Sports Minister Tracey Crouch says 'homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse is completely unacceptable'
Monday 21 August 2017 16:33, UK
A new short film has been released by Kick It Out as part of their 'Call Full Time On Hate' initiative, featuring five football supporters explaining their experiences as LGBT individuals in the sport.
The film is part of a series of resources released by Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, the Home Office and police-funded website True Vision to raise awareness of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) discrimination within football stadia.
The five fans featured in the film are:
* Sophie Cook, Transgender ambassador of Kick It Out, and the first trans woman to work in the Premier League as club photographer for AFC Bournemouth
* Chris Mooney, a 71-year-old Arsenal supporter and committee member of Gay Gooners - the biggest LGBT fans' group in the world
* Ryan Mather, an 18-year-old Huddersfield Town season-ticket holder, who has recently formed the club's LGBT fans' group Proud Terriers
* Carla Riley, a part-time steward at Arsenal. She has been an Arsenal supporter her whole life and has combined her passion for the club alongside working at the Emirates Stadium
* Jehmeil Lemonius, who works for Kick It Out as the Professional Game Administrator and is a gay West Ham fan. Jehmeil also plays for Stonewall FC, the world's most successful gay football team. He also featured in the charity's Rainbow Laces campaign film
Discussing the new Kick It Out resources, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: "Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse is completely unacceptable and this partnership between Kick It Out and the government can help further tackle the issue in football.
"Football stadiums are much more welcoming and family friendly than they were 30 years ago. However, we must not be complacent and it is important that we continue to educate and challenge any discriminatory behaviour. It is only right that LGBT people get support across all sports and that they can participate in a safe and positive environment."
Watch the short film in the video at the top of the page.
You can report homophobic, biphobic and transphobic discrimination to a steward or to Kick It Out via the following methods:
Kick It Out's free reporting app - available on App Store and Google Play
Freephone 0800 169 9414
Email - info@kickitout.org
