The Gold Coast SUNS are delighted to unveil its 2026 Pride Collection headlined by a bespoke guernsey, to be worn across AFLW Rounds 9 and 10, and a matching Pride badge set.
Created in collaboration with local queer handpoke tattoo artist Mady Peters, and SUNS stars Katie Lynch and Lily Mithen, this year’s edition is a vibrant expression of self, community and belonging.
Inspired by the joy of being unapologetically yourself, the guernsey features playful sticker-style artwork layered across the iconic SUNS red, showcasing symbols of pride, connection, friendship and love.
Every element reflects the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces within football and beyond. The result is a bold, contemporary guernsey that celebrates individuality while bringing people together through the power of sport.
Lynch is looking forward to welcoming all to the SUNS’ upcoming AFLW matches against Melbourne (Saturday 10 October) at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena and the Adelaide Crows (Saturday 17 October) in Adelaide.
“Pride Round has always been a unique experience for me personally, more so because of who it brings into my world,” Lynch shared.
“A lot of my friends aren't super keen followers of football, but Pride Round is one of those rounds that brings them in and helps them connect with footy on a deeper level.
“It has the power to bring people to the game, not only to experience the joy of it, but because they feel like they belong there.
“Mady’s probably one of those friends as well, so to have the opportunity to involve her is not just special for our friendship, but from a community level it's a really powerful reflection.”
Peters’ creative practice is rooted in drawing, mark-making and self expression. While each medium is different, they all share the same foundation for her: creating something personal, expressive and meaningful.
As a close friend of Lynch, Peters said she was honoured to be entrusted with bringing the SUNS’ Pride Guernsey to life.
“Being invited to contribute to the SUNS Pride project was a really special opportunity for me to bring my creative practice into a space that celebrates individuality, belonging and being unapologetically yourself,” Peters shared.
“Designing the Pride Guernsey allowed me to explore these ideas in a completely different way - creating something that could be worn, shared and seen by a much larger community.
“As a tattoo artist, I am constantly reminded that creativity can be a powerful form of self-expression. People use art to tell their stories, celebrate who they are and feel more connected to themselves and others. That same feeling of connection and self-expression is what I wanted to bring into the guernsey.”
In addition to donning the guernsey, SUNS fans can also celebrate Pride Round with the official SUNS Pride Badge Set, featuring Peters’ vibrant artwork.
Each Badge honours a different part of both the LGBTQIA+ community and the Gold Coast SUNS. Namely, the carabiner pays tribute to a long-standing symbol within queer culture; the rainbow boot represents the LGBTQIA+ community with the game; while the “FEEL. DO. DREAM” stamp is a mantra embraced by the playing group and embedded in the SUNS culture.
Secure yours now from the SUNS Shop.
