Pride games have been hard for some sports to handle but the Sydney Swans won’t let the cause flounder, sending a strong message.
Sydney AFL and AFLW players Callum Mills, Justin McInerney, Errol Gulden, Lucy McEvoy, Cynthia Hamilton and Bella Smith have joined forces with drag queen Joyce Maynge for the club’s new Pride campaign ahead of the Swan’s round 15 clash with St Kilda.
The Swans will host the eighth annual Pride Game against St Kilda at the SCG to open round 13, donning special jumpers with the type of rainbow design that has become a lightning rod for division at some other sporting clubs.
In July last year, seven Manly Sea Eagles players sat out round 20 of the NRL season after refusing to wear the club’s inaugural rainbow jersey, while NBL team Cairns Taipans “collectively” opted out of wearing a small rainbow logo on their tops for the league’s Pride Round.
Justin McInerney (left), Errol Gulden (front) and Callum Mills wear the Swans’ special guernsey for the 2023 Pride Game against St Kilda on June 8.
Mills said the Swans playing group had no issues participating in the cause and believed it was important they encouraged inclusion and respect to their fans.
“We definitely all support it,” he said.
“We’re proud that we can do our part – I think we want everyone at the footy, and especially at Sydney Swans games, to feel welcome, and this is us playing our role in that aspect and helping to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
“We’re excited to be involved and celebrate diversity, and our (Pride Game) partner HSBC has been great … we look forward to this every year.”
The Swans run through their banner for the 2022 Pride Game against St Kilda. Picture: Phil Hillyard
The star midfielder said the Swans were aware of their influence they could have on social attitudes throughout the community.
“We’ve got a massive stature in the community, a massive stake, and I think if we show our support it definitely filters through,” he said.
“We hope that doing the Pride Game is going to have a great flow-on effect throughout the community, so that’s the plan.”
Sydney chief executive Tom Harley said the club was “extremely passionate about diversity and inclusion” and not swayed one bit by ructions in other sports.
“One of the highlights on our calendar is celebrating the Pride Game against St. Kilda and proudly marching in the Mardi Gras as a football club,” he said.
“We believe everyone should feel welcome, included and safe at the football.”
Mills said he hoped the special occasion, combined with the battle with a resurgent St Kilda, would have the SCG filled for the Thursday night clash.
“We think it’s a great celebration of football and diversity, and Pride Round is something that we hope can draw a big crowd because it’s always a great atmosphere,” he said.
“We’re proud that we can do our part, and we encourage everyone to get down.”