The Victorian Netball League’s Pride Round is about much more than a game of netball. It’s about celebrating and recognising the LGBT+ community.
Supported by RACV, Round 9 of the VNL will be a celebration of inclusion and support throughout the netball community with Melbourne University Lightning set to don rainbow bibs and dresses once again.
Pride Round was initiated by Melbourne University Lightning club president Lindy Murphy five years ago, with her hard work coming to fruition in 2021 with the inaugural VNL Pride Round.
“As a club, we have a responsibility to deliver programs that not only improve physical and mental wellbeing, but also provide leadership opportunities to influence change on important social issues,’’ Murphy said.
“All people have the right to freely participate in sport … regardless of their sexuality and gender identity. It’s our responsibility to provide a connectedness for young people to a community that embraces acceptance, empowerment and self-value.”
Members of the LGBT+ community themselves, Melbourne University Lightning duo, Lydia Jordan and Sienna Thornton highlighted what it meant to play in Pride Round.
“I think Pride Round is a great opportunity to bring people together from all different backgrounds, to celebrate and make it an inclusive environment for those that can’t be open about who they are,” Thornton said.
Her partner Jordan highlighted the importance of belonging and inclusion which is amplified through Pride Round.
“I think it’s such a nice and inclusive way to involve everyone. It means that it’s just about netball and that who you are as a person is included – it doesn’t necessarily change the game or change how you play netball,” she said.
“It's nice to know we are all valued in our sport, no matter our differences or who we love.”
The Lightning have long been leaders in supporting and encouraging inclusion for all, which is something that both Jordan and Thornton speak of with great pride.
“I think it’s incredible that Melbourne Uni started Pride Round, and that we can all be a part of making a change. It’s little steps but it’s for the bigger picture and the fact other VNL clubs are jumping on board is amazing,” Jordan said.
“Even for us as individuals … being a part of the club and playing for them, it’s such a nice environment to be in,” Jordan said.
“We don’t have to hide who we are which is really nice. We can be proud of playing for our club because you’re safe and comfortable and everybody just treats you normally - it’s reducing the stigma that’s surrounded with it.”
Netball has helped facilitate a sense of connection and reduce the stigma that can be associated with the LGBT+ community according to Jordan and Thornton.
“I think it brings awareness to be honest, Pride Round makes it a more normal conversation. It shouldn’t be a massive shock to people, it should be ‘okay cool, let’s celebrate that’,” Jordan said.
Both players are strong advocates for the work the Lightning do to create a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes.
“The club always puts out there that everyone is included no matter who you are. From the day you sign up it’s posted everywhere - the importance of inclusivity. No matter who you are, what you believe in, doesn’t matter. We are a safe club, and we invite everybody,” Thornton said.
The Lightning uniform will once again reflect Pride Round with rainbow-coloured bibs and custom-made dresses to honour the celebration.
“We have special dresses dedicated to Pride Round that we don’t wear any other time. It’s something for me to be proud of,” Thornton said.
“I’m really excited to be playing in Pride Round, and not necessarily promoting that I’m a part of the LGBT+ community, but I can express that by wearing the uniform and showcasing that with a supportive team – it’s really exciting.”
The celebrations aren’t just limited to the court, with bunting around the court and the score bench to match the themed bibs and bench officials encouraged to wear bright colours to support the initiative.
All three divisions of the Round 9 clash between Melbourne University Lightning and Casey Demons will be livestreamed on our Netball Victoria Facebook page and on Kayo Sports.
