Sports Talk: Raising the Rainbow Flag
- It’s sport — but with a hair full of ‘glitter’ and a drink in hand.
- It’s a panel — but one that turns into a group therapy session, mixed with a comedy show, while at a community Pride party.
- It’s the kind of Sunday afternoon where your mates spill the stories they swore they’d take to the grave.
If you love sport, a bit of gossip clarity, or just want to catch up with iconic community athletes, this is the event you’ll be talking about for weeks after.
Sports Talk: Raising the Rainbow Flag brings together Australia’s most iconic sporting trailblazers for an electrifying panel of courage, celebration, and most importantly, the start of a yearly debrief with their LGBTQIA+ community.
Featuring an all-star panel:
Ian Roberts (NRL) — a trailblazer who changed the face of world sport. As the first Australian to come out publicly while still competing in elite professional sport (and only the second male team‑sport athlete in the world), Ian remains a global icon, celebrated as the Godfather of LGBTQIA+ sport.
Matthew Mitcham OAM (Diving) - the first openly gay man to win an Olympic Gold Medal. Renowned for his outstanding, record-setting performances in Olympic diving, he is celebrated as one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved athletes.
Ellia Green OAM (Rugby 7s & NRLW) — the first trans male athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal, Australian Olympian Gold Medallist Rugby 7’s, celebrated NRLW New Zealand Warriors professional athlete, and currently a proud member of the Sydney Convicts team.
Mitch Brown (AFL) — the first professional male AFL player to come out as bisexual in the game’s 129‑year history. Proudly championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the AFL and wider community, he is the latest Australian LGBTQIA+ professional Athlete to stand publicly with his community.
Together, they’ll share what it was really like to come out in elite sport — and how watching each other’s journeys shaped their own. From the Godfather to the new kid on the block, expect honest reflections, unexpected reactions, and the kind of ‘fangirl/boy’ stories that only spill out when the vibe is right.
Stick around after the panel for the community Meet & Greet — it’s your chance to chat, take a photo, and celebrate with the athletes who are proudly reshaping Australia’s sporting landscape.
Why This Matters
As we move toward Mardi Gras 50th Anniversary in 2028 and the 2030 Perth Gay Games, Sports Talk is igniting the conversation around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, representation & visibility in sport, giving it the momentum it deserves. Let's create that rare opportunity to hear from the athletes directly, who were the trailblazers for LGBTQIA+ in Australian sport.
Our inaugural Sports Talk focuses on “firsts,” with future events set to explore themes including Youth, Women, Grassroots/Community, and a special Rugby edition featuring international players.
Sports Talk exists to inspire the next generation: to encourage young athletes to stay in their chosen sport, to remind LGBTQIA+ athletes — out or not — that they are not alone. It’s a space where stories spark courage and are heard, where representation becomes real and relatable, and where our community’s sporting future is discussed within our chosen family.
Merchandise
Pre‑purchased merchandise can be collected from 11:30 AM at the merchandise stand on Level 1.
Paddington RSL Bistro - Roast Lunch
Sunday is a great day to have a roast lunch or one of the Sports Talk specials from the Bistro. Details will be sent to all ticket holders shortly! Pre-booking will confirm your meal, as the Sunday Roast will sell out!
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is available via the lift to Level 1, with accessible bathrooms, companion card acceptance, and flexible seating arrangements. The venue can adjust tables and chairs to suit individual needs.
Families
This is an all‑ages event. Children are welcome, and kids aged 3 and under who do not require their own seat may attend free of charge.
Timing
The panel concludes at 2:30 PM, followed by a one‑hour community Meet & Greet. The event is scheduled to finish at approximately 3:30 PM.
Photos
Photos are welcome during the event and Meet & Greet. Please be respectful of the athletes and other attendees.
⭐ SCHEDULE
12:00 PM — Paddo RSL Open / Bistro Open for Lunch / Merchandise collection opens / Auditorium doors open / Level 1 Bar open
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM — Sports Talk panel
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM — Community Meet & Greet
4:00 PM — Auditorium closed
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event takes place, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise the enduring strength, culture, and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our communities.