Paddle Australia vision of fostering a ‘united paddling community’, is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all people, regardless of gender expression, gender identity and sexuality.
Paddle Australia is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in paddling is treated with dignity and is protected from abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, unlawful discrimination, victimisation, and vilification. This includes all forms of transphobia, homophobia and/or biphobia.
There is a zero-tolerance to any form of bullying, harassment, and vilification in our sport. Paddle Australia strives to support our paddling community to live happy, healthy, safe, and active lives.
Paddle Australia celebrates diversity regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, age, ability, religion and sexual orientation status. In-line with the values of a ‘United paddling community’ our clubs, state associations and Paddle Australia are committed to actively promoting and encouraging diversity, inclusion and belonging in paddling.
What can I do now?
– Using gender natural language
– Ask respectful questions (“What pronouns should I use?”)
– If you make a mistake (and we all will) – acknowledge, apologise and move on
Be an Ally:Â
Be Informed: Attend information training sessions, talk to LGBTQ+ friends, family or colleagues, read LGBTQ+ related publications, social media, videos.
Be Visible: Promote yourself as an ally, wear a pin, share your story of why you’re an ally, celebrate days of significance.
Be Part of the Solution: Talk about pronouns, advocate for inclusive language, take a stand against homophobic, biphobic or transphobic slurs, jokes, or negative comments.