“Diversity should be something we celebrate and embrace.” – Why inclusivity means so much to RMIT Sport.

Ahead of Wear it Purple Day on Friday 25 August, RMIT Sport ambassadors talk about what inclusion means to them and why initiatives such as Wear it Purple Day are so important.

Wear it Purple Day is an annual LGBTIQA+ awareness day especially for young people where supporters wear purple to celebrate diversity and young people from the LGBTIQA+ community.

RMIT Sport have continued to be the benchmark for inclusivity, with more than 100 students attending the RMIT Sport Pride Party for Wear It Purple Day last year.

In 2022, RMIT Sport also hosted more than ten pride rounds across its clubs while more than 150 students participated in Pride Day at UniNationals in Perth.

Redbacks captains Matthew Peart (men’s tennis) and Stephanie Calabrese (mixed netball) shared share why it’s important to harness a diverse and welcoming environment.

What does inclusivity in sport mean to you?

Matthew: To me, inclusivity in sports means no matter someone’s background, age, abilities, beliefs, identity or sexual orientation is welcomed, felt respected and able to participate in sport no matter the level from social, to competitive.

Allowing a great diverse range of people to play a sport they’re interested in and to meet new people.

Stephanie: Inclusivity in sport means that everyone gets an opportunity to participate and is offered the same opportunity to grow and develop in sport.

Being inclusive also means that all sports are welcoming to everyone, of all backgrounds and abilities.

A tennis player stretches out for the ball.

Redbacks captain Matthew Peart says Wear it Purple Day gives students a sense of belonging.

Why are initiatives and events like Wear it Purple Day so important for students?

Matthew: Initiatives that students can get involved in are great for everyone in the university community. It brings people together raising awareness for communities and in particular for Wear it Purple Day, the LGBTQIA+ Community.

It gives students a sense of belonging and can help students meet other students that share common interests and beliefs.

People in the the LGBTQIA+ can feel alone or distant in university situations so days like these make them feel welcomed and apart of the whole university community.

Stephanie: Wear it Purple Day is important for students as it shows that diversity should be something we celebrate and embrace.

To be able to have so many different people have sport in common is something we should all be grateful for and unite to stand for.

What message would you like to send to RMIT's LGBTQIA+ community?

Matthew: Simply to keep being true to themselves, don’t let doubt or the feeling of what others think deter you from what you believe in and who you are.

Everyone is unique and beautiful and that diversity is what makes up our world. It would be a pretty boring place if we were all the same.

Stephanie: A message I would like to send to RMITs LGBTQIA+ community is that what they are doing for inclusion in sport is fantastic.

They are doing a fantastic job in ensuring all athletes are included and offered fair opportunities in sport and it is great to see!

Group wearing purple behind pride themed banners.

Redbacks Team Managers gather together for Wear it Purple on Monday night.

IDEA Framework: Pride in Sport

RMIT Sport’s programs are committed to strengthening diversity, inclusion and access for all students by eliminating barriers to participation.

Check out the IDEA Framework see the work RMIT Sport are doing as part of their commitment to equality for LGBTQIA+ students.

22 August 2023

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