THE AFLW has been a champion of inclusion and diversity within the sporting community ever since its inception back in 2017.

Seen as a competition where everyone can feel comfortable to be themselves, whether that be players, staff or supporters, the league continued to break ground last year through the introduction of Pride Round.

The round was established to recognise and celebrate all those within the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging important conversations on inclusion within the football space.

The introduction of Pride Round was significant for many fans, but one supporter group in particular knew just how important the dedicated weekend would be, having celebrated Pride since 2016.

The Ruby Demons have spent six years creating safe and welcoming spaces for all those within the LGBTQIA+ community, working closely with the Melbourne Football Club to ensure that football is a comfortable place for all. 

Katrina Oxley, a die-hard Demon and lifelong Melbourne member, first came across The Ruby Demons back in 2019 and said she instantly felt she was part of something special.  

“I started to become a really active member from that point onwards because I found them to be very friendly and very inclusive,” Katrina told Melbourne Media.

“They were particularly great for me at that time because they gave me that positive outlook on my own sexuality.

“It took me a little while to feel comfortable in myself and the love and support from The Ruby Demons has been really helpful with that.”

While the Ruby Demons acknowledge that sport, and football more specifically, hasn’t always been the most diverse of communities, there have been substantial steps forward in making it a better place for everyone to enjoy themselves.

“Football has not always traditionally been a friendly place for those in the LGBTQIA+ community,” Katrina explained.

“We want to be able to provide a supportive place with like-minded people and we’d also love to create and help people within the wider community.”

With education at the forefront of their objectives, the Ruby Demons have made sure to promote inclusion in all aspects of life, whether that be with big gestures like supporting other LGBTQIA+ initiatives or little steps such as changing others’ mindset and outlook on certain things.

Katrina explained that it can be as simple as educating those around you on how use of language can affect others, both at the football and on social media.

“Watching language is a really big thing,” Katrina said.

“Some people don’t realise the impact that certain things can have on others. It’s negative use of language that can make people feel excluded.

“So, it’s about teaching people the correct language to use.”  

This weekend will see the league head into its second annual Pride Round, with the Dees set to take on St Kilda in their first home game of the season.

With close ties to Melbourne’s supporter group the Demon Army, the Ruby Demons will play an important role in Saturday’s game day schedule.

The group have helped The Demon Army create a special Pride banner, with members of the Ruby Demons making up the guard of honour for the players.

Nikki Clare, a member of the group, will also be passing the playing ball to the umpires, while Katie Purvis, the co-convenor of the supporter group, will chat on-field, discussing the significance of Pride Round. 

Touching on the meaning of the round herself, Katrina explained that it’s become bigger than the Ruby Demons.

It’s about recognising all those within the AFL Pride Collective (including similar LGBTQIA+ supporter groups from other AFL clubs).

“Pride Round is the acknowledgement of the role that the Ruby Demons and all supporter groups have played within the football community,” she said.

And for anyone who feels as though they don’t have a safe space to feel themselves, Katrina had one message.

“If you’ve got the courage, the sooner you’re able to truly be yourself, the happier you will be in the long run,” Katrina said.

“And any Melbourne fan who wants to be a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and wants to be included in a friendly inclusive group, they’re more than welcome to get in contact and join in.”