Hockey ACT is a proudly diverse organisation, who actively celebrates LGBTQI+ diversity, inclusion, and pride in the Capital region. Hockey ACT is a Pride in Sport member and strives to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all LGBTQI+ current and prospective members.
HACT recognises and values the benefits of engaging a diverse community in growing participation. We are committed to changing attitudes, and promoting positive language and policies that assist the LGBTIQ+ community in feeling welcomed, comfortable and supported in our game.
Hockey ACT has zero-tolerance for any form of bullying, harassment, and/or vilification towards people with diverse sexuality and/or genders. This includes forms of homophobia, biphobia, and/or transphobia as well as all forms of vilification against any person or group.
Hockey Australia LGBTQI+ Participant guide
Pride Round 2023
22nd - 25th June 2023
Hockey ACT is excited to present our annual Pride Round for 2023. The aim of the round is to celebrate and support the LGBTQI+ community. We welcome all clubs to join us in celebrating the round. We encourage clubs to celebrate through taking part in the initiatves planned, and increasing visibility across the weekend.
Hockey ACT Pride Ambassadors
Rob Sheekey (he/him) - Hockey ACT
Ally Wheeler (she/her) - Hockey ACT
Davis Atkin (he/him) – Wests
Jess Cox (she/her) – Tuggeranong
Jesse Thearle (she/her) – Tuggeranong
Lachlan Woods (he/him) – St Patricks
Harriet Whyte (she/her) – North Canberra Eagles
Jill Hilton (she/her) – United
Bernard Williams (he/him) – Central
If you'd like to get involved or become a Pride Ambassador, please contact the Hockey ACT Office at participation@hockeyact.org.au
Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Together
Hockey ACT Pride Campaign
Pride Ambassadors - Our Allies
Allies publicly display their support for people of diverse sexualities, sex, or gender identities. The following Hockey ACT LGBTQ+ allies are an integral part in making Hockey ACT a safe and welcoming environment free of harassment or discrimination.
Allies are not experts about matters of sexuality and gender identity. However, they can provide a safe and confidential environment for people to make enquiries regarding issues related to matters of sexual diversity and gender identity; act as a point of contact and provide a safe place for members to seek support; and provide information when required and refer appropriately.
About
At Hockey ACT, We proudly support sexuality, sex and gender diverse people in our community. Hockey ACT Allies consist of members who through attending professional development, are aware of challenges faces by people who are diverse in their sexuality, gender and/or sex Characteristics (LGBTQ+). Our Allies publicly display their support for people of diverse sexualities, sex, or gender identities. The following Hockey ACT LGBTQ+ allies are an integral part in making Hockey ACT a safe and welcoming environment free of harassment or discrimination.
The Role of an Ally
- Contribute to improving education and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Provide a comfortable and confidential environment for people to discuss matters related to sexual diversity and sex or gender identity.
- Work on expanding their understanding of LGBTIQA+ communities and the nature and impact of discrimination experienced by LGBTIQA+ people.
- Role models and show leadership by publicly supporting sexual, sex and gender diversity within the community.
- Contribute to stamping out homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism.
*Allies are not expected to be experts or to take on a counselling role but have access to resources to refer on to appropriate services.
More Information
For more information on Allies, please email Ally (she/her) participation@hockeyact.org.au
Resources
Language and Terminology
Allyship & Training
LGBTQ Inclusive Resources
- LGBTQ Inclusive Language, Pride in Sport
- Days of Significance, Pride in Sport
- Guidelines for the Inclusion of Trans and Gender Diverse People in Sport, Sport Australia
- How to Say No to Discrimmination
LGBTQ Travel Advice
Occasionally, athletes or staff may be required to travel to represent Hockey ACT interstate. Some athletes or staff from the ACT may also have the opportunity to represent Hockey Australia internationally. When travelling, it is important to research and understand travel risks that may impact you.
ACON Health is Australia’s largest LGBTQ health organisation that provides global leadership in areas of community health, inclusion, and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
Pride in Sport is Australia’s first and only sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations at all levels with the inclusion of employees, players, volunteers and spectators with diverse genders and sexualities.
The Pride in Sport Index is the first and only benchmarking instrument in Australia specifically designed to assess the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders within Australian sporting organisations.
TransHub is a digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people, their loved ones, allies and health providers. TransHub offers the information that many trans individuals so desperately needed, but didn’t have access to as we grew up or grew toward our most authentic selves.
Pride in Sport
Hockey ACT participates annually in the national Pride in Sport Index. The Pride in Sport Index is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission and Sport Australia.
The Pride in Sport Index™ (PSI) is the first and only benchmarking instrument specifically designed to assess the inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBQI+) people within Australian sport and sporting organisations. Participating in the index allows Australian sporting organisations to not only assess their own practice but determine which constitutes good practice, along with the ability to benchmark their own initiatives against an external measure and other sporting organisations.
Hockey ACT are committed to improving our presence in this space and better educating ourselves and our community to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome in our sport. For any questions or if you would like more information, please email Ally (she/her) at participation@hockeyact.org.au
Reporting homophobic, biphobic and/or transphobic behaviour
Hockey ACT supports Hockey Australia's Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in the Community and any breach of this policy shall be dealt with in accordance with the Hockey Australia Complaints and Disputes Policy.
For anyone wanting to report an incident at a game, training or hockey event, please lodge a complaint via the Complaints Procedure on our publications page and fill in the Complaint Reporting Form
The Australian Human Rights Commission or State or Territory Human Rights Commission may also assist individuals in relation to any complaints of discrimination, harassment and/or victimisation under Federal or State and Territory laws. You can lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission or The ACT Human Rights Commission.
If you would like help with advocacy, advice or support in making a report, please contact the Participation and Inclusion Coordinator, Ally Wheeler (she/her): particpation@hockeyact.org.au. Alternatively, please contact our MPIO Officers. All enquiries will be dealt with in strict confidence.
Anyone who has experienced LGBTQ+ related bullying, harassment and/or vilification may be assisted or supported by another person throughout any tribunals or hearings.
Should you require additional assistance, please contact Participation and Inclusion Coordinator, Ally Wheeler (she/her) or alternatively call (02) 6189 0570. All enquiries will be dealt with in strict confidence.
Disciplinary
If you are experiencing prejudice related violence or harrassment, here are some options for counselling and support:
- ACON provides counselling as well as social work support to help people resolve complex or ongoing violence and harassment matters. Call 9206 2000 to make an appointment.
- QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. For more information click here.
- ICLC can provide legal support such as assistance with preparing an Apprehended Personal Violence Order. For more information click here.
- Lifeline provides 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services to all Australians experiencing a personal crisis. For more information click here.
Additional Resources
Support for clubs
Play by the Rules provides information, resources, tools and free online training to increase the capacity of administrators, coaches, officials, players, parents and spectators to assist them in preventing and dealing with discrimination, harassment, child safety inclusion and integrity issues in sport.
Anyone wishing to discuss Hockey ACT LGBTQ+ matters including advocacy, advice, support or reporting an issue should contact:
Ally Wheeler (she/her)
Participation and Inclusion Coordinator
particpation@hockeyact.org.au
(02) 6189 0570
Rob Sheekey (he/him)
Hockey ACT CEO
Rob.Sheekey@hockeyact.org.au
(02) 6189 0570
All matters will be dealt with in strict confidence.
Community Organisations
- Meridian ACT is a community-controlled, peer-led organisation that provides health and social support services to our community. They celebrate diversity, strengthen community and empower individuals to live their best lives.
(02) 6257 2855
- A Gender Agenda (AGA) aims to support the goals and needs of the intersex, transgender and gender diverse communities of Canberra and the surrounding region. Through education, advocacy, peer support and professional networks AGA connect people to each other and build off the wisdom of collective experiences.
(02) 6162 1924
- ACON provides counselling as well as social work support to help people resolve complex or ongoing violence and harassment matters. More information on ACON counselling services here.
(02) 9206 2000
- QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
1800 184 527
- ICLC can provide legal support such as assistance with preparing an Apprehended Personal Violence Order.
(02) 9332 1966
- Lifeline provides 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services to all Australians experiencing a personal crisis.
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