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Football v Homophobia

By working together across football, we can make a difference


ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. As an international initiative FvH engages in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building to:

1.      Make existing football structures safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTI people

2.      Create opportunities and promote engagement of LGBTI people in football at all levels and in all forms

3.      Improve the representation and visibility of LGBTI people throughout football

4.      To realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change


FvH STORY

We want football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Football v Homophobia was originally conceived and launched by the Justin Campaign in 2010.The Justin Campaign www.thejustincampaign.com, a small voluntary run football campaign group, was founded in 2008 to demonstrate that ten years after Justin Fashanu’s tragic suicide in 1998, homophobia was still hugely prevalent in both grassroots and professional football. Along with raising awareness the campaign had a strong focus on Art, Events, Education and football.

In 2012, LGBT Sports Development and Equity organisation Pride Sports www.pridesports.org.uk joined with the Justin campaign to help deliver Football v Homophobia, and in 2014 the organisation took over the delivery of the campaign altogether. Whilst the campaign receives wide-ranging support throughout football, core funding for Football v Homophobia is sought on a year-by-year basis.

GET INVOLVED

We work all year round, but FEBRUARY is the Football v Homophobia Month of Action where we ask clubs, fans, players, football authorities and other supporters to focus their efforts.

If your club wish to support and promote this campaign, you can find resources online here: Resources | Football v Homophobia – there are posters / banners / logos that could be added to club’s website / social media, the website could be added as a link to club’s online presence.  Posters could be placed in clubhouses to help conversations.

 

INFORMATION / ONLINE TRAINING WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY

 

FvH online workshop with Allies United (Football v Homophobia) Monday 5th February 2024 6.30pm – 8pm Online – Microsoft Teams To register your place, please email ashley.harris@devonfa.com

Football v Homophobia and Just Eat team up to launch Allies United – the first initiative designed to support grassroots football clubs in enabling more inclusivity in the grassroots game.

Just Eat research reveals that over 70% of people from the LGBTQIA+ community would not consider playing football, with barriers cited as concerns about homophobic and transphobic language used, a lack of feeling welcomed and there not being enough conversation around LGBTQIA+ allyship.

We want everyone to be ‘free to be’ themselves in football, regardless of gender and identity. 

Watch the video featuring England star Conor Coady to learn more!

Delivered by the team at Football vs Homophobia, this FREE virtual workshop will provide expert advice and resources on how your club can support LGBTQ+ players and supporters.

COURSE CONTENT

  • Introduction (including introduction to terminology)
  • What we know about LGBTQ+ people, sport & physical activity
  • Barriers to participation
  • Language
  • How to create LGBTQ+ inclusive environments
  • Being an LGBTQ+ ally