International Day Against Homophobia in Football
On Monday 19th February, in the middle of Football v Homophobia month, International Day Against Homophobia, (Biphobia and Transphobia) in Football is celebrated. This day commemorates the birthday of Justin Fashanu – the first professional UK footballer to come out as gay openly in the media.
The day is recognised around the world with varying sporting Clubs highlighting campaigning in different ways. The Dracs de Barcelona have a special campaign to collect clothing, household goods and non-perishable food for our less fortunate members of the LGTBQI+ community, who live in very poor conditions or directly on the street. The promotion and dissemination of images and posters that promote LGTBQI+ inclusion in the world of sport in general and especially in football, through the hashtag that gives its name to or any information follow the video or go to this Instagram profile.#XutemcontraHomophobia.
Football v Homophobia in the month of February in now an integral part of the UK Diversity Calendar, having celebrated its 15th anniversary this year at the Houses of Parliament on the 5th February earlier this month. The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) were there and represented by its Co- President Joanie Evans and Vice President of External Relations – Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett.
The evening amongst fellow activists, LGBTQ+ amateur sports teams, role models and politicians discussed in full with expert panelists on the issues of Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in football in particular but recognising these issues go across many sports with detailed social media analysis and first hand experiences of homophobia at UK football grounds was saddening but the mood was resolute and resilient that more work is needed and we have to work together to eradicate this from the game, that so many love.
Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett, who attended the event with several different roles coinciding on one night, felt “the event had been an enormous success, of networking, listening to others experiences and sharing ideas on best practice on how to combat this unacceptable scourge, on the “beautiful game” and how education and working together is the best way to change peoples behaviour”. A massive thanks, goes to Jon Holmes from OutSports and Sportsmedia LGBT and Lou Engelfield from Football v Homophobia for organising the event, hosted by Hannah Bardell MP.
Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett
Vice President of External Relations.
