Anna’s journey with Rainbow Blades

When Rainbow Blades was founded in 2020, the aim was simple: to make Bramall Lane a place where every LGBTQ+ fan could walk through the turnstiles and feel completely at home. As I reflect on six years of Rainbow Blades - in various guises from Vice Chair to member - I'm so proud of how far we've come together.

From virtual pre-match socials during the pandemic to hosting our United for All Charity Match at Bramall Lane itself, the journey has been remarkable. We've grown to hundreds of members, earned two awards, appeared on the Premier League's global stage, and built something genuinely special alongside the club and the Community Foundation.

But we won't pretend the job is done. Too many LGBTQ+ fans still second-guess whether to wear a rainbow scarf, hold a partner's hand, or simply be themselves in the stands. Online, the abuse aimed at our community remains relentless - homophobic and transphobic comments from keyboard warriors.

Real progress has been made, but we can't be complacent.

We'll keep pushing until every fan, regardless of who they are or who they love, can be their authentic selves in the sport we all love.

Rainbow Blades member – Anna Kent