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Help us tackle homophobia

Posted: Sat 02 Mar 2013
Author: rovers.co.uk

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Rovers are supporting Football v Homophobia (FvH), an international campaign to combat homophobia in all of its forms. And you can help.

FvH aims to tackle homophobia and prejudice against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) people in football. The campaign is endorsed and supported by The FA, PFA, PL, FL, LMA and Kick It Out.

The aim of FvH is to make football safe and welcoming for everyone. Prejudice and discrimination in football affects us all, not just LGB&T people.

Justin Fashanu, the first ever openly gay male professional footballer, suffered bullying and hostility after his sexual orientation became public. So too have heterosexual footballers such as Graeme Le Saux and Sol Campbell.

LGB&T people are everywhere. Sons, daughters, mums, dads, grandparents, aunties and uncles could be LGB&T. LGB&T people are in all walks of life. They are receptionists, doctors, bus drivers, physios, and yes, even footballers.

Throughout Football v Homophobia month and beyond, please help your club by standing up to prejudice and discrimination against LGB&T people in the game. Together we can make fooball a welcoming place for everyone.

If you witness any behaviour during the game, like anti- gay chanting and hateful or prejudice language, speak to a nearby steward, the police, a club official or contact The FA by phone on 0800 085 0508 or email reportdiscrimination@theFA.com or Kick It Out on www.kickitout.org/report_ it.php.

Remember, doing nothing only allows discrimination to get worse.
1. The further support the campaign, here are some other simple things you can do: @FvHtweets
2. Join the Football Fans v Homophobia network to keep up to date with recent events.
3. Encourage your club, amateur team or friends to get involved (view case studies of good projects at www.footballvhomophobia.com).