Darwin pilates studio ends sponsorship of NTFL club over LGBTQIA+ views
A Darwin business has dramatically pulled its sponsorship of a football club saying it, “must take the moral high ground” after the Territory hosted its inaugural Pride games.
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A Darwin pilates studio has sensationally pulled its sponsorship of a football club after it played in the Territory’s first ever round of matches supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
In an explosive email seen by this masthead Encore Pilates and Wellness revoked its support for Waratah Football Club at the weekend, concerned over the Tahs involvement and outward support of the competition’s inaugural Pride Matches.
Waratah posted about the upcoming round on its Facebook page last Friday, with club president Rohan Langworthy voicing his support of the round.
“The Waratah Football Club has a strong and proud history of inclusivity and has long advocated for diversity within both the NTFL and the broader community. We are proud to have a large number of members, both on and off the field, who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. As we participate in Pride Matches this weekend, we remain committed to fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and belonging for all.”
The email is believed to have been sent to players following the post and confirms the business decision to revoke the sponsorship. It carries the name of business owner Katie Crane.
“I’m really sorry but we are revoking any support for Waratah Football Club,” the email began.
“We are very sad and concerned that the president of the club is taking part in an LGBQTIA+ event and we simply cannot support any organisation that is associated with the political woke agenda that the current movement represents. While we understand that the clubs decision to support the LGBQTIA+ movement is probably out of ignorance and is an innocent enough gesture, the moral implications are much more complex and so we must take the moral high ground and remove our support for the club under these circumstances.
“We are very passionate about women’s sport being sacred ground for women to be safe from allowing biological men to enter the arena and we are absolutely committed to children being safe from the insidious harm caused by gender mutilation and the current politicisation of the LGBQTIA+ has very real consequences that we have an obligation to stand against.”
The email, purportedly written by Ms Crane, was signed off by offering the club a free class and good health.
“If you would like to enjoy a free reformer class you can book in to our intro to reformer on Saturday at 11am. In good health, Katie Crane.”
Since the email was read by players and the public, Encore has been review-bombed by members of the community outraged over the studio’s stance.
One review read: “Have attended this studio in the past but now never again! Not a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Another said: “Disappointing and exclusionary practices. The decision to stop supporting football because of Pride Round sends a clear and troubling message. Inclusivity and respect for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be values every business embraces. It’s disappointing to see such outdated and discriminatory attitudes in a space that should foster wellbeing and community.”
While a third stated: “Instructors were great but unfortunately cannot support the owners beliefs anymore. Not a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The studio responded to many of the negative Google reviews before later deleting many of its responses.
One of the now deleted replies defended the business’ decision to pull its funding.
“Hi, thank you for taking the time to review us. Since we are an appointment only venue I can see that you do not have a profile in our system so you have never actually visited us. It always fascinates us that there are people in the World who will take time out of their precious life to leave a 1 star review to a small business that they have never attended.
“How sad and lonely life must be to these poor souls who are lost and have no purpose that serves their community. We sincerely hope that you get the help that you need. Just know that our hearts are full enough to love you despite your infidelity. We’re not sure if this is the best way for you to represent Waratah Football Club, we can work with them to get you the help you need. God be with you.”
Following the fallout from the email, Waratah has taken a clear stance against such views with a spokesperson from the club stating it is focused on having an open and inclusive culture as well as remaining proud of its community.
“The Waratah Football Club is dedicated to creating a culture of respect and belonging for everyone,” the spokesperson said.
“Our participation in the recent Pride matches reflects these values, and we proudly stand with our LGBTQIA+ community.
“We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to these principles.
“The support we’ve received from within the NTFL and broader community has been incredible.
“We are immensely proud of our club and the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful moment in NTFL and club history.
“We’re excited to build on this success, making next year’s event even bigger and better, and to continue promoting respect, safety, inclusivity, and diversity.
“Our focus remains on providing an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.”
Upon hearing the news that Waratah would be without a sponsor, PINT were quick to act.
Current WPL player and PINT premiership winner Eilish Grundon, along with her PINT teammates, have been saddened by the email, marring what was initially a day of celebration and togetherness.
Having previously attended the pilates studio, Grundon was in disbelief that such 'hatred' could come from an establishment.
“When we saw the email we all were shocked by how intense the language and anti-LGBTQIA+ it was,” she said.
“We asked girls to donate money for the pride shirts we had made special for the round, to give to Waratah in lieu of them losing the Encore sponsorship.
“We ended up donating over $400 which just goes to show that even though we’re rivals on field that we all look out for one another and that hate will never win.
“The whole energy and emotions of the day was so lovely and demonstrated that those within the community are seen, loved and supported.
“And not one person and their beliefs will be able to take that away.”
Grundon explained that she and her club PINT respected and appreciated that people have their own personal opinions and beliefs and that they should always be respected, but said that when a person’s views devolved into ‘hatred’ that was not acceptable.
“As a club we respect each individual’s personal beliefs and opinions but we won’t tolerate that level of outward hatred that was in that email,” she said.
“We’ve seen how positive the repercussions can be when community sport thrives, the community also thrives off the field.
“And when so many are part of the community who are involved in the sport, it’s such a huge impact.”
Encore and Ms Crane were contacted multiple times for comment but did not reply.
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