Sportsgirl is committed to including, embracing, and respecting people of all identities and orientations. That's why we've collaborated with Emma Stamatellis on her piece
Be Proud —a visual interpretation of the Progress flag which is a symbol of LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion.
We are proud to showcase the work of Emma Stamatellis, an inspiring motion graphics designer and illustrator whose art celebrates the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community through powerful storytelling and vibrant visuals. Emma’s piece, which was commissioned exclusively for Sportsgirl, explores the struggle of self-pride within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Emma hopes her artwork resonates with both LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, reminding them to be proud of themselves and those they love. It highlights the importance of embracing and celebrating oneself, surrounded by a supportive community. Emma also advocates for clothing spaces that welcome all gender identities, recognizing the diverse needs of shoppers.
In Emma's piece, the Progress Flag is incorporated in the form of a circle bringing together people of many identities for a warm hug. We hope those who view it feel proud of their identity and free to be who they are. This artwork will be displayed at the front windows of our stores, serving as a vibrant symbol of inclusivity and pride.
Why has Sportsgirl chosen to display this artwork in stores?
As a brand, we have chosen to display this artwork in the front of our stores as a way of acknowledging, respecting, and elevating the LGBTIQA+ communities whilst communicating to all our customers that everyone belongs at Sportsgirl.
Inclusion is one of our brand values and we do not want anyone to feel that they are not welcome. As a team, we proactively work to include, respect, embrace and care for people of all identities.
Sportsgirl’s approach is to listen to and be guided by historically marginalised communities. It was very important to us that the artwork was created by someone from the LGBTIQA+ community and we hope it resonates with the community and allies alike.
What does LGBTQIA+ Stand for?
The term "LGBTIQA+" is an evolving acronym that represents a wide range of identities:
Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to another woman.
Gay: Most commonly used to describe someone who is attracted to someone of the same identified gender.
Bisexual: Described as an attraction to someone of the same gender and other genders. Everyone's experience is a little different, and bi doesn't necessarily mean being attracted to only two genders.
Transgender: Sometimes gender diverse people feel that their gender doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth, ie - someone born as a male might identify as a female.
Intersex: People who are intersex are born with natural variations in their body that differ from what we might expect to be ‘typically’ male/female. This can include (but is not limited to) variations in hormones, chromosomes, and sexual organs.
Queer or Questioning: A common umbrella term used to mean anyone who is same gender attracted or gender diverse. Most people will question their sexual or gender identity at some point throughout their life.
Asexual: Someone who has little or no sexual attraction to other people.
Plus/ +: Represents terms, like non-binary and pansexual, that people use to describe their gender, sexuality, and physical characteristics. It's all about finding the words that fit who we are and how we feel.
Source: minus18.org.au
What is the progress flag?
There are several versions of the original Pride Flag - also known as the Rainbow Flag. Sportsgirl chose to display the Progress Flag developed by artist and designer Daniel Quasar.
The main section of the flag - the rainbow background - includes the traditional Pride Flag as seen in its most widely used form. The Progress Pride Flag features black and brown stripes to represent queer people of colour, and baby blue, pink and white to include the Transgender Flag in its design. The arrow points forward to movement and calls to more progress required for true inclusion.
Is this tokenistic/performative? What is Sportsgirl doing beyond this?
Sportsgirl is committed to inclusion. We recognise that working towards inclusion stretches far beyond visual displays and that change is achieved through intentional, consistent, and continuous learning and implementation.