LGBT fan groups met up in Manchesrer in June 2017 for Pride in Football’s #CallItOut Symposium at the National Football Museum.
Pride in Football is the national umbrella organisation for LGBT fan groups, founded with assistance from Fans for Diversity, and its membership continues to grow – something which was recognised at the Call It Out event.
Call It Out celebrated the growth of the LGBT supporter movement and energising supporters to carry on championing the rights of LGBT fans.
“Three years ago when we staarted there were only four LGBT fans groups – now there are almost 30”, said Di Cunningham from Proud Canaries and Pride in Football.
“The visilibility of LGBT fans has increased a lot in that time. It’s really important that LGBT supporters see there are others out there and that they’re welcome in our football grounds”.
The Proud Canaries were one of the original four founder members of Pride in Football along with Gay Gooners, Canal Street Blues and Proud Lilywhites.
Brentford, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town, Bradford City and Chelsea are just some of the clubs whose fans have created LGBT fan groups in the last year.
The event also looked at homophobia in football, including the challenges still facing LGBT supporters – as well as promoting further reporting of LGBT discrimination, improved training for club stewards and much more.
“There is better reporting, stewarding and training in place now”, Di said. “So things are improving slowly but we’d like to see more done at lower league and non-league level. But it isn’t just about making football more welcoming for LGBT fans, we want to improve football for everyone”.
“It was a really positive event, with delegates leaving with new ideas and renewed motivation to make watching football as an LGBT+ fan a safe, and enjoyable experience – as long as their team wins!” Gemma Teale – LGbeeTs, Brentford FC