This February marked Football v Homophobia’s 15th month of action, a campaign that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. The campaign realises the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change.
Chelsea Football Club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Chelsea Pride, attended Football v Homophobia’s 15th anniversary event at Westminster, where last year’s activation was highlighted by parliamentarians. Their chair, Tracy Brown, was invited to speak at the event, which celebrated 15 years of action targeted at changing the landscape of football to make it more inclusive.
The group also attended the men’s first team’s away game at Manchester City, hosted by City’s own LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Canal Street Blues. Their collaboration showed how football can be used as a force for good, no matter who you support.
Chelsea Pride were in attendance at the recent Chelsea Women vs Manchester City Women game, our Football v Homophobia activation match, further signalling Chelsea’s on- and off-pitch commitment to the campaign and our combined effort in tackling homophobia.
Additionally, Chelsea FC and Chelsea Pride worked proudly together while they partnered with neighbouring football clubs Brentford, Fulham and QPR, and Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham Councils, to mark the significant occasion that is the Festival of Football presented by West London Queer Project. The Festival of Football was a day to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community within football and support Football v Homophobia's month of action, as well as LGBTQ+ history month.