UEFA executive at LGBT Euro 2012 party

From Gay Star News:

A UEFA chief has emphasized the organizations commitment to tackling homophobia at a gay reception hosted in the Ukraine.

He was joined by soccer fans from France, Spain, Portugal and Austria at the party hosted by British lesbian activist Claire Dimyon where he met members of the LGBT community in Donetsk.

Together they toasted gay pride and Ukrainian Constitution Day, which is on 28 June, at the party last night (26 June).

Patrick Gasser, who heads UEFA’s football and social responsibility unit, said: ‘I am here to confirm our commitment to oppose all forms of discrimination, all homophobia and all racism. I am delighted to participate in the special celebration of pride.’
Keep reading HERE.

Marcus Urban urges support for petition against Ukrainian homophobia

Out retired footballer Marcus Urban in Huffington Post (h/t Keph Senett):

Soccer is a global sport with a global following -- and it's worth a lot of money. Clubs pay big money to train and develop young, talented players, they offer bigger money to attract the biggest names, companies pay millions in sponsorship and advertisements, merchandise for clubs and players is sold around the world. The pressure to perform -- and conform -- is huge.

The cost of that pressure is simply too high. I know because I paid it. "I am a soccer player, so I can't be gay"; I used to repeat this sentence to myself. In 1991, even though I was one of an elite few of the most promising young, German players, I quit my career.

Every day, I was hiding. Pretending not to be different next to trainers, teachers, managers, fans, relatives. I struggled trying to control every gesture, and I had no life outside of soccer. Still, I wanted to play against the best so the pain endured.

In the end, I had to decide. The choice was soccer or my life. I chose life.

Now, a full 20 years later, has the situation changed? Only a few days ago, Italian team's forward Antonio Cassano said he hopes there are no gay players in his ranks at the European Football Championships (Euro 2012). He's since apologized [sic], but the attitudes linger. This Championship is televised across the world and globally reported. Entire towns and families gather to watch their home team take on the continent. Families with kids who are just like I was. Whether he realizes it or not, Cassano is telling them they must conform. He's teaching them soccer's gay gag rule.

But there are places where things are worse even than they can be on the field. In Ukraine -- where Euro 2012 is hosted this year -- Parliament is about to vote on their own version of the gay gag rule passed in Russia earlier this year. A "propaganda" law to silence any reading, writing, speech or debate on anything "gay."

When I came out, I felt alive again. I was free to speak up and speak out. A right that is about to be denied to all Ukrainians.

It's not only on the field that we need to make a difference. Instead of just reminiscing, I've decided to do something about it. I am supporting people just like me, who are living in Ukraine right now, by speaking up against this law -- and you can stand with me right now, while the attention of the entire worlds on Ukraine and Euro 2012: www.allout.org/ukraine.

Soccer players, fans, and managers alike can all help get rid of the gay gag rule, on and off the field. By speaking out against Cassano's comments the Italian manager, Cesare Prandelli, is making a real difference. Now it's Ukraine's turn -- while the global spotlight is shining on them during Euro 2012. Thousands of people around the world have sent me their own stories after they heard mine. We should all be a part of making sure that soccer, the world's game, is special for every kid including the ones who are just like me.

I hope that one day, my story is part of the distant past. A past that we fought against and one we do not want to see repeated.

Italy coach says homophobia is as bad as racism: will he continue to play his homophobic player?

Cassano my not be a homophobe in his heart, but he is in his mouth, and his non-apology changes nothing. From The Guardian:

Antonio Cassano was wearing a diamond stud in each earlobe when he announced to a press conference in Krakow this week that he hoped there were no froci – queers, faggots, poofs – in the Italy squad. How times change.

"If I say what I think, there's going to be chaos," he said, his smile and his diamonds twinkling away. "Are there any gays in the dressing room? I hope not. In any case, it's their problem and it's nothing to do with me."

Cassano is a bit of a lad, and he was laughing as he said all this on Tuesday. He had been asked to comment on a claim by the writer and campaigner Alessandro Cecchi Paone that the present Azzurri squad contained three "metrosexuals", two gay players and one bisexual. And, presumably, a partridge in a pear tree.

Just to complicate matters, Cecchi Paone is the author of a recent book on gay people in sport, published with a foreword by Cesare Prandelli, the manager of Italy. Prandelli has said that, in his view, "homophobia is the same as racism".

[...]

Cassano issued a swift apology [sic] for his statement, along the usual PR-scripted lines. "I sincerely regret that my statements have sparked controversy and protests from gay rights groups," the striker said. "Homophobia is a sentiment that is not mine. I did not want to offend anyone and I cannot question the sexual freedom of other people. I only said it is a problem that does not concern me and it is not for me to pass judgment on the choices of others, who are all respected."

[...]

It may be that Cassano just thought he could get away with having a laugh at the press conference. But here is the perfect opportunity for Prandelli to undertake a bit of re-education. He should tell Cassano that not only are his words unacceptable, but so is the thinking behind them – and that he can take the evening off against Croatia on Thursday in order to have a think about it, while donating a portion of his tournament fee to an appropriate anti-discrimination charity.

Compared with the mess of racism, this latest cassanata is a simple business. And it should have a simple conclusion.

Read in full HERE.

Photos from opening of Euro Pride House

LGBT Action at Euro 2012

The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) has teamed up with the Pride Solidarity Campaign (supported by FARE) to identify opportunities for LGBT inclusion & human rights during Euro 2012. Clare Dimyon of Pride Solidarity been in Ukraine since Kyiv Pride, visiting Ukrainian LGBT communities, including those in the four host cities of Kyiv, Karkhiv, Lviv and Donetsk. Clare has been promoting Football v Homophobia, the global campaign against prejudice and discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in football www.footballvhomophobia.com in preparation for Euro 2012. Meanwhile, EGLSF has been preparing for the opening of Euro Pride House in Warsaw on Friday 8 June (part of the Football for Equality initiative). Euro Pride House is a space for all fans, players and football supporters during the Championships. Its focus is on the LGBT community but is open to anyone who wants to challenge homophobia in football.

During the tournament, the partners will be delivering two specific campaigns, ‘Wear a Rainbow at Euro 2012’ and ‘YOUR Euro Pride House’.

Wear A Rainbow at Euro 2012

Last month people witnessed with horror the brutal beating of Svyatoslav Sheremet, head of the Gay-Forum of Ukraine, at the first ever gay parade in Kiev. This sparked major concerns over the safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people in Ukraine as well as those attending Euro 2012 in Ukraine in June. ‘Wear a Rainbow at euro 2012’ is a campaign to show solidarity with LGBT in Ukraine during the Euros. Anyone interested in challenging the violence perpetrated against LGBT in Europe can wear a silicone rainbow wristband to show support. Wristbands will be available at Euro Pride House in Warsaw and from various venues in Ukraine and those not in Ukraine and Poland can join in with this simple act of solidarity.

YOUR Euro Pride House

This campaign aims to enable LGBT people in Ukraine to hold their own Euro Pride Houses in environments in which they feel safe. Clare from the Pride Solidarity Campaign is facilitating a range of ‘Euro Pride Houses’ in various locations across Ukraine and supplying activists with Football v Homophobia leaflets, t shirts and, of course wristbands for the ‘Wear a Rainbow at Euro 2012 campaign.

The YOUR Euro Pride House campaign also enables other European LGBT people to engage in Euro Pride House. Obviously many LGBT players, fans & activists will be watching Euro 2012 matches in their own countries, and will not be making the trip to Poland or Ukraine. YOUR Euro Pride House is a campaign to engage these fans in LGBT human rights issues in Central and Eastern Europe through football and enable us to use Euro 2012 as a vehicle to mobilise support. The campaign will enable fans, wherever they are in Europe, to be a part of Euro Pride house, by printing out the Euro Pride House logo from the Facebook page and posting a photo of themselves and their friends/team mates celebrating Euro 2012 wherever they are in Europe.

New fanzine for Euro2012 diversity

News from FairPlay:

It was a long way but now it is ready: the first Football for Equality FANZINE. Right in time for the kickoff of the UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, FairPlay proudly presents this brochure.

Under the motto “2012- Go East young (wo)men” the Fanzine addresses Homophobia and Discrimination in Football with a focus on the situation of LGBTIQs (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Intersex/Queer)
and (anti-)discrimination in the host countries of the EURO and the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Championships (EuroGames) which will be held this year in Budapest, Hungary.

CONTENT ++++ Nicole Selmer discusses relations of „East“ and „West“ and Enikő Várhelyi tells us
about the EuroGames in Budapest ++++ Activists talk with FairPlay on homophobia in Hungary and
Ukraine +++ Pavel Klymenko and Michal Karas take a look at the Polish and Ukrainian stands ++ TanjaWalther-Ahrens links sexism and homophobia in the context of women’s football +++ Dirk Brüllau onqueer fan organizations and Stefan Heissenberger about the need for LGBTIQ-sport clubs ++++++++ The EURO PRIDE HOUSES at the EURO and an exhibition showing (hi)stories of discrimination and emancipation of LGBTIQ-sportspeople ++++

INTERESTED? Send an Email to fairplay@vidc.org with your address, the numbers of copies you need
and we send you the Fanzine(s) for free. Shipping will not be charged.


WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK everybody who contributed to the Fanzine: Ulrike Lunacek for writing a
welcome statement, the authors who enlightened the topic from their different perspectives (as
journalists, fans, LGBTIQ activists, scientists,…). As well as our project partners within the EU-funden
Football for Equality project (Football Supporters Europe – FSE, European Gay and Lesbian Sport
Federation – EGLSF, Institute of Sport Development - SPOLINT, L’udia proti Rasizmu, Unione Italiana
Sport per Tutti – UISP). We also would like to thank the association Qwien (Center for gay/lesbian
culture and history Vienna, www.qwien.at) who allowed us to re-print the poster “Kick out
homophobia” and our graphic designer Patricia Enigl who showed a lot of patience.
We hope to see you at one of the many activities and events within the Football for Equality-project.
Let’s put homophobia offside together – against discrimination in football and all around!

For more information visit:
www.footballforequality.org | www.fairplay.or.at | www.facebook.com/footballforequality

Kind regards,
FairPlay – Different colours. One game.

Be part of EuroPrideHouse, wherever you are!

LGBT Action at Euro 2012

The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) has teamed up with the Pride Solidarity Campaign (supported by FARE) to identify opportunities for LGBT inclusion & human rights during Euro 2012. Clare Dimyon of Pride Solidarity been in Ukraine since Kyiv Pride, visiting Ukrainian LGBT communities, including those in the four host cities of Kyiv, Karkhiv, Lviv and Donetsk. Clare has been promoting Football v Homophobia, the global campaign against prejudice and discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in football www.footballvhomophobia.com in preparation for Euro 2012. Meanwhile, EGLSF has been preparing for the opening of Euro Pride House in Warsaw on Friday 8 June (part of the Football for Equality initiative). Euro Pride House is a space for all fans, players and football supporters during the Championships. Its focus is on the LGBT community but is open to anyone who wants to challenge homophobia in football.

During the tournament, the partners will be delivering two specific campaigns, ‘Wear a Rainbow at Euro 2012’ and ‘YOUR Euro Pride House’.

Wear A Rainbow at Euro 2012

Last month people witnessed with horror the brutal beating of Svyatoslav Sheremet, head of the Gay-Forum of Ukraine, at the first ever gay parade in Kiev. This sparked major concerns over the safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people in Ukraine as well as those attending Euro 2012 in Ukraine in June. ‘Wear a Rainbow at euro 2012’ is a campaign to show solidarity with LGBT in Ukraine during the Euros. Anyone interested in challenging the violence perpetrated against LGBT in Europe can wear a silicone rainbow wristband to show support. Wristbands will be available at Euro Pride House in Warsaw and from various venues in Ukraine and those not in Ukraine and Poland can join in with this simple act of solidarity.

YOUR Euro Pride House

This campaign aims to enable LGBT people in Ukraine to hold their own Euro Pride Houses in environments in which they feel safe. Clare from the Pride Solidarity Campaign is facilitating a range of ‘Euro Pride Houses’ in various locations across Ukraine and supplying activists with Football v Homophobia leaflets, t shirts and, of course wristbands for the ‘Wear a Rainbow at Euro 2012 campaign.

The YOUR Euro Pride House campaign also enables other European LGBT people to engage in Euro Pride House. Obviously many LGBT players, fans & activists will be watching Euro 2012 matches in their own countries, and will not be making the trip to Poland or Ukraine. YOUR Euro Pride House is a campaign to engage these fans in LGBT human rights issues in Central and Eastern Europe through football and enable us to use Euro 2012 as a vehicle to mobilise support. The campaign will enable fans, wherever they are in Europe, to be a part of Euro Pride house, by printing out the Euro Pride House logo from the Facebook page and posting a photo of themselves and their friends/team mates celebrating Euro 2012 wherever they are in Europe.

Euro Pride House welcomes fans at UEFA Euro 2012

Next week Warsaw will see the opening of “Euro Pride House”, a place for the LGBT community to enjoy Euro2012 in safety alongside straight friends, allies and fellow supporters in an environment of tolerance and respect for fundamental human rights.

Throughout June Euro Pride House will screen matches, host a table football tournament and play host to a range of debates and networking events. Of course, there is also a very well stocked bar and great local seasonal food for any fans looking for a friendly place to relax during the tournament.

For more information about the Launch of Euro Pride House contact: Lou Manders, EGLSF Co-President: lou@eglsf.info

Auf Deutsch / Volker Beck warnt Homosexuelle vor Ukraine

Friend of the Gay Games Volker Beck, a German member of parliament, warns homosexuals against going to Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football cup:

Der Grünen-Politiker Volker Beck hat Homosexuelle vor einer Reise zur Fußball-EM 2012 in die Ukraine gewarnt. Ihre Sicherheit sei nicht gewährleistet. Zwar könne die Polizei für Sicherheit sorgen, wenn sie das wolle. «Aber gegenüber Menschen mit anderer Hautfarbe oder Lesben und Schwulen will sie das eben nicht» so Beck.

Die Sicherheit von Fußball-Fans in der Ukraine ist nach Auffassung des Grünen-Politikers Volker Beck während der Fußball-EM 2012 nicht gewährleistet. Es sei zu bezweifeln, dass in der Ukraine «wirklich alle Fans bei der Europameisterschaft gleichermaßen sicher sind», sagte Beck der Nachrichtenagentur dapd.

Die Polizei könne für Sicherheit sorgen, wenn sie das wolle. «Aber gegenüber bestimmten Gruppen, wie Menschen mit anderer Hautfarbe oder gegenüber Lesben und Schwulen, will sie das eben nicht», fügte der Parlamentarische Geschäftsführer der Grünen-Bundestagsfraktion hinzu.

Keep reading HERE.

Gay football fans in danger at UEFA Euro 2012 in Ukraine

From the Independent, coverage of the risk for fans at the coming UEFA championship to be held in Poland and the Ukraine:

Gay England football fans travelling to Ukraine for Euro 2012 have been warned to keep a low profile for their own safety. The advice came after Kiev's first ever gay pride parade was cancelled on Sunday amid fears of violence from far-right thugs.

Television pictures showed Svyatoslav Sheremet, head of the Gay Forum of Ukraine, being kicked and jumped on by a group of men after the event was stopped. Amnesty International said police in the capital advised organisers to abandon the march just 30 minutes before it was due to start after 500 ultra-right football hooligans had gathered.

Thousands of England fans will travel to the eastern European country for Euro 2012, which begins on June 8. Amnesty International Ukraine campaigner Max Tucker said: "Gay England football fans will have extremely good reason to be concerned. "Not only will they have to deal with violent football hooligans who deliberately target gay people and people of ethnic minorities, they will also face an extremely corrupt police force who have a track record of beating and mistreating people because of their sexual orientation." He added: "I would advise any gay England football supporters going to the Ukraine to go there with extreme caution and be on the lookout for both the police and hooligans and try to keep as low a profile as possible."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a travel warning which said conditions for gay people in Ukraine were deteriorating. It stated: "Although homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. "There is no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and there has recently been an increase in hostility towards the LGBT community."

Gay rights campaign group Stonewall called on the UK authorities to provide reassurance over fans' safety. Sam Dick, head of policy at the organisation, said: "The shocking violence against gay people in Ukraine will be of considerable further concern to the many lesbian and gay fans heading to watch Euro 2012. "We expect both the Football Association (FA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to answer the serious questions about what they have done to make sure gay people visiting and living in the Ukraine are safe during the tournament and beyond."

Keep reading HERE.

Petition calls on Euro 2012 football players to show solidarity with LGBT people in Ukraine

A petition has been launched to ask football teams participating in the Euro 2012 championship to show solidarity with LGBT people in the Ukraine, victims of homophobic violence and other forms of discrimination:

To support Ukrainian LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people and their friends and families) after a weekend in which 2 Gay* PRIDE organisers were violently attacked and injured even *after* they had abandoned the public Gay* PRIDE event in the face of overwhelming threats of violence against PRIDE participants. The peaceful Gay* PRIDE event was to highlight the severe difficulties encountered by LGBT people living in the Ukraine who cannot even make peaceful representations in the Ukrainian capital, the week that the law Article 8711, which forbids "homosexual propaganda", was discussed in the Ukrainian parliament (Vehovna Rada).

We urge the national football teams of countries whose foreign ministries have been active in upholding the human rights & dignity of LGBT+ people (Sweden, Netherlands, France, England, Germany, Denmark... express their solidarity by wearing something rainbow, (on the pitch, off the pitch, at the start of the game) to send a ray of hope to Ukrainian LGBT+ people, that they are *not* alone and that their future as LGBT people can be better.

Learn more and sign HERE.

9 April 2012 / Auf Deutsch / Queer in (ost)Europa!?

Am 09.04.2012 findet in Hamburg eine sehr interessante Diskussionsveranstaltung zum Thema Homophobie im Fußball im Kontext der anstehenden EM in Polen und der Ukrine mit Fans und Aktivisten aus Polen, Ukraine, England, Östereich und Deutschland statt.