The Australian Open officially launched AO Pride Day and the Glam Slam presented by Ralph Lauren with an inspiring and moving function on Friday night at The Osborne in South Yarra, Melbourne.
AO Pride Day will be held on the second Friday of the tournament — men’s semifinals day on 27 January — with the Glam Slam finals being held in the afternoon on Kia Arena as part of the day.
It is the fifth time the launch event has been held, with American tennis broadcaster and journalist Nick McCarvel interviewing pioneering transgender former AFL player and football coach Danielle Laidley.
The room was filled with current and former AFL and AFLW players including Melbourne’s Ben Brown, Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath and Dylan Moore, as well as Hawthorn’s Sarah Perkins and Moana Hope.
They were all there to hear Danielle’s inspiring story based on her book by Konrad Marshall, Don’t Look Away.
Danielle will also play in the Glam Slam celebrity match taking place after the finals of the event on 27 January.
“I’m very excited and grateful to be involved in both events, including tonight which is amazing,” Danielle said.
“The Australian Open is a diverse and inclusive event that is helping the community understand the rainbow community.
“It’s an absolute honour to be here tonight.”
Victoria’s Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos welcomed the crowd, as did Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.
Tiley is looking forward to AO Pride Day and the Glam Slam, with 198 players from 24 countries competing.
“The inaugural AO Pride Day was an incredible celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and we can’t wait to make this year’s event even better,” Tiley said.
“The AO Glam Slam presented by Ralph Lauren has grown into one of the biggest events on the calendar. It’s so great to welcome players from around Australia and the world back to Melbourne to compete this year."