Every February, we mark Football v Homophobia month, a month that is so important not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for the footballing world as a whole.
It’s still incredible to believe and comprehend that people in the LGBTQ+ family are still subjected to questions and abuse from some members of the football community. Therefore, a month like Football v Homophobia is incredibly important in highlighting these problems.
We spent last weekend with Cardiff Dragons, Wales’ first ever LGBTQ+ football club. Chairperson Charlotte Galloway explained first and foremost, why the month is so important for sides like the Dragons.
“Football v Homophobia month is really good in providing visibility to clubs like ours. This week we went up to the Football v Homophobia awards, which we’ve been nominated for, and we won in the Cymru category. But what I love about those events is that we get to meet other teams.
“Although we have one league for LGBTQ+ sports teams, it’s great to meet people off the pitch and have those conversations and make those connections.
“A lot of the struggles that our clubs have are very unique and not things we could go to the FA or FAW about, but we’re able to build those relationships with other teams and ask questions and seek answers from each other.”
It’s still rather unbelievable to think that, in 2024, there are still those who feel it’s acceptable to hurl abuse at those of an LGBTQ+ persuasion. Galloway, while admitting the game has come a long way since she joined the Dragons, still says we should challenge discriminatory views by anyone, no matter how close they may be to us.
“We want to help inform people who are coming from a place of wanting to learn. The biggest thing is having difficult conversations with people in your friendship group or family who have got challenging views, who may not be inclusive or accepting.
“It’s about being an active ally, don’t be someone who says, I don’t have a problem with it, be someone who says, when they hear discriminatory comments, to step in and say something. It shouldn’t have to solely be the LGBTQ+ community who have to fight for us all the time, people everywhere can do it.
“It’s tiring to constantly have our identity challenged.”
There may also be those who feel like they need to or want to find a club or space where they feel safe to play and support football. That’s what Cardiff Dragons can offer. With four teams, ranging from playing in the GFSN League (Gay Football Supporters Network League) to casual five-a-side football, there is something for everyone.
Galloway says, if anyone wants to come and join in, that they are always welcome to come down to the Dragons.
“There’s no limit to the number of teams we’d put on. We’ve currently got three teams playing in wider leagues, and one team who plays in a local five-a-side league in Cardiff. Ten years ago, we only had one team.
“The number of people who have joined us over the last year and a half have gone up so much and we’ve really blossomed. The more interest there is, the more we will do to accommodate everyone.”
The Football v Homophobia is a campaign that is supported by the FAW, who have pledged their continuing support.
“The FAW will continue to use its platform to highlight LGBT+ challenges and barriers across the game, in addition to working toward a future where everyone, everywhere in Wales feels as though they belong in the game.”
The campaign also has the support of many in the Wales squad.
Speaking ahead of their friendly against Ireland this evening, captain Sophie Ingle says the campaign is close to many of those in the Wales squad, and the more they can do to change the world the better.
“It’s really important, we want to support as many campaigns as we can. Obviously that campaign is close to a lot of us, and if we can help people outside of the football world, it’s really important for us to show support.
“You know that it doesn’t matter what sexuality you are, we have to all support each other and come together in football. That’s the big thing that we can do as a nation.”
If you want more information about the campaign, check out Football v Homophobia website, or take a look at Cardiff Dragon’s Twitter.
Football is a game for everyone.
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