Stories
These intimate discussions delve into the personal experiences of members from four diverse clubs, exploring why these clubs hold such a significant place in their hearts.
More than just a game, these conversations underline the vital role sports play within the LGBTQI+ community, highlighting how inclusivity, camaraderie, and athletic engagement can profoundly impact personal wellbeing and community spirit.
Southern Lights Ice Hockey
The Southern Lights Ice Hockey club, located at iceHQ Sports Arena in Melbourne's northern suburbs, holds the distinction of being Australia's inaugural LGBT+ ice hockey club since its establishment in 2019. The club is home to multiple gender-diverse and trans-inclusive teams across various skill levels, providing year-round games for all members of the community, irrespective of their sexualities, genders, and allies. They are a proud part of an expanding Australian LGBT Ice Hockey network of inclusive clubs, with a close affiliation to Harbour Lights Ice Hockey. To learn more, visit their website at https://southernlightsicehockey.com/.
Previous Stories
These intimate discussions delve into the personal experiences of members from four diverse clubs, exploring why these clubs hold such a significant place in their hearts. More than just a game, these conversations underline the vital role sports play within the LGBTQI+ community, highlighting how inclusivity, camaraderie, and athletic engagement can profoundly impact personal wellbeing and community spirit.
Melbourne Smashers
Melbourne Frontrunners
VicTennis
Our Ambassadors
Our Proud 2 Play Ambassadors are champions of LGBTQI+ inclusivity in sports, hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Available for speaking engagements, they bring unique perspectives and inspiring stories to events, reinforcing a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
"If you're not actively engaging, having conversations and learning how to be inclusive & welcoming to people in the community, then we have a stalled feeling where we have to be aware of what part of us we are putting forward instead of just feeling completely comfortable & accepted in the environment."
Alexandra Viney
Alexandra Viney, a Paralympian and an active member of the LGBTQI+ community, passionately addresses intersectionality and the barriers faced by individuals within both these communities. Renewing her ambassadorship with Proud 2 Play, she fervently works towards fostering a sports environment that respects and supports the whole person, enabling everyone to participate at their best.
Alexandra
Viney
Australian Paralympian Rower
she/her
"If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would... remind myself that every giant leap I was too afraid to take would one day look smaller, and that my queerness would become something that brings both strength and joy to my life."
Campbell Harrison
Campbell Harrison, a dedicated climber for over 16 years, champions the cause of diverse inclusivity in the sport he cherishes. As a Proud 2 Play ambassador, he endeavors to be a visible and proud LGBTQI+ role model for budding athletes, rejecting societal norms to shape a more inclusive athletic community.
Campbell Harrison
Australian Champion Climber
he/they
We understand the importance of sparking meaningful conversations and fostering awareness through real-life narratives and informed research. Our speaker network includes Proud 2 Play staff, ambassadors, and community champions in the sport and recreation sector representing all identities in our community, along with a focus on intersectionality. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge and personal understanding of LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport and recreation. Whether you're seeking to inspire your audience with empowering lived experiences, educate them with the latest research findings, or engage them in a thoughtful dialogue, our speakers are well-equipped to drive change and promote a culture of inclusivity.