Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers are proud to strengthen their commitment to advancing inclusion, diversity, and equality with the inaugural Perth Scorchers Pride Match against Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday 23 October at the WACA Ground.
Through the introduction of these exciting new matches in both the men’s and women’s competitions, the Scorchers continue their mission to ensure everyone is welcome in the sport, through the promotion of inclusion and increased visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
Planned collaboratively between the men’s and women’s playing groups and staff, the matches will celebrate the journey of LGBTQIA+ players, fans and officials of the game, while highlighting how cricket can drive equality.
To guide development of this initiative, a Pride Working Group involving Player Ambassadors Andrew Tye and Mathilda Carmichael, staff and LGBTIQA+ organisation Living Proud was created.
Tye said he’s proud to be an Ambassador, leading the Scorchers through this.
“The Pride message means a great deal to me and it’s very important that we create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone,” he said.
“For me, it’s all about acceptance. Perth Scorchers have an incredibly welcoming culture like one big family, and we’re looking to expand the message not only to our players but also into the community.
“I believe that for any group or workplace to be successful, diversity is crucial.”
The Scorchers are committed to holding education sessions and continuing regular consultation with leaders in this space to guarantee meaningful engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community.
This has empowered the Club to become a leader in equality and inclusivity, a process Carmichael sees as invaluable.
“The education sessions have created great conversations that might not have happened without this initiative,” she said.
“We’ve been asked why we aren’t wearing a rainbow playing shirt, but we chose to show our support as individuals and embrace that everyone is different. It’s about what’s happening behind the rainbow and the authentic engagement that we are committed to.
“Scorchers players will have the option to visually show their support through wearing a selection of rainbow items including special tie-dye socks, headbands, pins, wristbands and ribbons and we hope the fans can get around it too.”
The Perth Scorchers are part of WA Cricket, and CEO Christina Matthews said this is a proud moment for the Club and looks forward to growing its legacy.
“Cricket is a sport for everyone, and it’s our mission to ensure that people feel welcome on and off the field, and connect with our game on a deeper level.
“The Pride message is more than just a rainbow – it’s about inclusivity, representation and acknowledging people from LGBTQIA+ communities and their contributions to our game.
“As leaders in diversity and inclusion, we have a responsibility to inspire people to embrace their identities in a safe community.
Living Proud Ambassador Michael Atkinson said;
“It will be more than just the LGBTQIA+ community who will relate to the Scorchers Pride match it, the whole cricket community will relate on some level on the power of Pride and will have a connection.
“It’s great to have players as ambassadors now and it’s an opportunity to be an ally for this movement for yourself and the wider community.”
WBBL|08 – Game 5 (Pride Match)
Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes
Sunday 23 October, first ball 2:15PM WST
WACA Ground
LIVE: CH7, Foxtel, Kayo
Tickets can be purchased here.
BBL|12 – Game 7 (Pride Match)
Perth Scorchers v Sydney Thunder
Wednesday 4 January, first ball 6:15PM WST
Optus Stadium
LIVE: CH7, Foxtel, Kayo
Ticket can be purchased here.
