Rainbow Swans member Dion Alexander has been named Mr Gay Pride Australia 2022. Passionate about ending homophobia in sport, Alexander took out the title after two months of challenges that culminated on stage in the finale at the Rainbow on the Plains Festival in Hay, NSW last week.
Alexander, 34, originally from Adelaide but now living in Sydney, will represent Australia at Mr Gay World in 2023. Alexander has been involved with the Rainbow Swans (the official Sydney Swans LGBTQIA+ supporter group) and has assisted the club with activities and promotion around the annual Pride Game for many years.
As part of his new title, he will be rallying to see an AFL Pride Round held for all clubs similar to what is already conducted in the AFLW competition. Speaking after receiving the sash on stage at the Rainbow on the Plains celebration concert, Alexander said his ultimate goal is to end homophobia in sports.
“In this country, I want to be a champion for AFL and be a champion for a Pride Round in the AFL but when I get to Mr Gay World I want to champion for change at all of the large world sporting events such as the World Cup,” Alexander said.
“Now the real work starts, I feel a great sense of responsibility now to the community to make sure that I can really come through on what I want to do and really spread the message.”
A highlight as a Swans supporter for Alexander is the way the rainbow community is accepted with the club priding itself on inclusivity and 'everyone being welcome' at the football.
"I love the Swans culture and inclusivity, they have always been more than just a football team to me," Alexander said.
"The club makes me feel safe as an LGBTQIA+ supporter and makes me feel like I matter and Pride Game generates a big sense of community and inclusion.
"When we walk into the ground and there's rainbow flags everywhere and players wearing a Pride guernsey, we feel a part of a community that 10-20 years ago we weren't accepted in and at a game that we love going to."
On behalf of everyone at the Swans we congratulate Dion and wish him all the best with his role as Mr Gay Pride Australia 2022 as he looks to play his part in ending homophobia in sport.
