Your important donation will assist Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) find more folks to Come Out & Play!

About us

Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) started in 2015 in Naarm/Melbourne. Over the last decade QSA has grown to become Australia LGBTIQA+ sporting club. 

QSA's mission is to ensure LGBTIQA+ folk can access and participate in community sport - especially those who can't afford to play (that's where your donation comes in super handy).

QSA currently have teams playing several sports in: Kaurna/Adelaide, Naarm/Melbourne , Meanjin/Brisbane, Gadigal/Sydney, nipaluna/Hobart, Launceston/kanamaluka, Canberra/Ngambri, Garramila/Darwin and Aotearoa/NZ.

Vision Statement

Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) envisions a world where every person in the LGBTIQA+ community feels safe, supported, and empowered to participate in sports without fear of discrimination. We pride ourselves in creating safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ folk and their allies to play community sport. We have a strong focus on supporting the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse players.

Mission Statement

QSA is dedicated to establishing a community sporting club that champions diversity, inclusivity, and equality. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and celebratory environment where members of the LGBTIQA+ community and allies can play and train to feel good about themselves and form new friendships.

Values

Inclusivity: We welcome and celebrate individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. We prioritise creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in QSA. QSA is committed to removing financial barriers to playing sport for LGBTIQA+ folk. We also strive to be an inclusive space for people with disability.

Equality

We advocate for equal participation in community sport for LGBTIQA+ people and are dedicated to fostering acceptance and understanding and through community education and engagement initiatives.

Community

We foster a sense of belonging and friendship among our members, promoting teamwork, support, and mutual respect. We understand for many people, QSA is the only place where they can be their authentic selves and we do all we can to protect this space for them.

Empowerment

We strive to empower individuals to participate in sports without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Through encouragement and support, we aim to boost confidence and self-worth among our members. We hope the confidence our members get from being part of QSA helps them navigate broader challenges in life, including health, family dynamics, education and work.

Education and Advocacy

We are committed to raising awareness and educating the wider community about LGBTIQA+ issues in sports, advocating for policies that ensure an inclusive and safe environment for all.

Intersectionality

QSA understands the intersectional barriers impacting its participants and we have tailored our programs to help address these. Our programs and events are provided to the community at low or no cost. This is why QSA really appreciates donations like yours. We are committed to ensuring that no member is excluded from participating in our sporting activities simply because they can’t afford it. The "Little Help'' program reflects our dedication to removing financial barriers and creating an equitable environment for all.

Objectives

Establishment and Growth

Establish a variety of sporting activities within mainstream community clubs across Australia and expand our reach to welcome a broader range of participants over time. Q League is a QSA designed and operated sporting league. We aim to attract participants who otherwise would not consider playing community sport due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or ability. Q League has been successfully launched in Victoria in both basketball and netball. Future Q Leagues will be established in multiple sports and Victorian locations in the next five years.

QSA also holds an annual national non gendered community sports tournament in Naarm/Melbourne). The event is low (or no cost for those that need it) and another great example of where your valuable donation is used for our community.

Inclusivity Training

Provide training and resources to coaches, stadium managers and referees so they understand and actively promote an inclusive and a supportive environment for LGBTIQA+ folk. Practically, this means referees and facility providers are better equipped to deliver safer spaces to the LGBTIQA+ community.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Forge partnerships with other sporting clubs, organisations, and community groups to exchange knowledge, resources, and promote and encourage a more inclusive sporting landscape. Collaboration and integration with health and mental health organisations in our community will be of utmost importance as we recognise the impact of sport and connection on the well-being of LGBTIQA+ folk.

Advocacy and Awareness

Engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices in sports both at a community and elite level. Establish strong relationships with the Australian Institute of Sport and Basketball Australia to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. Increase public awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals in sports and advocate for change.

Member Support and Well-being

Offer resources and support services to address the well-being of our members, including mental health support, inclusive facilities, and a supportive network.

Code of Conduct

QSA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or any form of exclusion. We expect all members, volunteers, staff, and participants to uphold these principles and respect the rights and dignity of others.

Conclusion

Queer Sporting Alliance aims to create a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering space for the LGBTIQA+ community to participate in sports, promoting health, well-being, and a sense of unity. Through our values, mission, and objectives, we aspire to foster a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We believe that sports should be a space for everyone to express themselves, find joy, and build meaningful connections. We don't believe that financial hardship, or disability should exclude you from being a member of QSA and our programs are designed to recruit and retain members regardless of the challenges they are facing.

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