Cairns Taipans Statement

The Cairns Taipans have released the following statement on the NBL's upcoming Champion Pride Round:

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans joins the NBL in its celebration of inclusion and diversity and supports the LGBTQ community. The club welcomes the inaugural Champion Pride Round and recognises this as a positive step forward for the League. 

As part of this new NBL initiative, clubs were invited to a 90-minute Pride in Sport training session which all Taipans’ players, coaches, the CEO, club operations and Board representatives participated in.

The Taipans support inclusivity and diversity as core values of the organisation, including respect for all religions, ethnicities and cultures that contribute to the richness of the club.  

NBL owner Larry Kestelman stated Pride Round will be approached from a position of love and respect, without judgement, and the club shares this position.

We support our players and respect their choice to wear or not wear the Pride uniforms this season, without judgement.   

It has been disappointing that instead of focusing on the LGBTQ community and the positivity around the initiative, some media commentary has instead focused on players who may be conflicted because of religious beliefs or personal circumstances. 

The club hopes its fanbase and the wider basketball community will embrace the inclusivity that Pride Round is championing in a constructive way and celebrates diversity in our society and our sport. 

The Taipans will continue to work with Pride in Sport and looks forward to more opportunities for LGBTQ education and initiatives.