Richmond AFLW players to debut rainbow Pride Guernsey this weekend

The Richmond AFLW club will show off its new rainbow Pride Guernsey this Saturday in its game against Fremantle. 

The guernsey was designed in collaboration between the Midsumma Festival, Melbourne artist Matthew Chan, and Richmond players Katie Brennan and Sarah Hosking.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be part of creating the first pride guernsey for Richmond’s AFLW team,” said Chan. 

“It is not easy to step out and be who we are sometimes, but remember we are bold, and we are powerful, the same as all the players in this team!”

The design represents the journey and stories of the Richmond Women’s program, as well as pride and inclusion.

“This jumper is about pride and the community, and the bigger picture of everyone finding somewhere to belong,” said Hosking.

“But more than that, it also encompasses what it means to our playing group to wear a 

Richmond AFLW captain Katie Brennan said that she was proud to be “progressing forward as a society”.

“Any game at Punt Road is special, and to be wearing the Pride Guernsey that is representing a large community of diverse people makes me incredibly proud,” she said.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said that the guernsey and competition were to help “celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and their contribution to the game and society”.

“We are committed to diversity and inclusion at Richmond and strive to make our workplace, match days, and all club programs and events welcoming to all,” he said.

“Our valued partnership with Midsumma Festival is now also into its sixth year. 

“We look forward to another strong Richmond presence at the event on Sunday, including perhaps the appearance of this brilliant jumper.”

Midsumma Festival 

The Midsumma Festival kicks off this Sunday 23 January and will run until Sunday 13 February.

The event was pushed back due to the pandemic but will go ahead, with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

The Festival will close with the inaugural Melbourne Pride street party, featuring an anticipated performance by Australian headliners Electric Fields.

LGBTIQA+ support service Switchboard has announced that it will not attend this year’s festivities in person due to the pandemic, but it will have an unstaffed stall at the Midsumma Carnival and a bus in the Pride March.

“We know how much these community events matter, but during these challenging times we need to help our staff and volunteers stay safe so we can continue to support the communities who matter to us,” said the organisation in a statement.

They have asked the community to “stay safe and stay connected”.