The Bombers have created a membership specifically for gay and lesbian fans, available for the 2015 season.
AFL club Essendon has created a membership specifically for gay and lesbian fans.
The ‘Purple Bombers’ is an initiative of club sponsor Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, with the membership becoming available for the 2015 season.
Tuazon-McCheyne told the club’s website he was excited that Essendon are helping create “a more welcoming enviornment” at AFL games.
“I am beside myself with excitement about today’s launch. Purple Bombers is a statement from the club that says it’s proud to support Essendon’s LGBTI supporters and is committed to providing a safe environment at games, the club and official Essendon events,” Tuazon-McCheyne said.
“Six months ago I approached the club and asked them if they would support Purple Bombers, a group which promotes diversity and inclusion, and I believe it is another step towards making the game of AFL a more welcoming environment for LGBTI persons to attend.”
Bombers midfielder Brendon Goddard has been sponsored by Tuazon-McCheyne since joining the club and said he was supportive of the Purple Bombers membership.
“Jason has been a member of this footy club for thirty years, and since I joined the club he’s supported me and when he approached me about Purple Bombers I was more than happy to show my support in return,” Goddard said.
“As a society we have come a long way in terms of sexual equality, and while there’s still plenty of work to do, our footy club continues to promote diversity through the #EFCRespect campaign and Purple Bombers is an extension to that.”
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