St Kilda Football Club is proud to celebrate IDAHOT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) and help promote inclusion and diversity in our game.

May 17 was specifically chosen for IDAHOT Day to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna joined prominent AFL figures, including AFL CEO Gill McLachlan, in an AFLPA video calling on fans to not use homophobic language and help foster a culture of inclusion.

Prior to Sunday’s clash with the Bombers, CEO Matt Finnis and staff will take part in Stand Up Events’ Move in May fun run to support and celebrate IDAHOT Day. For more information and to take part, visit standupevents.com.au

Through St Kilda’s new community platform, Junction Studio, the club partners with Stand Up Events, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the LGBTIQ community nationally.

“As a community, it’s important to tackle homophobia and promote inclusion and St Kilda wants to play a strong role in that,” Finnis said.

“We are also very proud to be playing in the inaugural AFL Pride Match in Round 21 against Sydney because ‘pride’ is the opposite of ‘shame’ and nobody should feel ashamed of their race, religion or sexuality.

“We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable being themselves and feels welcome in our game and, sadly, that is not currently the case.”

Finnis said the Saints also take part in the annual Pride March which is held in the club’s heartland, St Kilda.