FEATURE: FOSTERING INCLUSION OF LGBTQ COMMUNITY IN SPORT HOW CAN WE HELP CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR LGBTQ ATHLETES WITHIN SPORT? and Medicine in Cricket. Myles is a we are open and non-judgemental so the are not alone and there are people member of the Western Australian athletes feel comfortable talking to us. they can talk to if needed. SMA State Council and a member of the St. John of God Health Care national Q: What do you think the role CHRISTINA scientific review sub-committee. of the sports science and sports MATTHEWS Q: What do you feel are the medicine team is in regard to Christina Matthews biggest barriers for the inclusion fostering a safe environment is the Chief Executive for LGBTQ athletes? Officer (CEO) of the of LGBTQ athletes participating Western Australian in sport? For doctors and physiotherapists in Cricket Association team sport, we are often the staff (WACA) and a former A: I feel that by far the biggest barrier member athletes will approach when Australian cricketer. faced by LGBTQ athletes is the fear of they have worries and need to talk and She is one of only being judged by both team mates, staff we should be prepared to direct athletes three women in the world to hold the and fans based on their sexual orientation towards appropriate resources and position of CEO of a first-class cricket as opposed to their skill at a certain sport.information. I also think it is important association and is a well-respected voice In our modern age, keyboard warriors are for us to call out behaviour that is within the Australian cricket community. all too common and when these people discriminatory which would hopefully, She has proven herself to be an effective can now readily communicate with in turn, result in less discriminatory and courageous leader since taking on the athletes via social media, for an athlete behaviour. role of CEO at the WACA in 2012 and has to openly come out as LGBTQ they redefined the way the WACA approaches would be very aware of the potential Q: If you become aware of an its business. for harassment. athlete who is being discriminated Christina brings with her 27 years’ Q: In your experience, what against due to their sexual experience in various management strategies are most effective in orientation how would you roles within cricket organisations, approach this situation? including seven years as General Manager fostering a safe environment for Commercial Operations at Cricket NSW LGBTQ athletes? A: I am very fortunate to be a part of and roles in coaching and development. a multi-disciplinary team and always A significant contributor to the A: I am not sure if there is ever going have a sports psychologist to call on to development of cricket, she has spent to be one strategy which is going to best help in these circumstances. However, many years supporting community facilitate fostering an environment for if I did not have the team I do, I would cricket associations and sits on a LGBTQ athletes. However, I think the key direct the athlete towards groups which number of boards and committees. for sports science and sports medicine have masses of information, such as staff is to let it be known to athletes that Athlete Ally, so they can see that they 34 VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 3 2018