Having a strong LGBTQ+ supporters group brings me such pride as a queer woman

Growing up, Saturdays at Bramall Lane were the highlight of my week. I would catch the 81 bus down Ecclesall Road with my dad, and drink pre-match pints of Cider (him) and Coke (me) at the now demolished Devonshire Arms. We’d take our seats at the back of the Arnold Laver Stand and cheer on the Blades. I went to Uni in 2013 where I was involved in the LGBTQ+ society, and other than an ill-fated trip to Wembley in 2014, I didn’t really follow football.

I returned to Sheffield in 2016, just as Chris Wilder took over as manager for the first time. I followed our highs and lows from League One up to the Premier League and fell back in love with Sheffield United.  

Learning of Rainbow Blades in 2021, I joined immediately. Whether or not you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, there is space for you in Rainbow Blades. We have pre-match socials before every home game, regular non-matchday socials and an active WhatsApp group.

Having a strong LGBTQ+ supporters group brings me such pride as a queer woman, and I’m excited to get more involved as a committee member this year.

Words by Rainbow Blades committee member, Faye Gregory