Panel Discussion: Building Trans-Inclusive Sport - A Conversation with Pride Cup

Panel Discussion: Building Trans-Inclusive Sport - A Conversation with Pride Cup

Transgender Victoria is partnering with Pride Cup for a panel discussion exploring what it takes to make sport genuinely welcoming for trans and gender diverse people.

This event brings together trans community members, sporting clubs, and allies for an open conversation about inclusion in action, not just in policy.

We'll be discussing:

• What makes sport more trans inclusive in practice, particularly at the grassroots and community level

• What trans and gender diverse people are actually looking for when it comes to sports codes, clubs, and facilities that affirm who they are

• How organisations already working in this space can go further to build genuinely safe and welcoming environments

Panellists: 

• Aisling Haugh, she/her (Melbourne Rovers)

• Marnee Silver (West Brunswick / Pride Cup)

• Eleanor Watson (Southern Lights Ice Hockey Club)

• Saph, she/her (Spikey Dykes)

• Facilitated by Rudy Jean Rigg, they/them (Pride Cup)

Read their bios below!

Who this is for:

• Trans, gender diverse, and non-binary folks curious about getting involved in sport

• Clubs, facilities, and individuals who want to better understand how to support trans inclusion

Accessibility Info:

• Affirmation Station (279 Lygon St, Brunswick East) is a wheelchair accessible venue.

• There's a tram stop right out front, and parking on the side streets.

• We have several air purifiers, and it's a well-ventilated space with room to physically distance.

• Fidget toys and a separate quiet/calm space are available if you need some downtime.

• This event is neurodivergent, POC, and all abilities friendly.

If you have any questions, please contact us at programs@tgv.org.au

Meet the Panel!

Aisling Haugh (she/her), Melbourne Rovers Aisling is a transgender woman who plays soccer with Melbourne Rovers, a queer and inclusive soccer club. She returned to soccer this year after a long break from the sport, and will be lead coordinator for the upcoming women's team in the 2027 season.

Marnee Silver (they/them), West Brunswick / Pride Cup With 12+ years of AFL experience, including as Senior Coach of the West Brunswick W team and now as an Under 16s Assistant Coach in the Coates Talent League, Marnee knows what it takes to build inclusive, welcoming sporting environments from grassroots to elite levels. Currently working with Pride Cup, as a Coach Developer for AFL Victoria, and supporting programs for women and gender diverse people connected with the criminal justice system, Marnee is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and driving change through sport.

Eleanor Watson (she/her), Southern Lights Ice Hockey Club Meet Eleanor! A fiercely passionate ice hockey goalie, Eleanor made her national league debut in 2024, becoming only the third trans woman to do so. She has spent the past 18 months coaching queer players and allies at Southern Lights, taking her team to its first grand final.

Saph (she/her), Spikey Dykes Saph is a Melbourne-based referee and committee member with Spikey Dykes. What began as an opportunity to help out with refereeing grew into a deeper connection with the club and its community. She has also shared her perspective as a trans and queer player through a consultation with Badminton Australia on making sporting events more inclusive.

Facilitated by Rudy Jean Rigg (they/them), Pride Cup Former elite badminton player Rudy Jean Rigg is a multi-award-winning, Webby-nominated host, comedian, and creator amplifying queer, trans, neurodivergent, and chronically ill communities. Alongside their growing catalogue of digital content, Rudy has fronted major coverage like ABC's Sydney WorldPride and performed at comedy and fringe festivals nationwide. They channel high-energy, boundary-pushing storytelling across media, sport, and the stage.