As part of its commitment to promoting acceptance and diversity, the Essendon Football Club has endorsed its first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) support group – The Purple Bombers.

CEO Xavier Campbell said Essendon Football Club was a place for all footy fans to feel welcome and respected.

“The Purple Bombers is great initiative,” Campbell said.

“No matter what your race, religion, gender or sexuality - everyone deserves the right to head along and enjoy the football in a safe and positive environment.”

“Our club has always championed diversity and inclusion at the football - We launched our #EFCRespect campaign earlier this season and the formation of the Purple Bombers supporter group is the next step in this important initiative.”

To view the club’s #EFCRespect campaign click here.

Purple Bombers founder and long term club member Jason Tuazon-McCheyne officially unveiled the LGBTI support group alongside Brendon Goddard at training this morning.

“I am beside myself with excitement about today’s launch. Purple Bombers is a statement from the club that says it’s proud to support Essendon's LGBTI supporters and is committed to providing a safe environment at games, the club and official Essendon events,” Tuazon-McCheyne

“Six months ago I approached the club and asked them if they would support Purple Bombers, a group which promotes diversity and inclusion, and I believe it is another step towards making the game of AFL a more welcoming environment for LGBTI persons to attend.”

Goddard has been sponsored by Tuazon-McCheyne since joining Essendon and said he fully supports the Purple Bombers.

“Jason has been a member of this footy club for thirty years, and since I joined the club he’s supported me and when he approached me about Purple Bombers I was more than happy to show my support in return,” Goddard said.

“As a society we have come a long way in terms of sexual equality, and while there’s still plenty of work to do, our footy club continues to promote diversity through the #EFCRespect campaign and Purple Bombers is an extension to that.”

Supporters can register their interest in joining the Purple Bombers by heading to the club website.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Purple Bombers.

The club has also released a Members’ Code of Conduct which reinforces the commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and family-friendly environment at all official club games and events.

Members are bound by the Code of Conduct and the document outlines acceptable behaviour across a number of different settings including match-day venues, club events and on social media. To view the Members’ Code of Conduct click here.