Lesbians Incorporated is committed to providing financial backing to lesbians and lesbian-friendly groups in Australia through our community grants scheme. All grant applications are closed for 2019. We will be announcing the recipients of out second round of grants in November. While the current submissions are being reviewed by our committee we will continue to share stories of our past grant recipients and their success stories.
Acegirls received a grant to provide tennis tournament scholarships for lesbians in Australia.
Acegirls is Melbourne’s lesbian tennis training club and has been operating continuously for 17, years since 2002. They offer tennis training workshops to Melbourne’s lesbian community, supporting a wide of age groups, from 18 to 70+. Acegirls also provide advice on fitness, tournaments, racquets, equipment, stringing and provide a monthly social dinner for past and present members. Acegirls have been successful in connecting lesbian players who need doubles partners, training partners, and new friends especially for those who are new to Melbourne and Australia. They have welcomed many new players from interstate and overseas, providing important social connections, and provide role models for health and fitness.
Through the Lesbians Incorporated grant received in 2019, ten scholarships were established and provided supportive pathways into tournaments at an appropriate level for each of the Acegirls players so that they can have a positive experience and gain confidence.
These tournaments will be on a variety of circuits such as :
• Tennis Australia tournaments
• Country Victoria tournaments
• International Tennis Federations tournaments
• GLTA (Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association) tournaments
In August 2018 several Acegirls competed in the international Gay Games held in Paris. Every single player was successful in bringing home a medal from the tournament, which is testament to the quality of support Acegirls provide and the commitment of their players. For more information on how to become involved please check out the Acegirls webpage.