The film will explore the idea of “unapologetic strength”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY RFU
Queer icon Arlo Parks has teamed up with the 2025 Rugby World Cup winners, the Red Roses, on a powerful new spoken word film exploring unapologetic strength.
Arlo was joined by rugby stars Sarah Bern, Marlie Packer, Abi Burton, May Campbell and Connie Powell at Allianz Stadium to develop a spoken word piece together that explored what it means to show up as yourself both on and off the pitch.
Speaking about the collaboration, Arlo said: “The Red Roses are one of the most extraordinary teams in sport right now – and spending time with them, you understand why. This piece came out of a really honest conversation about what it means to be strong on your own terms. I hope people feel that when they watch it.”
This new film comes just in time for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, where the Red Roses will aim for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam. Arlo is also gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated album Ambiguous Desire on 3 April.
In an exclusive to DIVA, LGBTQIA+ icon Sarah Bern spoke about how being gay has given her unapologetic strength. “The LGBTQIA+ community has empowered me and given me the strength to be my unapologetic self,” she said.
Sarah continued: “The community celebrates everyone and the hardships that we’ve gone through. It’s taught me that we have to be strong. It’s taught me that just because things are different, it doesn’t mean they have to be bad. There’s so much amazing stuff coming from people who are unique and different. That’s allowed me to accept who I am. I am unique. I am different. It allows me to feel brave to be who I am. Without that community, I wouldn’t be standing here today!”
Last year, the Red Roses overcame Canada 33-13 at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, making them champions once again. The final was watched by a record-breaking 5.8 million UK viewers. The Women’s Rugby World Cup also saw at least 54 openly LGBTQIA+ players take to the pitch, making it a beacon for inclusivity and diversity in sport.
In January, Arlo announced her third album, Ambiguous Desire, was on the way, and described it as the product of “two plus years of blood, sweat, tears, dancing hard and loving deeply.”
On 10 April, O2 will host an exclusive evening with Arlo Parks at The O2. Through Priority, fans will get a first listen to previews from her forthcoming album Ambiguous Desire, alongside a special installation featuring her Red Roses poem and a chance to share their own reflections on “unapologetic strength.”
Red Roses open 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations vs Ireland, Allianz Stadium on 11 April.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
