EFDN Members Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

EFDN Members Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Marking its 52nd anniversary, Pride Month took place throughout June, attracting millions all over the world to cities such as London, Madrid and Paris. Football clubs stepped up their presence throughout the celebrations, promoting the LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s how some of our members took part!

Chelsea FC Foundation once again continued to show their commitment to support, advocate and be an ally, by partnering with Chelsea Pride, their LGBTQIA+ supporter group and taking part in the Pride in London parade. The Chelsea truck hosted a mix of Chelsea Pride members and Chelsea colleagues, as well as mascots Stamford and Bridget and other exciting entertainers.

“We believe it’s vital to play our part and be visible at events like London Pride, to share the message that Chelsea is open to anyone, whoever you may be.”

Simon Taylor, Head of the Chelsea Foundation

On the occasion of the celebration of the International LGTBTQIA+ Pride Day, the Athletic Club wanted to show its support for all the people who want to love and freely live their sexual orientation. To do so, it has opened the doors of the locker room of its first men’s team to José Antonio Nielfa “La Otxoa”, a member of the club and loyal Athletic fan. As soon as he entered, he found all the lockers filled with vintage t-shirts of historic players from all eras of the Club with their respective numbers screen-printed with the colours of the LGBTQIA+ flag, something he highlighted as a “brave and beautiful gesture” in the run-up to “a day to claim and live with pride”.

Moreover, Rangers Football Club and the Rangers Charity Foundation took part once again in this year’s MardiGla event in Glasgow, displaying an inclusive Everyone Anyone banner along with their supporters.

The Foundation was delighted to recently pick up the gong in the Community Ally category at the Proud Scotland Awards for their work promoting diversity and inclusion. The Proud Scotland awards celebrate the work and commitment of individuals and organisations supportive of the LBGTQ+ community, and the Community Ally category recognises those who support the community and have gone above and beyond for LGBTQIA+ equality. The Rangers Charity Foundation’s Diversity Wins programme was one of the initiatives which helped the Foundation secure this coveted award. Launched in 2018, it was one of the first programmes of its kind in the UK and delivered LGBTQIA+ inclusive education to school children across Glasgow.

Liverpool FC is set to take part in the city’s upcoming Pride celebrations, which run throughout July, in solidarity and support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As part of LFC’s Red Together campaign – which demonstrates the club’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion – a range of activities will take place next month to help raise awareness of the issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

From the club’s iconic Liver bird crest displayed in Progress Pride colours across its digital platforms for the entire month, to the foundation’s Pride football tournament, now in its fifth year, Liverpool FC is adding exciting items throughout the month of July. Activities in collaboration with schools and mental health workshops will also take place.

Juventus and Bohemians along with Dublin Devils both to their respective sides confirm their commitment to supporting the LGBTGIA+ community through initiatives and partnerships.

Juventus confirms its commitment to More Colourful Together, a campaign through which the club renews its support for the Rainbow Social Fund and its community. The journey began last year, when the club was the first sports-based sponsor of the event, and through which they proudly confirm their desire to break down stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination, celebrate diversity and defend equality, in the hope of an increasingly inclusive society.

Bohemian Football Club and Dublin Devils FC are delighted to announce a new partnership that reaffirms both clubs’ position as being LGBTQIA+ inclusive. The partnership will see the launch of the first Pride of Dalymount Cup on June 10th when Bohemians Legends and Fans XI will play the Dublin Devils at Dalymount Park. Both clubs will also collaborate on lobbying for the implementation of LGBTQIA+ policy in Irish football, on coaching, and work together to combat homophobia and transphobia in the sport.