Racing Pride and Proud2Play along with Motorsport Australia are thrilled to announce the pop-up Pride Hub at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024, the first of its kind at any Formula 1 Grand Prix worldwide.

As Official Charity Partners of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024, the collaboration with Racing Pride and Proud2Play reflects the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Pride Hub is a recognition of the need to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ motorsport professionals and create a dedicated space for the community.

Through talks and interactive sessions hosted in the Pride Hub, racegoers will have the chance to learn about the contributions LGBTQIA+ individuals have made to motorsport, what steps are being taken to help the sport become more inclusive and how they can be a part of championing progress.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Corporate Affairs and ESG, Haydn Lane was looking forward to the special activation. 

"We are delighted to work alongside Racing Pride and Proud2Play to deliver a welcoming space at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community," Lane said.

“The ambitions and dreams of young people should not be limited by their identity, and we hope that the Pride Hub is a step towards making motorsport more inclusive.”

The partnership will support Racing Pride and Proud2Play in their shared goal of increasing LGBTQIA+ engagement and inclusivity in motorsport, by collaborating with communities and creating safe environments for self-expression within the sporting realm.

Proud2Play Community Engagement Officer, Kade Matthews was thrilled to see the Pride Hub in action. 

"I'm very excited to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community to the world's first Pride Hub at a Grand Prix in my hometown of Melbourne,” Matthews added.

“With 70% of LGBTQIA+ people feeling that sport is not safe or welcoming and 50% of LGBTQI+ athletes not out to their peers, the Pride Hub aims to tackle these issues head-on. 

“It's designed to facilitate meaningful conversations, educate on the barriers LGBTQIA+ people face in sport, and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ folks in motorsport.”

“By setting a global standard for LGBTQIA+ inclusion at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024, we're taking a small but significant step towards building safer and more welcoming spaces for everyone in the sporting world. I'm proud to be part of this pioneering initiative."

Quotes attributed to Racing Pride Co-Founder and Director of Partner Relations, Richard Morris echoed Matthews’ comments.

"Since we launched in 2019 Racing Pride has been championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion through motorsport, leading important conversations together with our partners on the Formula One grid and beyond,” Morris said.

“We are delighted to be working alongside local charity Proud2Play, Motorsport Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to bring this innovative Pride Hub to life. 

“Creating an uplifting space at a Grand Prix, where LGBTQIA+ people and allies can come together and people can learn more about allyship, is such a fantastic way to engage fans on this journey.

“Through the Pride Hub, we hope to show that LGBTQIA+ people have always been part of and enriched motorsport, and that with the support of allies our vibrant community has a place now and in the future."

To learn more about Racing Pride and Proud2Play and their efforts in promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community in sports and motorsport, visit their websites: racingpride.com and proud2play.org.au

Motorsport Australia CEO, Sunil Vohra believed activations celebrating diversity was a critical part of the sport.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Proud 2 Play, Racing Pride and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to bring the Pride Hub to life as we strive to make our sport diverse, inclusive, safe and accessible,” Vohra said.

“Whether it’s behind the wheel as a competitor, standing at a flag point, or any of the many roles in between, we are proud supporters of this initiative and want to ensure everyone who wants to experience our fantastic sport can do so.”

The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 takes place at Albert Park in Melbourne on 21-24 March.