Event planning

Acknowledge any significant LGBTQIA+ community dates (e.g. pride month, Trans Day of Visibility, IDAHOBIT etc).

Consider the history and reputation of the venue. Has it previously hosted events or groups that create an unsafe environment for LGBTQIA+ attendees?

Ensure there is a clear Code of Conduct for staff, vendors, and attendees, outlining expectations for respectful behaviour and non-discrimination.

Ensure your staff and volunteers have access to training or resources on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, anti-discrimination, and how to handle any issues sensitively.

Be mindful of the intersection between LGBTQIA+ and disability inclusion, including higher rates of neurodivergence in the LGBTQIA+ community. Ensure event spaces are offer sensory-friendly areas.

Considering collaborating with local LGBTQIA+ groups or advocates for consultation.

Ensure marketing materials reflect diverse gender identities, sexualities, and family structures.

Include visible markers of inclusion on your website and marketing materials, such as pride flags, rainbows, or an explicit commitment (e.g., 'This event is LGBTQIA+ inclusive').

If you are promoting your event using social media, actively monitor content, remove offensive comments, and block users engaging in harmful or discriminatory behaviour.

Allow flexibility with uniforms for staff and volunteers and ensure these respect an individual’s gender identity and gender expression.

If your event has a dress code, avoid gendered expectations. Instead, offer a list of clothing options (e.g., suits and ballgowns) so attendees can choose what suits them best.

Only collect the personal information you need. If asking about gender, avoid fixed options like 'male/female/other'; instead, provide a write-in field. If relevant, allow attendees to share pronouns and preferred names, while ensuring privacy is protected through a clear confidentiality policy.

For professional sporting event, check with the appropriate regulatory / governing body of your sport or refer to The Australian Institute of Sport's "Transgender & Gender-Diverse Inclusion Guidelines for High Performance Sport".

For community-based events, ensure inclusivity by allowing non-binary and gender-diverse participants to compete in the category that aligns with their gender identity. Research has shown 81.7% of young gender diverse people would like to exercise more, but don’t feel like they can (Trans Pathways study, 2017).

Provide clearly signposted gender-neutral bathrooms where possible. Ideally, these should be located in safe, accessible areas. If only male and female bathrooms are available, ensure trans and gender-diverse attendees can access their chosen facility discreetly.

Avoid assumptions about attendees' relationships and identities.

Use gender-neutral language e.g. "Welcome everyone / distinguished guests" instead of "Ladies and gentlemen".

If name badges are required, include pronouns on name badges.

Attendee safety is paramount. Ensure there is appropriate security / staffing at your event and any incidences of discrimination or harassment are dealt with immediately. Establish a clear, pre-planned process for handling harassment, including a designated point of contact for reporting incidents and staff trained in LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

If engaging security personnel, choose a company with experience in LGBTQIA+ events and ensure staff are trained in LGBTQIA+ inclusion and cultural competency.

After the event, provide a safe and anonymous way for attendees to share feedback.