Gay Times has teamed up with the Premier League as part of their new Premier League with Pride initiative, a community-centric project centering inclusivity and acceptance across the game launching in tandem with LGBT History Month.
Football fandom has long been more diverse than it's given credit for. While the conversation often focuses on the barriers to entry, the true story of the modern game is found in the stands and in grassroots communities where LGBTQIA+ fans are reclaiming their space. Beyond the stereotypes, there is a thriving, diverse queer community of fans for whom their affinity for the game is rewarded with a profound sense of connection and pride.
The Premier League has long been committed to uplifting and centering the voices of the inclusive majority; a group that truly reflects the breadth of the League’s extensive fandom.
Enter: Premier League With Pride - a new initiative to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in football, highlighting the work the league and its clubs are doing to make the game more inclusive.
The initiative, which will be visible at all Premier League matches between 6 and 12 February, builds on the League’s existing equality, diversity and inclusion work, with a focus on strengthening work in three key areas: education, celebration and action.
As part of the new initiative, the Premier League is collaborating with national LGBTQ+ listening service Switchboard, whose trained volunteers are on hand to discuss anything that might be on your mind, whether you’re a member of the community, a family member or a friend.
To mark the launch of the campaign, we sat down with twenty unique individuals from our wider community - each connected by two very strong threads: their love for Premier League football and their unwavering identities.
From all walks of life and across the far-flung corners of the country, from official club LGBTQ+ supporter networks to your five-a-side teams, our cohort reflected an array of football fandom, experiences and identities.
Many of our fans had some association with official club LGBTQIA+ supporter groups, there now being over 50 such networks across the top tiers of English football. With Football v Homophobia reporting that 51% of fans feel that being part of an LGBTQ+ fan group increases their confidence to attend home matches, these groups go a long way in helping to improve the experience of LGBTQIA+ supporters.
And when the camera started rolling on set, it was clear that this fandom was no lesser than in more stereotypical football fandom circles. The richness of stories and the visceral passion within the room was palpable - across identities, ages and ethnicities we heard a resounding overtone: Our love for the game is no different.
Manchester United fan
My hope is, there is an understanding in the culture, at its core, that despite our different identities, we share the passion for our teams. I see a future where players, referees & managers feel comfortable enough to live their truths. Where we do not need to search for representation, we are surrounded by it.
Liverpool fan
Football is for all of us. Whoever you are and whoever you love, you belong here. Let’s back our teams with pride, stand up for each other, and make every ground a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and celebrated.
Tottenham Hotspur fan
As someone who myself has only been brave enough to come out recently, everything will be okay no matter how hard it potentially may be to get there, you will get there.
West Ham fan
Football has the power to do so much to bring communities together. It has united divided nations, made us proud when all around us looks bleak. [I] truly believe there can be a game where we can be ourselves on and off the field. Where pride in who we are matches pride in our teams.
Wolves fan
My hope for the future of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in football is that acceptance is a given, not a privilege - and that every single person will be free to love, support and play for whoever they want. There is more that ties us together than will ever tear us apart. Love wins!
Everton fan
There is a place for us all in football. The more diverse our fanbases are, and the more pride we take in being ourselves, the better football will become for everyone. We should never have to hide who we are to be valid supporters of the teams that we love.
Chelsea Fan
My hope is that LGBTQIA+ fans can show up to matches without weighing up safety or self-censorship.
Sunderland fan
I would say my hope is a future where LGBTQIA+ fans, players and officials are openly themselves without fear. Where abuse is challenged, representation is normal and joy outweighs courage. LGBTQIA+ are always going to exist whether it’s accepted or not, so football should celebrate diversity daily until respect and pride are ordinary parts of every match day.
Nottingham Forest fan
Football always felt distant to me growing up[...]. But joining local queer teams showed me another side - joy, care, where even men freely express emotion in public! It’s where intergenerational friendships form, and where watching or playing becomes a way of being together. Football builds community, and that will always be a radical act.
Aston Villa
I hope for a future where LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in football is unapologetically joyful
For more information on Premier League With Pride, head to premierleague.com/plwithpride.
