree that history often proves otherwise.”
Dunn was the first openly gay man to represent Australia in bobsledding and is now a personal trainer and occasional rugby player for the Sydney Convicts.
Upcoming episodes
Kate Humphries (she/her) – Sailing
Sam Dengate (he/him) – Gym/Powerlifting
Daniel Kowalski (he/him) – Swimming
Gracie Elvin (she/her) – Cycling
Dan Palmer (he/him) – Rugby
The video series celebrates LGBTQ athletes and highlights the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in sport.