By Simon Smith
UPDATE – 6/FEB/2014
Tottenham Hotspur FC and GFSN announce LGB&T Fangroup.
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/formation-of-lgbandampt-fan-group-060214/
The Gay Football Supporters’ Network has formed the GFSN Fangroup Coalition (GFSN FC) to act as an umbrella organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGB&T) football supporters’ clubs throughout the United Kingdom. The initiative is supported by Kick It Out, Stonewall, and major UK football clubs. The Coalition proud to note that it’s formation occurs during the Football v Homophobia Month of Action.
“The focus is often on the players and whether an out gay player would be welcome in the game, but it is important as well to ensure that fans are also welcomed by the football clubs to a safe and tolerant atmosphere. LGB&T fangroups can make a huge contribution to creating this atmosphere and we are delighted to be launching the GFSN Fangroup Coalition today.”
Leviathen Hendricks, GFSN FC Coordinator
The founding members of GFSN FC are:
Gay Gooners – the official LGB&T fangroup of Arsenal FC.
Proud Canaries – the official LGB&T fangroup of Norwich City FC (with Stephen Fry as honorary president).
Canal Street Blues – the official LGB&T fangroup of Manchester City FC.
In addition, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC have all agreed to the formation of LGB&T fangroups and are working closely with GFSN FC to launch them in the very near future. The GFSN is calling upon interested supporters of any UK team to make contact through their website if they are interested in seeing an LGB&T fangroup at their club.
The aims of the coalition include:
- Providing guidance and advice to other LGB&T fans interested in setting up a fangroup for their club and a support network for fangroups themeselves.
- Creating knowledge-sharing resources and regular meetings.
- Advising football clubs on how to support LGB&T fangroups.
“The formation of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network’s Fangroup Coalition (GFSN FC) is a hugely positive step towards making football a more comfortable and welcoming environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGB&T) community. The coalition will allow LGB&T fan groups to exchange ideas on how to overcome barriers facing the community within football, and Kick It Out looks forward to LGB&T supporters from across the country engaging in the initiative.”
Roisin Wood, Director of Kick It Out
Why do we need LGB&T Fangroups?
Football clubs have done a lot of work on diversity issues and to make grounds a more welcoming place, but LGB&T fans often find the terraces an intimidating atmosphere. Homophobic chanting still exists during many matches, as evidenced by our study into chanting against Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Trans people, in particular, often feel like they may be singled out if they attend football matches and joining a fangroup could help them feel more comfortable in that environment. By joining together in fangroups LGB&T people can find support and strength within a group environment, visiting games together or watching on television.
“All football fans want to feel a real sense of belonging to their Team. Unfortunately homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are still very real barriers. We believe that LGB&T fangroups will go a long way toward creating a tolerant and safe environment while providing an equality of social experience for all fans to freely enjoy the excitement of being a proud team supporter.”
Leviathen Hendricks, GFSN FC Coordinator
The social aspect of fangroups is also very important. As with LGB&T football teams it gives people a way to meet others with a common interest, in this case football, outside of the usual gay bars and clubs. There are many LGB&T people who would like to make new friends but don’t want to be part of the traditional ‘gay scene’ and our fangroups, football teams, and the GFSN itself offer an alternative way for them to meet new people.
“Too many football fans continue to hear anti-gay abuse on the terraces week in, week out. Supporters’ groups are a great way for clubs to show their support for gay fans and make a visible stand against homophobia in our national game.”
Alice Ashworth, Policy Officer at Stonewall
LGB&T Fangroups in the UK
In 2012 a group of Arsenal fans set up the UK’s first LGB&T supporters’ club. It is now an official Arsenal supporters’ club and has received a lot of help and input from the club itself. Initiatives so far have included a permanent GayGooners LGB&T fangroup banner at the Emirates stadium, meetings with the club to discuss LGB&T issues, and joining together as official representatives of the club in the London Pride parade.
“We’ve seen our membership grow from eight at the time of our official launch at Emirates in February 2013 to over 30 in June when we marched in the London Community Pride parade behind the Arsenal banner as the first professional club to ever be in London Pride. Today we have 120 members with new applications coming in all the time.”
GayGooners founder, Stewart Selby
“Through the Arsenal for Everyone initiative the Club strives to create an environment where everybody connected with our Club feels an equal sense of belonging. We were delighted to support the foundation of the Gay Gooners, an LGBT group of dedicated Arsenal fans, and drive an initiative where we could really make a difference with the Arsenal for Everyone scheme. It’s exciting to hear that it’s acted as a springboard for other gay supporters groups across football. By working together we can create the environment where football is a welcoming place for everyone.”
Arsenal Football Club’s Communications Director, Mark Gonnella
In late 2013 the Proud Canaries formed with the help and support of Norwich City FC. The fangroup has been working closely with the club on LGB&T issues and now boast actor, broadcaster & activist Stephen Fry as their Honorary President.
“The first and so far only top level out gay footballer was Justin Fashanu, who began his career 35 years ago at Norwich City FC. I’d like to think he’d be proud to see his club undertake hosting an LGB&T fans group. The most effective support is given by fans who feel safe and respected.”
Di Cunningham of Proud Canaries
The most recent fangroup to form is Canal Street Blues at Manchester City FC. Manchester is a city with a large LGB&T population and MCFC works with groups including Village Manchester FC and the GFSN across various projects. Canal Street Blues have quickly become an official branch of the MCFC Supporters’ Club and meet for drinks before games and attend matches together.
“Manchester City Football Club is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, diversity and respect across all its activities. We have worked with the Gay Football Supporters Network for a number of years and welcome the formation of GFSN FC.”
Lisa Eaton, MCFC Supporter Liaison Officer
