4 August 2012 / Liverpool FC to take part in Liverpool Pride

The motto of Liverpool FC is "You'll never walk alone", well suited for their decision to walk with LGBT people and friends in this year's Liverpool Pride. From Gay Star News:

Liverpool FC has announced they are to march in the city’s gay pride festival, making them first premier league club to show open support for LGBT pride.

The team is captained by England FC’s Steven Gerrard and players will march with the Liverpool Ladies side under a banner displaying the club's crest. The team will also be selling club merchandise to raise money for pride.

Liverpool FC recently worked with Liverpool Pride on the Football v Homophobia tournament, hosted at the club’s academy earlier this year. The aim of the tournament was to end any association between football and homophobia.

Keep reading HERE.

FGG, along with IGLFA and Football v Homophobia, present letter to Brazilian and Russian Ambassadors

Today the French Olympic Committee hosted at its headquarters the 17th annual strategic conferences of the IRIS think tank. The theme of the conferences was "The strategic stakes for sport" (program HERE).

Originally the Brazilian and Russian ambassadors to France were to speak during the session devoted to "competition for the organization of world-class sports competitions". The FGG wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to call on these countries to respect human rights for all and to ensure that homophobia not spoil the events they'll be hosting (each country will be hosting both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games). Our primary concern of course is Russia.

We were joined by FGG member organization International Gay and Lesbian Football Association, and by Football v Homophobia (read below). The goal was to have Marc Naimark, FGG vice president for external affairs, present these letters by hand to the ambassadors (who were in fact replaced by embassy advisors).

During the session, another participant raised the question of human rights in host countries. We expected a denial of any problems from the Russian embassy, but the response was particularly grotesque, along the lines of "Human rights? We don't respect human rights in Russia? I am totally confused by your question!" The response from the Brazilian representative was hardly better: "We have had enough of certain countries who think they can teach us lessons, who treat us as natives who they need to civilize." And all day long, the organizer of the event, Pascal Boniface, head of IRIS, treated with the greatest contempt any criticism of host countries on human rights grounds. But this is hardly surprising when you learn that Mr Boniface often works as a consultant in the Gulf, and often visits Qatar.(And we'll note in passing that of the 19 moderators and speakers, a grand total of 1 was a woman, former health and sports minister Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin.)

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You are speaking today at a conference on sport hosted by the French Olympic Committee. You are participating as representatives of your countries, which will soon be hosting major international sports events: the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. Brazil will be hosting the World Cup in 2014, and Russia in 2018, with the Winter Olympics hosted in Sochi in 2014 and the Summer Games in Rio in 2016.

These events must promote the universal values of sport, and in particular the principles of the Olympic Charter which declares that “any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement”.

As LGBT sports organizations, we are concerned by the way in which LGBT athletes, trainers, journalists, officials, volunteers, spectators and fans will be treated at your events. The case of Russia is particularly worrying, given the progression of institutional homophobia in the country, the refusal of a project for a Pride House in Sochi, and a climate of violence and threats.

Everyone must be able to participate in sport, and all the more so for sports events that are supposed to unite people in universal human values.

This is why we are asking you to communicate to the political and sporting authorities of your countries our call for sports events that are open, welcoming, and safe for all, and in particular for LGBT participants, and to offer our assistance to make this so.

En français / La FGG, avec l'IGLFA et Football v Homophobia, interpelle les ambassadeurs russe et brésilien sur l'homophobie

Aujourd'hui s'est tenu au siège du Comité national olympique et sportif français les 17èmes conférences stratégiques annuelles de l'Institut de recherches internationales et stratégiques (IRIS) sur "Les enjeux stratégiques du sport" (programme ICI). 

A l'origine, les ambassadeurs du Brésil et de la Russie devaient intervenir lors de la séance sur "la concurrence sur l'organisation de compétitions sportives mondialisées". Voulant profiter de l'occasion pour interpeller les autorités de ces pays par rapport à nos préoccupations relatives aux effets de l'homophobie lors de la tenue de la Coupe du monde et les JO dans leurs pays (en fait, on se soucie surtout de l'homophobie dans la Russie), la FGG se proposait d'écrire un appel à ces pays à respecter les droits de tous, et de faire en sorte que l'homophobie soit exclue de ces manifestations.

On a été rejoint par l'International Gay and Lesbian Football Association, membre de la FGG, et Football v Homophobia dans cet appel (lire ci dessous). Le but était de profiter de la présence de Marc Naimark, vice-président de la FGG chargé des affaires extérieures, pour remettre en main propre cette lettre aux deux ambassadeurs, remplacés de fait par de hauts conseillers de leurs ambassades.

Lors de la session, un autre participant a évoqué la question du respect des droits de l'homme. On s'attendait à un déni de la part de l'ambassade russe, mais la réponse s'est avérée particulièrement éhontée. En gros : "Droits de l'homme ? On ne respecterait pas les droits de l'homme en Russie ? Je suis très surpris par cette question !" La réponse de l'ambassade brésilienne n'était guère meilleure. En gros : "On en a assez de certains pays qui se permettent de donner des leçons, nous traitant d'indigènes qu'il faut civiliser." Et tout le long de la journée, l'organisateur de la journée, Pascal Boniface, directeur de l'IRIS, a traité avec le plus grand mépris toute critique des pays hôtes de manifestations sportives au nom des droits de l'homme. En fait, lorsqu'on apprend qu'il consulte souvent pour les pays du Golfe, qu'il a beaucoup travaillé au Qatar, une telle attitude n'est pas vraiment étonnante.(On remarquera que dans la journée qu'il a organisée, sur les 19 intervenants, 1 seule était une femme, à savoir Roselyne Bachelot.)

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Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, Monsieur le Ministre conseiller,


Aujourd'hui vous intervenez lors d’une manifestation sur le sport tenu au Comité national olympique et sportif français. Vous parlez en tant que représentants de vos pays qui reçoivent bientôt de grandes manifestations sportives internationales : la coupe du monde FIFA et les Jeux olympiques. En effet, le Brésil reçoit la coupe du monde en 2014, la Russie en 2018, alors que les jeux d'hiver se tiendront à Sochi en 2014 et les jeux d'été à Rio en 2016.


Ces manifestations doivent véhiculer les valeurs universelles du sport, et notamment des principes de la Charte olympique qui déclare que « toute forme de discrimination à l’égard d’un pays ou d’une personne fondée sur des considérations de race, de religion, de politique, de sexe ou autres est incompatible avec l’appartenance au Mouvement olympique. »


En tant qu'organisations issues de la communauté lesbienne, gaie, bi et trans (LGBT), nous sommes préoccupées par l'accueil des hommes et des femmes sportifs, cadres sportifs, presse, officiels, bénévoles, journalistes, ou spectateurs et supporters LGBT lors de ces manifestations. Le cas de la Russie est particulièrement inquiétant, étant donné la progression de l'homophobie institutionnelle dans ce pays, le refus d'un projet de Pride House à Sochi, et un climat de violences et menaces.


Tous doivent pouvoir participer au sport, encore plus lorsqu'il s'agit de manifestations censées rassembler le monde entier autour de valeurs universelles humanistes.


C'est ainsi que nous vous prions de transmettre aux responsables politiques et sportifs de votre pays notre appel pour des manifestations sportives ouvertes, accueillantes, et sûres pour tous, et en particulier pour les participants LGBT, ainsi que notre proposition de collaborer pour ce faire.


En vous remerciant de votre attention, veuillez agréer, Messieurs les Ambassadeurs, l'expression de notre très haute considération.

Video from Liverpool FC "Football v Homophobia" event

Liverpool Football Club opened its facilities to host a 5-a-side tournament with local teams, bringing together straight and LGBT players.

View the video HERE.

While England's Football Association launches new anti-homophobia initiative, clubs are dragging their heels

From The Independent:

England's biggest and most lucrative football clubs came under fire from the Government and equality campaigners this weekend for dragging their feet over plans to stamp out homophobia in the professional game. Ministers are privately furious at the “mealy-mouthed excuses” of Premier League teams when asked if their grounds could be used as the backdrop for the launch of a high-profile campaign against homophobia in sport.

As the annual international Football v Homophobia campaign begins this weekend, campaigners also voiced their dismay that only 16 of the 160 clubs in seven English divisions responded positively to a call to arms to tackle sport's last taboo. The campaign wrote to every professional English club asking them to get involved. The letters suggested a number of ways in which clubs, players and coaching staff could raise the profile of the issue – from mentioning it on Twitter to promotions in match-day programmes or PA announcements. Only six Premier League clubs agreed actively to help.

"Football's in the gutter at the moment," said a senior government source. "And they've got real problems with homophobia in dressing rooms and on the terraces. It needs top clubs to speak out repeatedly and as publicly as possible."

David Cameron will host a No 10 summit on racism in football on Wednesday, after a string of cases of alleged abuse aimed at black players by rival teams and fans. However, tough questions will also be asked about why there are no openly gay players in the entire English league at the moment.

[...]

Earlier this month Lynne Featherstone, a Home Office minister, announced that all 20 Premier Leauge teams had signed the Government's Sports Charter to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport, on and off the pitch. But attempts to organise a photo opportunity at a major club's ground foundered.

It is understood that six Premier League sides were contacted asking for help to promote the charter. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur said they were not given enough time, while QPR said they agreed to help in future. Fulham, Chelsea and Aston Villa claim they were not contacted, though Home Office insiders insist all six teams were asked to take part.

Megan Worthing-Davies, director of Football v Homophobia, said: "We heard back from many clubs who said, 'We've signed up to the charter so we're not going to be involved with Football v Homophobia'."

Andy Wasley, from Stonewall, said: "Actions speak louder than words, and it's one thing to sign a charter, it's quite another then to actually do the hard stuff like training officials and stewards to make sure they challenge homophobia when they see it."

The 16 teams signed up to Football v Homophobia so far are: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Fulham, Liverpool, Newcastle Utd, Norwich City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County, Ipswich Town, Millwall, Huddersfield Town, MK Dons, Wycombe Wanderers, Exeter City, Port Vale and Hyde FC.

[...]

Read in full HERE.

Hyde FC Football v Homophobia event a success

Congratulations to "Just a Ball Game?" and all involved in this Football v Homophobia event!

As League leaders Hyde FC return to action this weekend and play Droylsden in the Blue Square North on 25th FEB 2012 at 3pm, they will once again create a little bit of history when they officially recognise the match as a FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA event, and as part of LGBT History Month.

LGBT campaign and activist group "Just a Ball Game?" will be match ball sponsors, the first time any LGBT organisation has been match ball sponsors of a semi-professional football match in the UK. The day of awareness-raising has been jointly arranged by the club and "Just a Ball Game?" and we urge everyone who enjoys football whether they are LGBT or straight to come along and support the Tigers in this local derby and join in with the days events.

A number of LGBT campaigners and local players from Village Manchester FC will also attend the game and show support for the semi-pro club whose players will come out onto the pitch before kick -off wearing both "Just a Ball Game?" and Football v Homophobia t-shirts which they will then hand out to the fans. The Football v Homophobia banner will be on display throughout the game. Flyers, stickers and badges will be handed out to fans to help raise awareness around anti-gay issues in the game.

Founding director of "Just a Ball Game?" Lindsay England stated: "We are grateful for the support that Hyde FC are giving to help challenge any anti-gay prejudice in football, and although we will not change a culture over-night; much progress is being made to educate, and this is testimony to the club's proactive planning and forward thinking."

Alan Duffy of the Justin Campaign added: "The Justin Campaign is delighted that Hyde FC are supporting Football v Homophobia. The involvement of clubs such as The Tigers is vital to the continuing growth of our initiative in particular and the fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia in football in general."
Alan Duffy, Director of Communications, The Justin Campaign.

England Football Association launches anti-homophobia initiative

After its most recent initiative against homophobia in football flopped, the FA is trying again. We'll post on Gay Games Ambassador John Amaechi's reponse to the prelaunch video described below, but a viewer could be struck by the fact that representatives of the governing body of the sport treat the behavior of clubs and more important, supporters, as some sort of naturally occuring phenomenon that occurs independent of the FA itself:

The FA has released a brand new film around anti-Homophobia in Football ahead of announcing an action plan on the subject at Wembley Stadium next week.

The film features Brendon Batson and former FA Cup winner and England international John Scales, plus ex-Reading skipper Ady Williams who was capped 13 times by Wales.

Filmed in the dressing rooms at Wembley Stadium, the 30-minute discussion on tackling homophobia in the game has been made as football remembers Justin Fashanu’s birthday on 19 February and leads in to The FA’s action plan launch on Monday 20 February.

Last year saw The FA become one of the founding signatories on the Government’s Charter for Action in this area while all 20 Premier League clubs signed up at the start of this month.

Looking ahead to the Action Plan launch on Monday, FA Chairman, David Bernstein, commented: “Football’s response to combating racism has demonstrated that a collective approach with partners from inside and outside the football family is effective.

“We all have a collective responsibility to ensure that football remains accessible to all and to combat homophobic and transphobic abuse in the game.”

Home Office Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone added: "The whole world admires the skill and competitive drama on display in our football grounds but sometimes we also see the worst of intolerance and discrimination.

"That's why the government launched the Sports Charter last year. It's a rallying cry for all of us to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport.

“The FA were one of the founding signatories of this Charter and I am delighted to see them take forward their commitment to ensure football is a welcoming place for everyone.”

Anti-Homophobia in Football events continue next week with Kick It Out teaming up with Pride Sports for a panel discussion in Nottingham on 21 February.

The Panel see representation from both sides of the River Trent with Forest Chairman Frank Clark, and County’s Sam Sodje both in attendance.

Kick It Out’s Earl Barrett said: “I think if we can educate people about the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) presence in, and appetite for, football, then we’ll be taking a step in the right direction.”

En català / Dia Internacional contra la homofòbia en el futbol 2012

Dia Internacional contra la homofòbia en el futbol 2012 Panteres Grogues. Convidat especial Jonathan De Falco en la conferencia prèvia en el Hotel Axel. Retransmesa per BTV en entrevista en directe previ a la conferència. (With translation by Marc Andreu!)

Chris Morgan video message for Football v Homophobia

In this interview with Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan, Chris speaks of the importance of the Gay Games for his own sporting career and for LGBT athletes in general.

Chris Morgan's tribute to Justin Fashanu for Football v Homophobia

Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan has written a moving tribute to Justin Fashanu for this month's Football v Homophobia:

I remember seeing the newspapers during the week after Justin’s death and feeling sick to stomach. There were graphic accounts of his last movements and interviews with people who had met him, or spent time with him in his final hours.

The press hounded him throughout his career, drove him to suicide and then afterwards printed some of the cruellest, nastiest stories ever published in the UK newspapers. As an athlete myself I felt angry that Justin was never allowed to meet his true potential on the pitch.

At the time all this happened I was just coming to terms with my own sexuality and was taking my first steps towards a career in sport. I realised that I was faced with a choice of whether or not to be open about my sexuality in the brutal and testosterone driven sport of Powerlifting.

Keep reading HERE.

19 February 2012 / Football v Homophobia

A message from the Justin Campaign:

On February 19th 2010, The Justin Campaign launched “Football v Homophobia” – An international day opposing homophobia in football. The intention of this initiative is to provide an opportunity for individuals, communities and teams the world over to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in the game and celebrate its diverse following under the banner of Football v Homophobia. Last year, supporters of the initiative in the UK united with fans in North America, Canada, Spain and other countries for the first event.

The initiative is now about to enjoy its third year! Its growth and success is testament to all those who have supported and contributed to its development. The Justin Campaign very much hope that you enjoyed the day and we thank you for your support for the day this year. Football v Homophobia has been a great success thanks to you and it significantly impacts upon how LGBT people are perceived and treated in football. And remember you don’t have to be a football fan or a sports group to back the campaign! Impacting on homophobia in football will communicate a zero tolerance attitude to homophobia, in any shape or form, across the world.

Info HERE.

19 February 2012 / En español / Dia international contra la homofobia en el futbol

DÍA INTERNACIONAL CONTRA LA HOMOFOBIA EN EL FÚTBOL--
TORNEO FÚTBOL SALA FEMENINO CONTRA LA HOMOFOBIA EN EL FÚTBOL

Football v Homophobia 19 February 2011

On February 19th 2010, The Justin Campaign launched Football v Homophobia – An international day opposing homophobia in football, which provided an opportunity for individuals, communities and teams the world over to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in football and celebrate football’s diverse following under the banner of Football v Homophobia.

We intend that Football v Homophobia on Feb 19th will become the one day out of each year where individuals, community groups, teams and clubs all over the world can express their disapproval of homophobia in football by celebrating under the banner of Football v Homophobia.

We hope that you can express your support for the day next year and ensure that this initiative significantly changes how LGBT people are perceived and treated in football.

Remember you don’t have to be a football fan or sports group to back the campaign! Impacting on homophobia in football will communicate a zero tolerance attitude to homophobia in any shape, or form, across the world.

More info HERE.