Football has always been a haven for LGBTQIA+ women. But right now, targeted attacks on our community are being ignored by the governing bodies whose job it is to protect us.

On the ABC's 7:30 program, The Flying Bats Football Club finally spoke out about the years-long campaigns of harassment we have faced from a small but vocal group of anti-trans lobbyists.

The campaigns have been so severe that some players have quit the sport, while others were forced to seek legal protection. These lobbyists have targeted us simply because we create a welcoming and inclusive place for anyone who wants to play.

No one should face this kind of harassment and abuse simply for wanting to play a sport they love with their friends.

These campaigns are a danger to all women who want to participate in sport without having our bodies monitored, judged, and policed by strangers. We want a future where everyone is able to play on a team where they belong and feel at home.

As the oldest and largest LGBTQIA+ women's and non-binary football club in the world, we have been leading the way on inclusion for decades. Now, we need our sporting bodies to have our backs.

We have asked Football Australia to take action and publicly support our club, but so far have been met with silence.

That’s why The Flying Bats, alongside Pride Cup and the Trans Justice Project, are calling on Football Australia and all levels of the game to take urgent action and commit to protecting all their members from harassment, bullying, and intimidation.

We are calling for:

• Immediate action to address the targeting, harassment, and bullying of trans and gender-diverse members.

• Education and training for clubs, leagues, national teams, officials, administrators, and fans.

• Genuine consultation with LGBTQIA+ clubs and experts to develop a human rights-focused inclusion policy.

Sign the petition to show your support for a future where football is safe and welcoming for everyone.