Celebrating inclusivity

As they break through the water’s surface, they will enter an inclusive athletic space where they can fully be themselves.

Tauranga synchronised swimmer Evander Claydon will head to the London 2023 International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics LGBTQ+ Masters Championships later this month.

ey’ll be one of 900-plus competitors from around the world to enter the championships and showcase their athleticism while celebrating inclusivity in sport. e championships are from June 25-30, with LGBTQ+ athletes making a splash in in their chosen water sports from water polo, synchro and more. For 19 year-old Evander Claydon, who identi es as non-binary, they will compete in synchronised swimming. “I’m just so excited about being able to combine both of these very important aspects of my life and represent New Zealand.

“Tauranga Synchro have just been so supportive and great with me coming out as non-binary… but to be surrounded by people who have experienced similar things who are all part of our [rainbow] community –I think it’s going to be something that’s really special.” Bringing the energy in the synchro scene, Evander will perform a solo routine to Abba’s ‘Chiquitita’.

“I kind of just wanted something that was a bit more light hearted and fun but still has a story.

“I think with a lot of senior athletes we tend to pick very serious pieces and they can be very beautiful…but I kind of just wanted something that was a bit more ‘dancey’ to get everyone a bit hyped.” ey say the more inclusivity in all sport, the better this space will be. “Even just things like what language is used or stu like that to make sport more accessible and supportive of the LGBT community. I’ve been really lucky with how supportive the [Tauranga Synchro] Swimming Club has been but I also know many people in the community don’t feel like they can participate in sport because it is so binary at the moment, and they don’t feel comfortable in that space.

Evander says they are looking forward to soaking up the environment that IGLA provides. “ ere’s lots of talks and events, and it’s more than just a competition.

“It’s like a big celebration of the [rainbow] community, and on the last day they walk in the London pride parade – which I think is really cool.” e championships will also feature the fabulous Pink Flamingo – a drag/aqua follies/synchro show in water. Evander, who has been doing synchronised swimming for nine years, hopes that events such as IGLA will one day make their way to Aotearoa.

“In the future hopefully we’ll be able to create an environment that is more supportive and welcoming of everyone, and everyone feels like they can be a part of a sport.”