LGBT Football
Widening lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) representation in football
An individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity should never be a barrier to participating in, and enjoying, our national sport.
To that effect, The FA will:
- Identify boundaries within football that prevent LGBT people from engaging with the sport and ensure that every opportunity is given to enable members of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities to participate and progress within their chosen area of participation in football
- Combat all forms of homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic language and behaviour – whether by spectators, players, coaches or other participants.
The FA is uniquely placed to tackle unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour in football. Why? Because as the guardian of the game in this country, The FA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the game exists for EVERYONE. To work towards a more LGBT inclusive game we will:
- promote a positive, inclusive image and reputation for the game, its participants and supporters
- work with LGBT community and football stakeholders to identify boundaries to LGBT participation and work collaboratively and collectively to address them preserve player and participant welfare
- support professional clubs and our County FA network in developing good practice around LGBT inclusion and engagement
- amend the Laws of the Game to outlaw homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic language and behaviour
- encourage and support current and future generations of participants from all communities to join the football family, whether as players, match officials, supporters, coaches or administrators/volunteers.
The FA has identified Football v Homophobia as its chosen campaign, partnering with the Justin Campaign to educate widely on homophobia. For more details on this campaign http://www.footballvhomophobia.com/
Other contacts include:
Kick It Out www.kickitout.org
The Justin Campaign www.thejustincampaign.com
Pride Sports http://www.pridesports.org.uk/#!Home/mainPage
GFSN www.gfsn.org.uk
Stonewall www.stonewall.org.uk
Stonewall FC www.stonewallfc.com
Homophobia: Let's tackle it - preview pages of education pack
A Homophobia education pack produced by Show Racism the Red Card which aims to educate learners about the causes and consequences of Homophobia and encourage respect for the differences between people regardless of sexual orientation.
http://www.theredcard.org/uploaded/Homophobia,%20Let's%20Tackle%20It%20PREVIEW%20PAGES.pdf
Homophobia: Let's tackle it - film interviews and trailers
A short educational film produced by Show Racism the Red Card, featuring celebrities and professional footballers discussing the issue of Homophobia in football.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JviWWEwFzM&list=PL9B19E367729CAA89&feature=plcp
Homophobia in football film
A short awareness film produced by Kick it Out educating on homophobic abuse at football.
.ashx?w=300&h=290 "kids football is changing")