Rainbow Alliance

Purpose

To strengthen inclusion across the APA by improving visibility, safety and representation for LGBTIQ+ members and allies, ensuring every person can participate openly and confidently in powerlifting.

Who Are We?

We are a community of LGBTIQ+ athletes, officials, volunteers and allies who stand together to celebrate lifting in an environment that is safe, inclusive and proudly representative. We show our pride openly and provide visible role models so lifters of all ages know they are free to be themselves without hesitation.

Principles and Commitments

What We Stand For

Creating a safe and inclusive environments at all APA competitions and events.
Maintaining zero tolerance of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia within APA, consistent with APA member protection, disciplinary, and integrity frameworks.
Ensuring APA policies promote meaningful and visible LGBTIQ+ inclusion while remaining compliant with IPF and other governing body frameworks.
Reviewing and updating APA policies so inclusion is embedded across governance, competition delivery, and member conduct.
Provide education and resources for clubs, coaches, referees and volunteers.
Promote visibility through representation, storytelling and inclusive campaigns.
Maintain clear reporting pathways for discrimination, harm or exclusion.
Amplify the voices and lived experience of LGBTIQ+ members in decision-making.

If you experience or witness discrimination, you can report it. We take this seriously and we will act in line with APA policies and procedures.

What We Do

We make APA spaces safer and more welcoming

We work to ensure APA events are places where LGBTIQ+ members can show up as themselves without hesitation. That includes clear expectations around behaviour, strong reporting pathways, and visible support on the ground at events.

We fix gaps in policy when they create harm

We review APA policies through a practical, lived-experience lens. Where rules, processes or language create risk, confusion or exclusion, we recommend changes to the Managing Director so APA policies better protect members while staying compliant with IPF requirements.

We give clubs and officials clear guidance

We create simple, practical resources for clubs, coaches, referees and meet directors so inclusion is not guesswork. This includes guidance for competition delivery, member interactions, and responding appropriately when issues arise.

We listen to the community and act on it

We run regular focus groups and feedback opportunities so LGBTIQ+ members and allies can share what is working and what is not. That feedback directly informs priorities, policy recommendations and education work.

We make inclusion visible, not symbolic

We support visibility through campaigns, member stories, and events such as Pride Month. Merchandise like pins, socks and shirts gives members and allies an easy way to show support and signal safety at competitions.

The Rainbow Alliance is about making sure everyone lifts in an environment that is safe, respectful and fair, every time they step onto an APA platform.

Governance and Accountability

Governance

The Rainbow Alliance operates within the Community Engagement pillar of the APA 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and under the oversight of the Managing Director.
A Chair is appointed annually by the Managing Director.
The Rainbow Alliance is advisory and does not hold delegated decision-making authority.
Recommendations are provided directly to the Managing Director for consideration and escalation where appropriate.
Half-yearly reports are provided to the Managing Director and the Board summarising engagement activity, key issues raised, and progress against agreed priorities.

Committee Representation

Balanced representation across the community, including LGBTIQ+ members with lived experience, allies, and a mix of athletes, referees, volunteers and officials, with at least one youth (under 24) lifter where possible. The goal is not rigid quotas, it is ensuring lived experience shapes the work, supported by allies who can champion it across the federation.

Use of Funds

Revenue generated through Rainbow Alliance merchandise will be ring-fenced and allocated specifically to:

Development of education resources and guidance materials
Delivery of engagement activities including focus groups and visibility campaigns
Administrative and design costs directly associated with these initiatives

Funds will not be absorbed into general APA operating budgets. This ensures transparency, accountability, and a clear link between revenue and outcomes.

How to Get Involved

Join the Rainbow Alliance Committee - submit your Expression of Interest here
Become an LGBTIQ+ Ambassador in your gym or state
Purchase and wear merchandise to show visible support - check out our shirts that will be available at Open Nationals
Support members to feel safe, respected and included across all APA spaces