LGBTQ+ Experiences in Women’s Sport Australia
What’s working, what’s not, and why inclusive culture is key in women’s sport
Women’s sport has long been a space for visibility, belonging and self‑expression for LGBTQ+ people across Australia. But inclusion is not automatic, and it is not experienced equally by everyone.
Playing With Pride is new national research exploring how LGBTQ+ people experience participation in women’s sport in Australia, and what genuinely helps people feel safe, seen and supported at club, league and competition level.
Developed in collaboration with PwC Australia, Pride Cup and Pride in Sport, the report brings together national survey data, lived experience and practical insight for anyone shaping the future of women’s sport.
50%+ of LGBTQ+ participants report feeling more comfortable with their sexuality because of playing women’s sport.
What this report explores about LGBTQ+ inclusion in women’s sport
Rather than assuming women’s sport is inclusive by default, Playing With Pride examines how inclusion is created, sustained, or undermined in real sporting environments.
The research asks:
- How does participation in women’s sport shape confidence, identity and belonging for LGBTQ+ people?
- Where do experiences differ by sport, age, location or level of competition?
- What separates clubs and leagues that feel genuinely inclusive from those that do not?
The findings reveal progress, pressure points and clear opportunities to strengthen inclusion across women’s sport in Australia.
Why LGBTQ+ inclusion in women’s sport matters
For many LGBTQ+ people, participation in women’s sport can be life‑changing, or life‑limiting.
This research shows how positive club cultures can build confidence, connection and wellbeing well beyond the field of play. At the same time, subtle exclusion, unchecked language and unsupportive leadership can push LGBTQ+ people out of sport altogether.
31% of participants report experiencing bullying, harassment or incivility linked to their sexuality or gender identity.
Inclusion does not happen by accident. It is created, or undermined, every day through leadership, policies, language and behaviour.
“Pride Rounds don’t change everything but they tell you what the club stands for.”
— Survey Participant
What the research reveals about LGBTQ+ experiences in women’s sport
The Playing With Pride research highlights:
- The powerful role women’s sport plays in building LGBTQ+ confidence, identity and belonging
- Why feeling safe at club level does not always translate across leagues or competitions
- The ongoing impact of everyday bullying, exclusionary language and silence
- Why Pride Rounds, visible leadership and clear expectations matter
The full report unpacks these themes in detail, supported by data, lived experience and practical recommendations for action.
Who this report is for across women’s sport
This report is designed for anyone responsible for shaping culture, participation and wellbeing in women’s sport, including:
- Anyone who believes sport should be a place where everyone belongs
- Community and elite sporting clubs
- Leagues, governing bodies and administrators
- Coaches, officials and volunteers
- Inclusion, wellbeing and participation leaders
Download the Playing With Pride report
Download Playing With Pride to explore the full findings, lived experiences and actions that can help make women’s sport safer, stronger and more inclusive for everyone.
If you want to affect change at your club, code, or league, host a Pride Cup and join us to make sport everyone's game.
About the research
Developed in collaboration with PwC Australia, Pride Cup and Pride in Sport, Playing With Pride is a national research project developed to support safer, more inclusive sporting environments for LGBTQ+ participants in women’s sport across Australia.
