My name is Stephanie, I am a transsexual lady and a season-ticket holder at Sheffield United who I have supported since the age of six.
I think it's very important for complete equality in football and society. We are all people and we are all different. I don't believe in labels and don't believe they have any positive impact on this issue. It is difficult to understand how some people can be friends with someone on a day-to-day basis but if they then realise that friend is in love with someone who does not fit in to a slot that society has created, they have difficulty adapting to this.
In football there are very few people who are true to themselves due the fear of rejection or repercussions. It is refreshing that the FA and to a bigger extent Sheffield United embrace the LGBT+ community in pressing for complete change in the eradication of any discrimination of any sort whatsoever.
It is still early days in the task to allow anyone involved in football to have complete freedom of expression, but I do feel things are going in the right direction, maybe not in my lifetime but hopefully one day discrimination of any sort will become a thing of the past
Stephanie, Rainbow Blades Member
February is Football v Homophobia Month of Action, here is what this fantastic campaign is all about.
Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. As an international initiative FvH engages in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building to:
Make existing football structures safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTI people
Create opportunities and promote engagement of LGBTI people in football at all levels and in all forms
Improve the representation and visibility of LGBTI people throughout football
To realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change
They work all year round, but FEBRUARY is the Football v Homophobia Month of Action where they ask clubs, fans, players, football authorities and other supporters to focus their efforts.
T0 find out more https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/
