The EFL held its very first LGBTQ+ Fans Forum, hosted by Sky Sports' Mark McAdam earlier this week, as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
The forum, which took on a question-and-answer format, saw representatives from Clubs across the three divisions come together to discuss Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces and how they were activating the campaign on Rainbow Laces Day, which is marked for today, Wednesday 8 December.
Speaking at the forum, host and broadcaster McAdam said: “These campaigns aren’t about getting a player to come out, they’re about creating a safe space if a player does want to come out.”
Representatives from Sheffield United, Bristol City, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Millwall were proud to take part in the first-ever LGBTQ+ fans forum, whilst representatives from the EFL, the EFL Trust and The Football Supporters' Association were also in attendance.
“The amount of Clubs and the amount of supporter groups involved in Rainbow Laces is really growing and that is absolutely amazing.”
- James Laley, Chairman of Rainbow Blades
The EFL’s new Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McArdle, described the forum as an “inspirational evening”, serving as the tip of what the EFL has to offer.
Meanwhile, Loo Brackpool, Head of Participation and Community Engagement at the EFL Trust, highlighted the importance of educating staff at Clubs to “keep everyone up to date and create safe environments”.
“What’s important is to share that football is a safe space for people to play and watch.”
- Dan White, Chief Executive of Robins Foundation
What a night!#EFL | #RainbowLaces pic.twitter.com/J8kXlm5AiP
— EFL (@EFL) December 6, 2021