The Bulldogs V Essendon match on Friday 10 October kicked off the popular program which now spans two weeks, giving each club the chance to wear their specially-commissioned Pride guernseys.
The Doggies' home ground - Mission Whitten Oval - hosted the very first Pride Game in 2018, and Pride Round games since. This year it was again transformed into a festive wonderland with cheer squad, music, performers, food trucks and activities for the kids.
The crowd cheered on as the Western Bulldogs beat Essendon by a whopping 57 points.
And the players also stood out for another reason, their striking guernseys, designed by Bibbulmun Noongar and Latino transgender LGBTQIA+ contemporary artist Jay Kulbardi with a design that symbolises fluidity and water.
In a recent interview the Ballarat local said; "Lake Wendouree is a key land icon that I wanted to draw some inspiration from. I also wanted to depict the ever-changing and evolving concepts of gender and sexuality, especially those that are fluid, and how identities are as vast and different as the drops of water in the ocean."
VU students and staff were proud to attend, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Relationships and Partnerships, Wade Noonan, who said the University was deeply committed to ensuring everyone feels safe, welcome, respected, and valued. "Our support for the Pride Round with the Western Bulldogs is a clear expression of those values - and of our continued commitment to progressive inclusivity."
VU Executive Director Institute for Health and Sport Professor Alex Parker, echoed this sentiment, explaining that "the Pride Round is a wonderful celebration of sexuality and gender diversity - sporting events such as these help to provide safer and more inclusive communities."
