A leading rugby league referee has become only the second person involved with the Australian game to come out.
Matt Cecchin, who has taken charge of the National Rugby League's grand final, said he was inspired after reading a book by former Aussie rugby star Ian Roberts, who is also gay.
The general acceptance following the announcement is a sure sign that being gay is no barrier to anyone wanting to take part in one of Australia's most popular sports.
His reasons for the timing, which was delayed until after his teenage son finished exams, also is a sign that he thinks way beyond the game's borders.
The comments in the interview with the Herald Sun are so powerful that it is best repeating.
Mr Cecchin said: “Like a lot of people, I thought to be gay you had to be feminine, you had to go to nightclubs and you had to be in the scene, and I was never into that.
"I played sport, I loved rugby league, I liked going to the pub with my mates. It wasn't until I read Ian's book that I started to tick a few boxes.
"I'd be very surprised if I was the only gay person in rugby league. But me coming out has nothing to do with other people in rugby league.
"It has to do with the youth who are growing up today and may be going through a whole world of hurt and fear.
"My experience is they don't need to be. People are OK with it now."
The Justin Campaign wants to offer its public support to the decision taken by Mr Cecchin. Such open comments from the referee are extremely refreshing.
Cecchin coming out is exactly how it should be: timed for when a person is ready and for the right reasons. Publicly accepting you are a member of the LGBT community is a big step and should never be taken on somebody else's terms.
We hope that this marks an important step in the game which some people see as adverse to LGBT issues. Given the public support that Ian Roberts received with other players saying it was important to be "true to yourself", there is no reason why Cecchin's decision can be further proof that sexuality is no barrier to forging a successful career in the sporting world.
Showing posts with label lgbt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lgbt. Show all posts
Monday, 13 February 2012
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Transgender first from American Samoa
Two firsts from the tiny footballing country of American Samoa.
For years the little Pacific island was known as being the country which lost 31-0 to Australia in a World Cup qualifying game.
But now there have been two major breakthroughs. Firstly the country officially last in the Fifa rankings has won its first game. Secondly, and more importantly, was the appearance of defender Johnny Saelua.
He is believed to be the first transgender athlete to compete in a World Cup qualifying match.
Media reports say Saelua is part of the fa’afafine, biological males who identify as a third sex that is widely accepted in Polynesian culture.
He is reported as saying: “The team accept me and we have that mutual respect - which is great. It’s all part of the culture.”
This marks a truly important step in football history. Transgender athletes have long had difficulties in playing any sport, something which is discriminatory and simply wrong.
One only needs to remember the media storm surrounding 800m runner Caster Semenya to see the simplistic view that many have on the issue.
Saelua's appearance shows that the views in global football are becoming more accepting to those who belong to the LGBT community.
The comments of American Samoa's coach Thomas Rongen were perhaps less helpful to this ongoing battle but do ask an important question. He said: “I’ve really got a female starting at centre back. Can you imagine that in England or Spain?”
People in more established footballing countries, whether they are fans, players or part of the establishment, have to ask themselves this question.
What reaction would Saelua get if he signed for an English football club? Would there be general hysteria or would people accept him for the committed and talented footballer he is? It is a question that one day we hope is asked as it will only help people realise that football is for all, regardless of who you are.
For years the little Pacific island was known as being the country which lost 31-0 to Australia in a World Cup qualifying game.
But now there have been two major breakthroughs. Firstly the country officially last in the Fifa rankings has won its first game. Secondly, and more importantly, was the appearance of defender Johnny Saelua.
He is believed to be the first transgender athlete to compete in a World Cup qualifying match.
Media reports say Saelua is part of the fa’afafine, biological males who identify as a third sex that is widely accepted in Polynesian culture.
He is reported as saying: “The team accept me and we have that mutual respect - which is great. It’s all part of the culture.”
This marks a truly important step in football history. Transgender athletes have long had difficulties in playing any sport, something which is discriminatory and simply wrong.
One only needs to remember the media storm surrounding 800m runner Caster Semenya to see the simplistic view that many have on the issue.
Saelua's appearance shows that the views in global football are becoming more accepting to those who belong to the LGBT community.
The comments of American Samoa's coach Thomas Rongen were perhaps less helpful to this ongoing battle but do ask an important question. He said: “I’ve really got a female starting at centre back. Can you imagine that in England or Spain?”
People in more established footballing countries, whether they are fans, players or part of the establishment, have to ask themselves this question.
What reaction would Saelua get if he signed for an English football club? Would there be general hysteria or would people accept him for the committed and talented footballer he is? It is a question that one day we hope is asked as it will only help people realise that football is for all, regardless of who you are.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
PRESS RELEASE: Lahm urges players not to come out
German international footballer Philipp Lahm, in his newly published autobiography “The Subtle Difference”, discusses homosexuality in football and ultimately concedes that gay players shouldn’t, at the present time, come out.
“I would not advise any gay professional footballer to come out,” he explains. “I would fear that he could end up like Justin Fashanu who, after he outed himself, was driven into such a corner that he ended up committing suicide.”
The Bayern Munich star’s comments are sure to provoke much debate, and the Justin Campaign would still hope that a gay player would feel able to be themselves and come out.
However, Lahm’s comments, while controversial, do raise the question – is football a comfortable and welcoming environment for LGBT players and fans?
Unfortunately, at this moment in time, the answer has to be no.
Thankfully the likes of The FA are now starting to properly tackle the issue, but for all parties concerned, there is still a long way to go.
Lahm himself made similar comments earlier this year, but his concerns are coming from the right place.
In 2008 from the Weimar Gay Triangle, a German LGBT rights organization, for his outspokenness against intolerance.
Therefore, however hard it may be to hear Lahm’s words, the Justin Campaign applauds the player for discussing the issue in public and adding an important voice to the debate.
“I would not advise any gay professional footballer to come out,” he explains. “I would fear that he could end up like Justin Fashanu who, after he outed himself, was driven into such a corner that he ended up committing suicide.”
The Bayern Munich star’s comments are sure to provoke much debate, and the Justin Campaign would still hope that a gay player would feel able to be themselves and come out.
However, Lahm’s comments, while controversial, do raise the question – is football a comfortable and welcoming environment for LGBT players and fans?
Unfortunately, at this moment in time, the answer has to be no.
Thankfully the likes of The FA are now starting to properly tackle the issue, but for all parties concerned, there is still a long way to go.
Lahm himself made similar comments earlier this year, but his concerns are coming from the right place.
In 2008 from the Weimar Gay Triangle, a German LGBT rights organization, for his outspokenness against intolerance.
Therefore, however hard it may be to hear Lahm’s words, the Justin Campaign applauds the player for discussing the issue in public and adding an important voice to the debate.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Wanted - football players in Brighton and Hove
Calling all football players in the south east of the United Kingdom. Please find below a press release from Ford Motor Company and Pride in Brighton & Hove.
------------------
Ford Motor Company and Pride in Brighton & Hove are pleased to announce that the annual Ford Pride Football Tournament is back!
Following last year's success, the LGBT community football tournament will kick-off a fantastic week of festivities and celebrations culminating in the world famous Pride in Brighton & Hove Parade, and you could be right at the heart of it all.
We are now recruiting men's and women's five-a-side teams to participate in the Ford Pride in Brighton & Hove Football Tournament for the LGBT community, to take place on Saturday 6th August at the Brighton Rugby Football Club.
Last year's competition saw very high standards of play, some spectacular goals and the cup being lifted by Stonewall Lions. Through Ford's sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League, the Stonewall Lions team were also lucky winners of tickets for the whole team to a UK based UEFA Champions League match of their choice and Ford is delighted to be able to offer the same opportunity to the 2011 champions.
What's more, the winning team will also be invited to join Ford in the Pride in Brighton & Hove Parade which takes place on Saturday 13th August.
All participating clubs are welcome to enter as many teams as you would like and there is no entry fee. We want this year's competition to be bigger and better than last so feel free to send this e-mail on to all of your friends that might be interested in entering a team. Ford will even provide players with breakfast and a BBQ buffet to keep you energised throughout the day. Spectators are also, of course, very welcome.
Brighton Rugby Football Club has excellent links to the A23 and the centre of town, there is plenty of parking for those of you who wish to drive and there are also changing facilities and showers for participating teams' use. The tournament is scheduled to commence from 10am. If you are travelling by train Ford will run free minibus transfers from Brighton station to the club.
If you wish to make a weekend of it and enjoy the atmosphere of the start of the festivities throughout the town, please see www.brightonpride.org for a guide to what's on and recommended hotels.
To register your interest to participate in this unique opportunity please complete the attached form and email to fordpridefootball@imagination.com. Please note tournament numbers are restricted so please respond no later than Friday 8th July 2011. An information pack will be sent out nearer to the event upon your confirmation.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Claire Le Boutillier at fordpridefootball@imagination.com or on 0207 323 3300 at any stage.
We hope you are able to make it and look forward to hearing from you soon!
------------------
Ford Motor Company and Pride in Brighton & Hove are pleased to announce that the annual Ford Pride Football Tournament is back!
Following last year's success, the LGBT community football tournament will kick-off a fantastic week of festivities and celebrations culminating in the world famous Pride in Brighton & Hove Parade, and you could be right at the heart of it all.
We are now recruiting men's and women's five-a-side teams to participate in the Ford Pride in Brighton & Hove Football Tournament for the LGBT community, to take place on Saturday 6th August at the Brighton Rugby Football Club.
Last year's competition saw very high standards of play, some spectacular goals and the cup being lifted by Stonewall Lions. Through Ford's sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League, the Stonewall Lions team were also lucky winners of tickets for the whole team to a UK based UEFA Champions League match of their choice and Ford is delighted to be able to offer the same opportunity to the 2011 champions.
What's more, the winning team will also be invited to join Ford in the Pride in Brighton & Hove Parade which takes place on Saturday 13th August.
All participating clubs are welcome to enter as many teams as you would like and there is no entry fee. We want this year's competition to be bigger and better than last so feel free to send this e-mail on to all of your friends that might be interested in entering a team. Ford will even provide players with breakfast and a BBQ buffet to keep you energised throughout the day. Spectators are also, of course, very welcome.
Brighton Rugby Football Club has excellent links to the A23 and the centre of town, there is plenty of parking for those of you who wish to drive and there are also changing facilities and showers for participating teams' use. The tournament is scheduled to commence from 10am. If you are travelling by train Ford will run free minibus transfers from Brighton station to the club.
If you wish to make a weekend of it and enjoy the atmosphere of the start of the festivities throughout the town, please see www.brightonpride.org for a guide to what's on and recommended hotels.
To register your interest to participate in this unique opportunity please complete the attached form and email to fordpridefootball@imagination.com. Please note tournament numbers are restricted so please respond no later than Friday 8th July 2011. An information pack will be sent out nearer to the event upon your confirmation.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Claire Le Boutillier at fordpridefootball@imagination.com or on 0207 323 3300 at any stage.
We hope you are able to make it and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Football clubs are workplaces too
The Justin Campaign inbox is full of emails from LGBT and equality campaigners from across the world.
This week we caught sight of this report and survey from Northern Ireland.
The report by the Rainbow Project claims that one in four gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people hide their sexuality while at work in the private sector.
The figure itself is shocking for part of the UK which, as a whole, appears to have really taken steps towards a more equal society in recent decades.
It also highlights the large steps we still need to take before people can feel proud and free to be themselves.
This is clearly apparent in the comments from Matthew McDermott, equality officer at the Rainbow Project and the report's author, who said: "This should enable government and employers to consider the measures they think appropriate to improve working life for all LGBT people."
The Justin Campaign welcomes the report and these comments.
But we also must make it clear that this covers not just offices, factories, shops and public buildings where the majority of the population head to earn their keep.
It also covers all professional and semi-pro football clubs too, both on and off the pitch.
We hope clubs across the country sit up and take note of what is a significant piece of research and ask "what can we do" for its employees.
Education workshops and picking up on negative language are just some of the simple steps that would very quickly improve things for LGBT people.
Creating an accepting culture behind the scenes is as integral as having a visible presence on the pitch in the ultimate aim of ridding homophobia from the beautiful game.
This week we caught sight of this report and survey from Northern Ireland.
The report by the Rainbow Project claims that one in four gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people hide their sexuality while at work in the private sector.
The figure itself is shocking for part of the UK which, as a whole, appears to have really taken steps towards a more equal society in recent decades.
It also highlights the large steps we still need to take before people can feel proud and free to be themselves.
This is clearly apparent in the comments from Matthew McDermott, equality officer at the Rainbow Project and the report's author, who said: "This should enable government and employers to consider the measures they think appropriate to improve working life for all LGBT people."
The Justin Campaign welcomes the report and these comments.
But we also must make it clear that this covers not just offices, factories, shops and public buildings where the majority of the population head to earn their keep.
It also covers all professional and semi-pro football clubs too, both on and off the pitch.
We hope clubs across the country sit up and take note of what is a significant piece of research and ask "what can we do" for its employees.
Education workshops and picking up on negative language are just some of the simple steps that would very quickly improve things for LGBT people.
Creating an accepting culture behind the scenes is as integral as having a visible presence on the pitch in the ultimate aim of ridding homophobia from the beautiful game.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Another step along the way
Regular readers of this blog will know the importance we place on small victories towards the ultimate aim of LGBT acceptance in football.
So it is with pleasure that the following news reached us: a charter signed by national sporting bodies against homophobia and transphobia.
Among those signatures was Alex Horne, the general secretary of the FA.
In a statement, he said: "The FA and its stakeholders have worked hard over the years in providing football for all and ensuring that football stadia are open to everyone and are both family and LGB and T friendly.
"We’ve seen real progress over the last 20 years when it comes to tackling racism and that’s something football should be proud of.
"We remain committed to our long-term goal of removing all forms of discrimination, such as homophobia, out of the game."
Coming shortly after the FA announced its backing to the Justin Campaign's Football v Homophobia initiative, it is clear that those in the halls of power are sitting up and taking notice of the game's last taboo.
Praise must also be directed towards the coalition Government and in particular equalities minister Lynne Featherstone.
But quite what impact the charter has is another question.
Darren Ollerton, director of the Justin Campaign, said: "The Justin Campaign applaud this move by the FA to make public their commitment to tackling homophobia and transphobia in the UK game.
Whilst it is important for the FA to publicly assert their values around equality within football, the future worth in signing this charter will be seen in real change on and off the pitch.
"The Justin Campaign is clear that there must be real tangible outcomes to this move, and look forward to working closely with the FA to ensure that all points on the charter are fulfilled."
Show your support by signing the charter here.
So it is with pleasure that the following news reached us: a charter signed by national sporting bodies against homophobia and transphobia.
Among those signatures was Alex Horne, the general secretary of the FA.
In a statement, he said: "The FA and its stakeholders have worked hard over the years in providing football for all and ensuring that football stadia are open to everyone and are both family and LGB and T friendly.
"We’ve seen real progress over the last 20 years when it comes to tackling racism and that’s something football should be proud of.
"We remain committed to our long-term goal of removing all forms of discrimination, such as homophobia, out of the game."
Coming shortly after the FA announced its backing to the Justin Campaign's Football v Homophobia initiative, it is clear that those in the halls of power are sitting up and taking notice of the game's last taboo.
Praise must also be directed towards the coalition Government and in particular equalities minister Lynne Featherstone.
But quite what impact the charter has is another question.
Darren Ollerton, director of the Justin Campaign, said: "The Justin Campaign applaud this move by the FA to make public their commitment to tackling homophobia and transphobia in the UK game.
Whilst it is important for the FA to publicly assert their values around equality within football, the future worth in signing this charter will be seen in real change on and off the pitch.
"The Justin Campaign is clear that there must be real tangible outcomes to this move, and look forward to working closely with the FA to ensure that all points on the charter are fulfilled."
Show your support by signing the charter here.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Equality in the stands 2
A few weeks ago we published this blog post. We subsequently received this reply from Tęczowa Trybuna and have, at their request printed it in full. All comments are welcome.
Dear Justin Campaign,
We read the entry on your blog and would like to explain ourselves. There is no doubt that the decision we made is hard, but we find it to be a proper measure to avoid harassment and aggression against homosexual supporters during European Championship, that would be hosted by Poland and Ukraine, in 2012.
As you know, conditions which homosexuals in Poland have to deal with aren’t easy, the best example could probably be the initiative of LGBT activists to introduce civil unions in Poland, the initiative that is being slowed down by the representatives of the government and as for the moment isn’t likely to be introduced to the parliament. Thus, as we decided, calling for raising the awareness about homophobia in football and launching campaigns so that we all could enjoy the game in safety, both gay and straight, would do no good, because – sincerely – hardly anybody among Polish officials cares.
Searching for solution of our problems, we thought of the stands that are on Camp Nou or the stadium of AC Milan, where the members of gay fanclubs can feel safe and focus on the game, rather than uneasily look around just in case there was someone who would prefer them beaten up (and that’s what happened to some of the members of Teczowa Trybuna 2012).
In Poland we met with disapprovement, not only from the side of other supporters, but even Polish gays and lesbians considered our idea nothing more but ghettoization. But none of them even thought that creating separate stands for disabled people (rather than enabling them to access all the
places) or VIP stand to divide the society, although it is division due to criteria of physical abilities or wealth. If we are all there just to watch the game, why shouldn’t we be there all together? If it truly doesn’t matter, who you are, and just which team do you support, why shouldn't we all be in one place?
What we care about is safety. We are threatened right now, and we want to watch the games of European Championship that would be co-hosted by our country in safety. We know what’s the situation of gay supporters and we know that Polish Football Association (PZPN) is doing nothing to improve it.
And we want homosexual people – both Polish and from abroad, that will come to watch the games in 2012 – to be able to watch the games in safety.
That’s what we believe Rainbow Stands could increase. We ask you for support us!
Best regards,
Tęczowa Trybuna 2012
Dear Justin Campaign,
We read the entry on your blog and would like to explain ourselves. There is no doubt that the decision we made is hard, but we find it to be a proper measure to avoid harassment and aggression against homosexual supporters during European Championship, that would be hosted by Poland and Ukraine, in 2012.
As you know, conditions which homosexuals in Poland have to deal with aren’t easy, the best example could probably be the initiative of LGBT activists to introduce civil unions in Poland, the initiative that is being slowed down by the representatives of the government and as for the moment isn’t likely to be introduced to the parliament. Thus, as we decided, calling for raising the awareness about homophobia in football and launching campaigns so that we all could enjoy the game in safety, both gay and straight, would do no good, because – sincerely – hardly anybody among Polish officials cares.
Searching for solution of our problems, we thought of the stands that are on Camp Nou or the stadium of AC Milan, where the members of gay fanclubs can feel safe and focus on the game, rather than uneasily look around just in case there was someone who would prefer them beaten up (and that’s what happened to some of the members of Teczowa Trybuna 2012).
In Poland we met with disapprovement, not only from the side of other supporters, but even Polish gays and lesbians considered our idea nothing more but ghettoization. But none of them even thought that creating separate stands for disabled people (rather than enabling them to access all the
places) or VIP stand to divide the society, although it is division due to criteria of physical abilities or wealth. If we are all there just to watch the game, why shouldn’t we be there all together? If it truly doesn’t matter, who you are, and just which team do you support, why shouldn't we all be in one place?
What we care about is safety. We are threatened right now, and we want to watch the games of European Championship that would be co-hosted by our country in safety. We know what’s the situation of gay supporters and we know that Polish Football Association (PZPN) is doing nothing to improve it.
And we want homosexual people – both Polish and from abroad, that will come to watch the games in 2012 – to be able to watch the games in safety.
That’s what we believe Rainbow Stands could increase. We ask you for support us!
Best regards,
Tęczowa Trybuna 2012
Friday, 25 February 2011
Equality in the stands
Well what a few weeks it has been.
Football v Homophobia, the international initiative begun by The Justin Campaign last year, has been a tremendous success.
Events on three continents and in more than a half dozen countries have really raised awareness of the issue on inequality in the world's most popular sport.
Yet just as our volunteers were getting some much needed sleep, came this idea from eastern Europe - separate stands for LGBT fans at the Euro 2012 competition.
No one is doubting that in Poland and Ukraine, members of the LGBT community face hatred, bigotry and abuse on a regular basis.
Indeed as Teczowa Trybuna 2012 (Rainbow Stand 2012), the Polish national team's fan club, state: "Unfortunately, during trips to matches in Poland, we often encountered unpleasantness, harassment and violence from the ‘real’ fans."
But, while the idea is to to encourage people to be aware that football is a game for all, we feel it would only end up having a negative effect.
It seems that many football fans across the globe are in agreement.
Eager to gather thoughts on the issue I asked the question on Twitter - see @justincampaign.
@Norfolkblogger wrote: "Terrible idea. Should we have separate teams too? Ridiculous!" while @SteveJB84 told us: "Really bad idea, should be integration not separation. Homosexuality isn't contagious."
As shown by the Football v Homophobia event in Ukraine, progress can be made through people uniting together, not through taking an independent stand.
After all football is a team sport and no matter how strong the individual, a collective effort will always shine through.
Football v Homophobia, the international initiative begun by The Justin Campaign last year, has been a tremendous success.
Events on three continents and in more than a half dozen countries have really raised awareness of the issue on inequality in the world's most popular sport.
Yet just as our volunteers were getting some much needed sleep, came this idea from eastern Europe - separate stands for LGBT fans at the Euro 2012 competition.
No one is doubting that in Poland and Ukraine, members of the LGBT community face hatred, bigotry and abuse on a regular basis.
Indeed as Teczowa Trybuna 2012 (Rainbow Stand 2012), the Polish national team's fan club, state: "Unfortunately, during trips to matches in Poland, we often encountered unpleasantness, harassment and violence from the ‘real’ fans."
But, while the idea is to to encourage people to be aware that football is a game for all, we feel it would only end up having a negative effect.
It seems that many football fans across the globe are in agreement.
Eager to gather thoughts on the issue I asked the question on Twitter - see @justincampaign.
@Norfolkblogger wrote: "Terrible idea. Should we have separate teams too? Ridiculous!" while @SteveJB84 told us: "Really bad idea, should be integration not separation. Homosexuality isn't contagious."
As shown by the Football v Homophobia event in Ukraine, progress can be made through people uniting together, not through taking an independent stand.
After all football is a team sport and no matter how strong the individual, a collective effort will always shine through.
Monday, 21 February 2011
On birthdays, banners, bigotry and breakthroughs
Keph Senett is a Canadian writer living in Mexico who’s proudly played soccer on four continents. You can read more from her at kephsenett.com. She’s the Communications Officer for The Justin Campaign.
If he'd lived, February 19 would have been footballer Justin Fashanu's 50th birthday.
The Norwich City FC, Fashanu's club between 1979 and 1981, posthumously inducted him into their Hall of Fame earlier this week at Carrow Road.
Norwich City's Chief Executive David McNally unfurled Fashanu's banner with the help of The Justin Campaign's founding Director, Jason Hall.
As reported by the Norwich Evening News, McNally backed Fashanu's induction and the work of The Justin Campaign.
"Discrimination of any kind shouldn’t be accepted in any form of society and especially at the football club," McNally said.
“We deplore racism of any kind and will do all we can to help the Justin Campaign and the people from Norwich Pride achieve their aims and if it means together we can kick homophobia from this great game of ours and this great club then all well and good.”
“Norwich City nurtured a fantastic footballer - the world’s black first £1m player - a tremendous talent," said Jason Hall.
"It's been a long time coming for Justin to be put in the hall of fame but he fully deserves it.”
The delay in the recognition of Fashanu's contribution to his club and to the world of football can be at least partially attributed to a culture that has a history of racism and homophobia.
Justin Fashanu's extraordinary skill - most famously on display during a match against Liverpool in 1980 - demanded that the football world sit up and take notice.
If he'd been a different sort of player only in that he was black, he might have been honored sooner. He might have survived.
But Justin Fashanu was also gay, and in 1990 he publicly came out. The move essentially ended his career.
Though he was still in peak condition, no club offered him a full-time contract.
Some of his colleagues spoke out against him, and his brother publicly disowned him.
The press used the story to run sensational headlines, and he was the target of abuse hurled from the crowds in stadiums.
Eight years later, in the shadow of a sexual assualt allegation, Justin Fashau hung himself in a garage in Shoreditch, London.
February 19 marks the second annual Football v Homophobia Initiative, an international day opposing homophobia in football. On this, what would have been his 50th birthday, Fashanu is still the only professional footballer to disclose that he is gay.
Still, for an event that is only two years old, it's been wildly effective.
"This year it’s going to get bigger, better, louder and prouder than before," Campaign Director Darren Ollerton pledged earlier this year.
The Campaign made good on this promise with more than 30 events scheduled worldwide in places including Canada, the Netherlands,Spain, the Ukraine, and the USA, as well as the United Kingdom.
And while the spirit of the Initiative has always come from the grassroots, perhaps the most impressive gains from this year come from the big organizations.
This week, both the FA and UEFA officially announced their support of The Justin Campaign, proving once again that with a little determination and the support of a great team, a worthy player will find their breakaway.
Join the team
To learn more about The Justin Campaign, check out the web site at www.thejustincampaign.com.
To find out about Football v Homophobia Initiative events happening near you, visit the site at http://www.footballvhomophobia.com.
And as always, fight discrimination on your home pitches by supporting LGBT and mixed league sports.
If he'd lived, February 19 would have been footballer Justin Fashanu's 50th birthday.
The Norwich City FC, Fashanu's club between 1979 and 1981, posthumously inducted him into their Hall of Fame earlier this week at Carrow Road.
Norwich City's Chief Executive David McNally unfurled Fashanu's banner with the help of The Justin Campaign's founding Director, Jason Hall.
As reported by the Norwich Evening News, McNally backed Fashanu's induction and the work of The Justin Campaign.
"Discrimination of any kind shouldn’t be accepted in any form of society and especially at the football club," McNally said.
“We deplore racism of any kind and will do all we can to help the Justin Campaign and the people from Norwich Pride achieve their aims and if it means together we can kick homophobia from this great game of ours and this great club then all well and good.”
“Norwich City nurtured a fantastic footballer - the world’s black first £1m player - a tremendous talent," said Jason Hall.
"It's been a long time coming for Justin to be put in the hall of fame but he fully deserves it.”
The delay in the recognition of Fashanu's contribution to his club and to the world of football can be at least partially attributed to a culture that has a history of racism and homophobia.
Justin Fashanu's extraordinary skill - most famously on display during a match against Liverpool in 1980 - demanded that the football world sit up and take notice.
If he'd been a different sort of player only in that he was black, he might have been honored sooner. He might have survived.
But Justin Fashanu was also gay, and in 1990 he publicly came out. The move essentially ended his career.
Though he was still in peak condition, no club offered him a full-time contract.
Some of his colleagues spoke out against him, and his brother publicly disowned him.
The press used the story to run sensational headlines, and he was the target of abuse hurled from the crowds in stadiums.
Eight years later, in the shadow of a sexual assualt allegation, Justin Fashau hung himself in a garage in Shoreditch, London.
February 19 marks the second annual Football v Homophobia Initiative, an international day opposing homophobia in football. On this, what would have been his 50th birthday, Fashanu is still the only professional footballer to disclose that he is gay.
Still, for an event that is only two years old, it's been wildly effective.
"This year it’s going to get bigger, better, louder and prouder than before," Campaign Director Darren Ollerton pledged earlier this year.
The Campaign made good on this promise with more than 30 events scheduled worldwide in places including Canada, the Netherlands,Spain, the Ukraine, and the USA, as well as the United Kingdom.
And while the spirit of the Initiative has always come from the grassroots, perhaps the most impressive gains from this year come from the big organizations.
This week, both the FA and UEFA officially announced their support of The Justin Campaign, proving once again that with a little determination and the support of a great team, a worthy player will find their breakaway.
Join the team
To learn more about The Justin Campaign, check out the web site at www.thejustincampaign.com.
To find out about Football v Homophobia Initiative events happening near you, visit the site at http://www.footballvhomophobia.com.
And as always, fight discrimination on your home pitches by supporting LGBT and mixed league sports.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
It's what happens on the pitch what counts
Once again footballers in Germany seem to be taking the lead on the issue in homophobia on football.
Schalke and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has urged homosexual footballers to stop hiding their sexuality.
The 24-year-old, who has been recently linked to Liverpool and Manchester United, told a German celebrity magazine that coming out would lift a great weight from gay players' shoulders.
He added the fans would soon accept it saying what matters is the performance delivered by a player.
Neuer's comments follow on from those of Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez last November.
Once again it is encouraging to see footballers speak positively about the issue.
The majority of players are actually very bright and aware of the wider world, contrary to popular belief.
More statements like this and both players and footballers alike will feel more comfortable with the fact that being LGBT is both fine and acceptable.
Schalke and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has urged homosexual footballers to stop hiding their sexuality.
The 24-year-old, who has been recently linked to Liverpool and Manchester United, told a German celebrity magazine that coming out would lift a great weight from gay players' shoulders.
He added the fans would soon accept it saying what matters is the performance delivered by a player.
Neuer's comments follow on from those of Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez last November.
Once again it is encouraging to see footballers speak positively about the issue.
The majority of players are actually very bright and aware of the wider world, contrary to popular belief.
More statements like this and both players and footballers alike will feel more comfortable with the fact that being LGBT is both fine and acceptable.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
EVENT: Queer Question Time
Politicians, journalists, and sports stars will come give their frank views on a range of issues.
To celebrate the the launch of LGBT History Month 2011, a special Queer Question Time will take place on February 1.
Hosted by Evan Davis, the presenter of BBC's Today programme, the panel of five will focus on the issues of "tackling homophobia and transphobia in the world of sport".
Guests include MATTHEW PARRIS (writer, broadcaster and Times columnist), SUE SANDERS (LGBT activist and co-chair of Schools Out), JOHN AMAECHI (psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and former NBA basketball player), ANGELA EAGLE MP (Westminster's first out lesbian) and JULIET JACQUES (author of the Guardian's 'Transgender Journey' column).
It takes place in the Southwark Council Atrium in Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TZ.
MC Stewart Who? will open the evening at 7pm with a performance from the Pink Singers, London’s LGBT community choir.
This will be followed by Queer Question Time at 7.30pm.
Admission is free but advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.
To book your place contact Helen Laker on 020 7525 0848 or Helen.Laker@southwark.gov.uk.
To celebrate the the launch of LGBT History Month 2011, a special Queer Question Time will take place on February 1.
Hosted by Evan Davis, the presenter of BBC's Today programme, the panel of five will focus on the issues of "tackling homophobia and transphobia in the world of sport".
Guests include MATTHEW PARRIS (writer, broadcaster and Times columnist), SUE SANDERS (LGBT activist and co-chair of Schools Out), JOHN AMAECHI (psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and former NBA basketball player), ANGELA EAGLE MP (Westminster's first out lesbian) and JULIET JACQUES (author of the Guardian's 'Transgender Journey' column).
It takes place in the Southwark Council Atrium in Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TZ.
MC Stewart Who? will open the evening at 7pm with a performance from the Pink Singers, London’s LGBT community choir.
This will be followed by Queer Question Time at 7.30pm.
Admission is free but advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.
To book your place contact Helen Laker on 020 7525 0848 or Helen.Laker@southwark.gov.uk.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Make a pledge, make a change
Homophobia is an issue in all sports, not just football.
The image of a male changing room featuring topless jocks wandering around in white towels and uttering horrid bigoted statements about pretty much anyone is an oft scripted scene in many US television shows.
Yet one man from a university in New York is distancing himself from such stereotypes.
Hudson Taylor is a competing athlete - one of the best in college history - and top wrestling coach at Columbia University.
Yet, through a simple act of solidarity - the athlete wore a Human Rights Campaign sticker on his wrestling headgear - the heterosexual wrestler highlighted the plight of many in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
In addition to being a member of a number of boards, Hudson has now started a pledge to gather support from athletes and advocates around the USA.
More than 500 people have already signed the pledge.
We urge you to have a look at the site - http://www.athleteally.com/home - and take a few minutes to add your support.
The image of a male changing room featuring topless jocks wandering around in white towels and uttering horrid bigoted statements about pretty much anyone is an oft scripted scene in many US television shows.
Yet one man from a university in New York is distancing himself from such stereotypes.
Hudson Taylor is a competing athlete - one of the best in college history - and top wrestling coach at Columbia University.
Yet, through a simple act of solidarity - the athlete wore a Human Rights Campaign sticker on his wrestling headgear - the heterosexual wrestler highlighted the plight of many in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
In addition to being a member of a number of boards, Hudson has now started a pledge to gather support from athletes and advocates around the USA.
More than 500 people have already signed the pledge.
We urge you to have a look at the site - http://www.athleteally.com/home - and take a few minutes to add your support.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Football for all?
Fifa president Sepp Blatter's philosophy is clearly emblazoned across the footballing authority's website.
"Football for all; all for football".
Strange then that such a media-savvy head of a multimillion pound industry should make a mockery of the gay rights issue to a room full of reporters.
Blatter joked that gay people should simply "refrain from any sexual activities" during the Qatar 2022 World Cup so as to avoid draconian punishments.
His comments have since been widely reported and Blatter has rightly spent the last few days defending his misguided and downright offensive comments to the world's media.
It is yet further evidence that leadership on the subject is not going to come from world football's governing body.
Fifa has long come under fire as being an authority with more security guards than common sense.
It makes most of its decisions behind closed doors in the glamorous surroundings of Geneva and, as the BBC Panorama documentary proved recently, any challenge to its hierarchy is regarded as blasphemous.
It is a strange situation for Blatter to be in, given that he is more used to blowing his own trumpet.
The reason the much-more impressive and practical bids from England and Australia were overlooked for 2018 and 2022 respectively was due to his vision of a "global game".
Surely it would be more fitting for a global game to promote equality rather than alienating tens of thousands of fans and players who may feel they are being driven away from the sport they love.
We have already said that a boycott of Qatar 2022 is not the answer.
But, would you feel comfortable travelling to a country where your sexuality could see be publicly beaten or thrown in prison?
Now is the time for us to highlight these issues - write a letter, contact your local decision makers, get involved with the Justin Campaign - all these things can help make a difference and hopefully reclaim football from the authorities who quite clearly do not promote the ethos "football for all".
"Football for all; all for football".
Strange then that such a media-savvy head of a multimillion pound industry should make a mockery of the gay rights issue to a room full of reporters.
Blatter joked that gay people should simply "refrain from any sexual activities" during the Qatar 2022 World Cup so as to avoid draconian punishments.
His comments have since been widely reported and Blatter has rightly spent the last few days defending his misguided and downright offensive comments to the world's media.
It is yet further evidence that leadership on the subject is not going to come from world football's governing body.
Fifa has long come under fire as being an authority with more security guards than common sense.
It makes most of its decisions behind closed doors in the glamorous surroundings of Geneva and, as the BBC Panorama documentary proved recently, any challenge to its hierarchy is regarded as blasphemous.
It is a strange situation for Blatter to be in, given that he is more used to blowing his own trumpet.
The reason the much-more impressive and practical bids from England and Australia were overlooked for 2018 and 2022 respectively was due to his vision of a "global game".
Surely it would be more fitting for a global game to promote equality rather than alienating tens of thousands of fans and players who may feel they are being driven away from the sport they love.
We have already said that a boycott of Qatar 2022 is not the answer.
But, would you feel comfortable travelling to a country where your sexuality could see be publicly beaten or thrown in prison?
Now is the time for us to highlight these issues - write a letter, contact your local decision makers, get involved with the Justin Campaign - all these things can help make a difference and hopefully reclaim football from the authorities who quite clearly do not promote the ethos "football for all".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
