Essendon Football Club’s annual #EFCRespect game against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium will recognise and celebrate LGBTIQ inclusion, equality and diversity.
This week, Purple Bombers’ President Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, Hannah Mouncey, Jo Ball and Michelle Sheppard met with Essendon staff and players to provide greater understanding and education about the transgender and non-binary community.
Essendon veteran and Purple Bombers ambassador Brendon Goddard said football clubs play an important role supporting equality.
“I am extremely passionate about equality, regardless of sexuality, race or religion. There is no reason to treat anyone differently, no matter what you believe,” Goddard said.
“The Club is right behind everything Jason and the Purple Bombers are doing to raise awareness and educate people.”
The Purple Bombers assist Essendon and the AFL in being leaders of change by creating a safe environment for LGBTIQ supporters and players, by encouraging and promoting diversity, and inclusion within the wider football community.
Tuazon-McCheyne said Essendon’s support to the Purple Bombers and the LGBTIQ Community is unmatched.
“The Essendon Football Club is fantastic. The mission to be the most inclusive club in the AFL – they mean it, the staff, the players and the coaches could not support the Purple Bombers more than what they do,” Tuazon-McCheyne said.
“They make a simple statement by saying ‘we are equal’ and it is important to the Bombers that everyone matters.”
Hannah Mouncey recently made headlines when the AFL ruled she was ineligible for selection in the 2018 AFLW draft.
Mouncey said sporting clubs such as Essendon are helping to spread the message of equality.
“We don’t look to politicians for leadership. We look to athletes and sporting teams and clubs,” Mouncey said.
Although there have been significant steps towards equality, Hannah said there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Ninety percent of people will be fantastic. The other 10 percent will be really extreme in their hate.”
The Bombers will wear a rainbow training guernsey for their training sessions throughout the #EFCRespect week. To purchase your limited edition training guernsey from the Bomber Shop, click here.
