Oct 28, 2025 - Equality Australia has welcomed Olympic and Australian legend Ian Thorpe AM as a new patron, as the national LGBTIQ+ group continues campaigning for federal protections from discrimination and hate.
The swimming icon joined Equality Australia at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday to formally announce his patronage.
“I’m proud to officially become a patron of Equality Australia. I’ve worked alongside them for many years because I believe everyone in our community deserves equal rights and protection under the law,” he said.
“Fairness is one of our most important values and right now, we’re still not giving everyone a fair go.”
The gold medal-winning champion was an active campaigner during the marriage equality vote, and three years ago successfully campaigned with Equality Australia to help shelve Scott Morrison’s controversial religious discrimination bill, which would have wound back protections for LGBTIQ+ people, women, people with disability and people of faith.
“What we have achieved together is incredible – but the situation has not improved for students and staff in these schools because the government has failed to make good on its promise to our community to enact legislative reform.
“I know most people are shocked to learn that it’s still legal in 2025 to fire a teacher because they are gay or getting a divorce. It’s completely out of touch with the expectations of everyday Australians.
“Everyone should be protected under the law, and no one should be granted permission to discriminate, especially when being funded by tax-payer dollars.”
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said it was a great honour to welcome Ian Thorpe as a patron.
“After many years of working closely together to advance the rights and freedoms of LGBTIQ+ people, I’m delighted to have Ian officially join the team,” she said.
“He’s not only an icon of the sporting world but also a steadfast advocate for our community and someone who has consistently stepped up to support our work and champion equal rights and protections for all.’”
Thorpe also urged the Federal Government to take stronger action to protect LGBTIQ+ communities from the growing tide of hate-fuelled violence and extremist attitudes, including stronger laws, the swift introduction of a national Hate Crimes Register and resourcing for support services for victims.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more hate, more violence, and more extreme views shaping public life and debate,” he said. “Gay and bi men, in particular, are facing an increased risk of violent attacks on dating apps, and trans people are constantly targets of hate both online and in person.
“I urge leaders across the country to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Violence, harassment and discrimination against the queer community are not things of the past - they remain the lived reality for far too many of us.”
