Richmond will bring its AFLW Pride guernsey home to the Swinburne Centre for its Pride Round clash with Geelong on Saturday, supported by Midsumma and Minus18.
The Club is proud to work with organisations Midsumma and Minus18 to celebrate and support queer communities in sport, with the guernsey telling a key story of pride from within the Swinburne Centre.
Minus18 are Australia's champions for LGBTQIA+ youth, improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people all across the country and creating an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.
Midsumma prides itself on elevating voices and stories of LGBTQIA+ members and communities.
The jumper, which is Richmond's third AFLW Pride guernsey and was first worn in the 2023 Pride Round, was developed by defenders Rebecca Miller and Libby Graham, in conjunction with artist Matthew Chan.
It features two key elements: mountains that capture the peaks and valleys throughout life and a rainbow sash, which represents the path of self-acceptance and growth for people within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Graham said it was important that fans could attach their own meaning to the guernsey.
"Bec Miller and myself put a lot of effort into designing this jumper last year... it's got all these elements that mean a lot to us. Last year we had a good win in it, and it was really exciting to see people in the crowd wearing it, too," Graham said.
"So, to continue this journey with it is really exciting.
"What we want people to feel when they're wearing the jumper, whether you're on the field or off the field in the crowd, is just whatever Pride means to you.
"So, when you pull it on, just being aware that there's a really rich, deep history for LGBTQIA+ people and that we have a place in that whether you're a part of the community or an ally outside of it, it's important for everyone."
Miller said Pride Round was about being comfortable in your own skin.
"This space is a pretty cool space. In AFLW, it's a bit of point of difference for our competition, everyone's welcome on and off the field no matter who you are, what you believe in," Miller said.
"Footy has allowed me to sort of grow into the person I am and be comfortable within my own skin, and I'm really appreciative of that.
"I'd love (fans) to be loud and proud and colourful and enjoy the celebration, because that's what it's all about, celebrating who you are and what you believe in."
Richmond is committed to fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and celebration, where fans can come together as a community and be themselves, regardless of gender, sexuality, age or sex.
The Club recognises the importance of creating safe and inclusive sporting environments so everyone can participate without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
Richmond’s Pride initiatives support the Club's vision to create a community where all people feel like they belong.
Richmond in support of Midsumma and Minus18 are working together to celebrate and support queer communities in sport.
Minus18 said they were "thrilled to be involved in the 2024 AFLW Pride Round”.
"Minus18 is supporting clubs like Richmond to create safe, inclusive spaces for queer young people to participate in sport," they said.
Midsumma echoed Minus18's sentiments.
"As we approach our ninth year of working with the Richmond Football Club, and particularly with the success of the AFLW, we continue to witness the removal of barriers for our communities to access sports on all levels," Midsumma said.
Richmond's 2024 Pride guernsey is available to purchase from the Roar Store here.
Get to the Swinburne Centre for Pride Round, Saturday, from October at 3:05pm and cheer on the Tigers.
