Badminton was fabulously represented at the 2026 Pride in Sport Awards, with three of our member association clubs attending in style (Shuttle Swingers, Shuttlecats and Melbourne Smashers), as well as Badminton Australia (BA) and Badminton Victoria (BV) staff and board members. BA is very proud to have achieved the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) Silver Award this year, marking a huge step forward in LGBTQ+ inclusion for our sport. In addition to our Silver Award, it was extra special to see badminton highlighted in the 2026 LGBTQ+ Role Model Award, which was bestowed on Sandra Lie from the NSW club Shuttle Swingers for her great work as an advocate and leader in the queer badminton community.
“We are extremely pleased to see Badminton Australia recognised with Silver Award status at the 2026 Pride in Sport Awards. This achievement reflects a sustained, organisation-wide commitment to fostering a culture that is inclusive, respectful and welcoming to all. Inclusion is central to our vision of badminton as a sport for all, for life. Congratulations to Sandra for taking home the LGBTQ+ Role Model Award; It was a proud moment to be there celebrating her achievements, and a pleasure to connect with members of our LGBTQ+ community on the night.” – Badminton Australia CEO, Tjitte Weistra
What is the Pride in Sport Index?
The Pride in Sport Index (PSI) is an independent benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. It provides organisations with a roadmap to support implementation of inclusion strategies and encourages measurement of progress over time and against other organisations.
Who are Pride in Sport?
Pride in Sport (PIS)is one of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, helping to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people in sport. Pride In Sport helps to promote and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Australia, working closely with organisations, clubs and individuals to support education, awareness, understanding and growth. As a member, Badminton Australia continues to work closely with PIS to ensure that our governance, policies, processes, and culture of badminton in Australia are as inclusive as possible. To find out more about Pride in Sport, visit their website here.
What does achieving Silver mean for Badminton Australia?
Achieving the PSI Silver Award shows that Badminton Australia has made real, measurable improvements in putting strategies in place to improve the accessibility of our sport for LGBTQ+ communities. The PSI National Survey results which were gathered in 2023/2024 have directly shaped our priorities and actions, which include:
- Improved communication & reporting both internally & externally
- Promotion of community guidelines & other LQBTQ+ resources
- Increased support around days of LGBTQ+ significance & showcasing their importance
- Delivery of events & support of community events & tournaments delivered by clubs
- Support and advocacy from leadership for inclusion at the international level
- Continued education & increased awareness through staff training
- LGBTQ+ community consultation on projects such as policy development and marketing promotion co-design sessions
LGBTQ+ Role Model Award
Sandra Lie’s recognition as the 2026 Pride in Sport LGBTQ+ Role Model Award winner highlights her extraordinary impact in creating inclusive spaces for queer women in badminton. As the Founder and driving force behind Shuttle Swingers, an LGBTQ+ badminton club in Sydney, NSW, Sandra has built more than a club; she has created a supportive community that offers belonging, connection and safety for those who need it most. Her vision of ensuring all LGBTQ+ women, gender-diverse people and their allies have a place in sport has transformed lives and strengthened the badminton community, with this award acknowledging both her leadership and the collective effort of those who have supported this vision.
“… To every Shuttle Swinger, past and present, social or competitive: every narrative you walked through our doors with has weaved itself into the tapestry of this club. You shaped us into what we are today. We’ve come so far. We’ve still got more to go. But today, and maybe the rest of this month, we celebrate. Happy swinging.” – Shuttle Swingers Badminton Club, 16th April [via @ShuttleSwingers on Facebook]
Image credit: ACON
