The Gold Coast SUNS will join the AFLW community in celebrating the 2023 Pride Round this weekend.

The SUNS will don its Pride Round guernsey for Friday night’s Round 10 fixture against Essendon at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, marking the third consecutive campaign in which the SUNS have sported a Pride Guernsey.

The guernsey, as proudly worn during the Season Seven Pride Round, was designed in conjunction with the playing group and will feature elements of the traditional SUNS design, the Pride Progress Flag down each side, as well as the colours of the Transgender and Straight Ally flags. 

“Pride Round is one of the most important rounds in the AFLW calendar. It’s an opportunity to promote inclusivity, acceptance and to be role models in making the community a safer place,” GC SUNS AFLW captain Tara Bohanna said.

“It’s fantastic to have so many elements incorporated into the design of our Pride Round guernsey and I can’t wait to run out in it on Friday night.”

Queensland-based organisation Team Rainbow will join in the fun at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday night promoting sport, fitness and holistic health among the pride community.

“We are thrilled to be involved to Friday’s Pride Round match in Mackay alongside the Gold Coast SUNS,” Team Rainbow President Ann-Marie Lavers-Grimm said.

“Team Rainbow members will be hosting an information stall at the game where participants are encouraged to meet in a safe, diverse, inclusive, welcoming, friendly and social environment.

“Such events are designed to help to alleviate isolation and promote mental health well-being and is in keeping with Team Rainbow’s Constitution, to provide the rainbow community and allies an opportunity to connect through sport and pride events in inclusive settings.”