JBG? – HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA IN SPORT SURVEY.

JUST A BALL GAME?  MEDIA RELEASE                                      

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JBG? – HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA  IN SPORT SURVEY.

Violence, Harassment and repression of LGBT+ people still exists globally. 

Annually on May17th, IDAHOBIT- International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia is a co-ordinated International grass roots community date to raise awareness around LGBT+ visibility and inclusion, alongside encouraging society to take action against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

For this year’s IDAHOBIT theme of ‘Breaking The Silence’ JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) in partnership with LGBT Dorset Equality Network, have released a survey:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/justaballgame/ looking at homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sport.

It is hoped that whatever the outcomes, and/or differences found to our survey results (and therefore hard evidence collated for use) a decade ago, we can implement the findings to engage in dialog with the policy makers, NGB’s, the media, employers and general public to take action against any discrimination, persecution or hate crime which LGBT+ people face.

Despite advancement over recent years with some athletes ‘coming out’ sports are still very much an area of perceived male, masculine dominance and achievement. Along with the breaking down of these stereotypes and challenging sexism and misogyny there is also a need to try and eradicate to a minimum all forms of discrimination. 

Our survey is anonymous, it will take you around 5 minutes to sign into and complete and will be available to fill out until 11^th July 2020.

We have allocated inclusive questions for both LGBT+ people and those who identify as heterosexual to answer to try and establish a balanced overview of what is relevant to all in 2020.

Survey link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/justaballgame/

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Contact for further information:

info@justaballgame.co.uk  

JBG? media release - “ TRANS KIDS ARE ALRIGHT.”

                             


                                 

                   “ TRANS KIDS ARE ALRIGHT.”

So much is being thrown around about the reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and also trans inclusion in such a negative way.

Here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) we wanted to put our weight behind our trans brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues , strangers, and also those who may identify as non-binary, gender neutral or other, and show some love and support by issuing “Trans Kids Are Alright” laces.

Our patron Sophie Cook, alongside our friends at GMB Union/ Kick It Out/ Fans For Diversity/ have backed the initiative to raise awareness and visibility by wearing our pink and blue laces.

We have also been given the support of Dawn Butler, Labour MP Brent Central and Shadow SOS for Women & Equalities for this initiative.
Sandie Maile, co-chair GMB Shout! London region shows support:  "GMB Shout! the union's self-organised group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* + members, fully supports equality for trans* people and we are happy to endorse this campaign by Just a Ball Game?"

Brian Shaw,  Chair of GMB London Regional Equality Forum says: “GMB Shout! welcome this initiative, trans rights are human rights and changes to the gender recognition act need to be supported. Join GMB Shout! campaign’s - gmbshout.net”

Sophie Cook JBG? Patron has these words: “  “With the increasing levels of anti-trans prejudice that we are seeing in some quarters it is more important than ever to stand united in support of transgender rights. Trans people are disproportionately likely to suffer with mental health issues due to the abuse and discrimination that they receive so every sign of solidarity helps to show them that there are more people that believe in equality and love than those that seek to spread hate. I love this initiative from Just A Ball Game? And urge everyone to get behind the campaign and show that trans rights are human rights.”

Kick It Out.

Roisin Wood, CEO of Kick It Out, said: “The trans community are an important part of football and we were pleased to recognise that by appointing Sophie as our first transgender ambassador in 2016.”

“Just A Ball Game? do vital work supporting LGBT participants in the game and we are delighted to throw our support behind their pink and blue laces campaign to promote trans inclusion.”

JBG? have a limited number of the laces available and those who donate a minimum of £5 to JBG? via our website and social media links, will receive a pair of laces (while stocks last and inclusive of P+P) and a free JBG? badge. 

Please show your support for trans inclusion and wear pink and blue to let everyone know: “ Trans Kids Are Alright.”

Donate link is on our website pages: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=info@justaballgame.co.uk&lc=GB&item_name=web104&no_note=0&cn=&currency_code=GBP&bn=PP-DonationsBF:btn_donateCC_LG.gif:NonHosted

BRADFORD CITY LGBT fan group first patron ADAM McCABE.

                     

               BRADFORD CITY LGBT fan group have first patron in ADAM McCABE.

Bradford City LGBT fan group are extremely proud to announce that former Bradford City reserve player Adam McCabe will become their first patron.

Ex-professional player McCabe  ‘came out’  when his story was told globally earlier this year while playing for Georgia Revolution FC, Adam will also become a patron of JUST A BALL GAME?

“While I was playing soccer at a younger age, I was not out to my teammates. I did not really even think about my sexuality until the end of high school. Soccer was all that I thought about. I lived, breathed, ate and slept soccer. And I was not going to let anything, like a relationship or my sexuality, get in the way of my goals and dreams.”

Adam is now back playing in the USA and has a full time job for ‘Hersheys’ but also coaches along with regular appearances in the NPSL.

“Becoming a patron for Bradford City LGBT fan group and JBG?  means standing up for a minority in football and in sports in general. This is a platform and opportunity to shape the landscape of sports and change the perception of LGBTQ individuals in sports. To be a role model and inspire others was the main reason I decide to come out. I knew that I could help a lot of other people struggling with this same issue if I was brave enough to be a leader by example,” says McCabe.

LGBT fan group member Bradford Councillor Richard Dunbar had this to say, “I am delighted to hear that Adam will be joining as patron for both Bradford City LGBT Fan Group and JBG?”
“Having him on board sends a positive message to other professional players struggling with the thought of coming out. I would like to think we are closer than ever to a professional player coming out in the English Football Leagues. It is when clubs like Bradford City fly the rainbow flag, have a zero tolerance on hate speech and openly celebrate events like LGBT History Month that make this more possible."

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MEDIA RELEASE-GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE TRADES UNION CONGRESS (TUC) FRANCES O’GRADY BECOMES A PATRON OF JUST A BALL GAME?

                                    

  

 

    GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE TRADES UNION CONGRESS  (TUC)   FRANCES O’GRADY BECOMES A PATRON OF JUST A BALL GAME?

 

Anti-discrimination campaign organisation JUST A BALL GAME? are extremely honoured and  privileged in announcing  the General Secretary of the TUC, Frances O’Grady, is to become  one of our Patrons.
Frances, a North London resident and a long term Arsenal supporter, as an experienced campaigner and a leader, will be a fantastic addition to the organisation with her high profile and commitment to supporting an LGBT community, helping to raise awareness on LGBT inclusion and visibility as a straight ally.

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said:
“I’m proud to become a patron of ‘Just A Ball Game?’. There should be no room for hate and homophobia in what is the beautiful game. The TUC is committed to stamping out prejudice against LGBT people in football, at work and in society. Together, we’ve made a lot of progress but there’s still a long way to go before everyone is treated with the dignity and respect we all have the right to expect.”

Bradford Councillor and Labour Party member Richard Dunbar says:
 “I am proud to be involved with Just A Ball Game? and working to ensure that homophobia and discrimination is challenged in football grounds, schools and other settings across the country. To have Frances O’Grady as Just A Ball Game?’s new patron is a great endorsement of the work done by the organisation. The struggles of the Trade Union movement and LGBT communities are similar and so we will be unrelenting in challenging homophobia and other discrimination through education and therefore ensure equality and acceptance  win the day.”

A Sporting Partnership

JUST A BALL GAME?

EVENT:  THURSDAY 1^ST OCTOBER 6:30- 9:30PM AT BRADFORD BREWERY.

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A SPORTING PARTNERSHIP

Just a Ball Game? has teamed up with Bradford Brewery to create a new unique  partnership. On the 1^st October, the brewery will be launching a beer named Just a Ball Game? and launching a safe space for LGBT sports fans on match days. 

Additionally, on the night, a new Bradford City LGBT Supporters Group will be officially launched, with the Twitter account  @BFDCITYLGBT. The new fan club is endorsed by Bradford City Football Club, who are already proudly displaying the banner.
“Bradford City FC is delighted that Just a Ball Game? has achieved this support from the Bradford Brewery. The Club has worked closely with Just a Ball Game? since its inception and they have always provided sensible and practical support for the Club as it looks to attract LGBT fans to its home games.

We are a Club that is open to all and Just a Ball Game? has helped Bradford City FC to ensure its fan-base is fully inclusive.  We thank Bradford Brewery for their support for this venture and hope that the organisational links helps Just a Ball Game?  to go from strength-to-strength.” David Dowse, Facilities Manager, Bradford City FC.

During the course of the evening, there will be a Q&A session with invited guests including Gerry Sutcliffe, the former Sports Minister and Councillor Richard Dunbar. Alongside this there will be an educational exhibition on display, entitled “Time for Action”, and memorabilia from the women’s football game.

Support for these initiatives’ has come from many people including the Leader  of Bradford Council, David Green, “I welcome this initiative applaud the organisers in making sure that the peoples game is open and safe for all people to enjoy. It is great to see one of our new local businesses getting involved in this community initiative and supporting one of our great sporting clubs”

The beer will be a traditional English Best Bitter containing pale malt, crystal malt, wheat, caramel and chocolate malt with a royal gold colour.

In addition to being on sale at the Bradford Brewery, the beer will also be sale at Al’s Dime Bar, on North Parade.

Lindsay England, founder of JBG? said, “ Just a Ball Game? are very proud of the partnerships with both Bradford Brewery, and Al’s Dime Bar. Who, as of the 1^st October will be selling a beer with our brand name on it to mark the launch of the LGBT safe space and Bradford City LGBT fan group.”

 A spokesperson for the brewery had this to add: "Bradford Brewery are pleased to support Just a ball Game? It is important that individuality within sport is celebrated. We are all one team."- Alison of Bradford Brewery.

It’s hoped the branded beer, safe space and LGBT fan group will help to evolve an LGBT /straight alliance and inspire other communities to do similar.

The launch is a free event, and open to all who wish to support the venture.

Event support from:

 

TUC launch toolkit for unions to tackle homophobia in football- with JBG?

 

TUC launches toolkit for unions to tackle homophobia in football

A toolkit designed to stamp out homophobia in football is being launched today (Wednesday) by the TUC as part of a concerted action by unions and their allies.
The toolkit is to help unions challenge the prejudice faced by many LGBT people in football and wider sport. It was written and designed by members of the TUC alliance against homophobia and transphobia in football in association with The Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Just a Ball Game? – a campaign which challenges homophobia and promotes LGBT participation in sport.
The toolkit includes practical ideas and advice for union members on how they can best tackle homophobia at club level and what kind of resources they may need.
The toolkit will be launched at the TUC’s headquarters by Frances O’Grady, the TUC General Secretary, with members of the alliance including Gordon Taylor from the PFA, Maria Exall, chair of the TUC LGBT committee, and Lindsay England from Just a Ball Game? The launch is also being supported by Stonewall, the Gay Football Supporters’ Federation and the Inclusion Adviser at the Football Association.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

”Unions are continuing to do outstanding work promoting equality at work and in society in general. This toolkit will help them reinforce the message that there is absolutely no place for homophobia in football or indeed any kind of sport.
“Union activists have used this approach at a number of professional clubs in the past and we want to build on those successes.”

The event will take place at 1pm at TUC headquarters, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.


- The TUC alliance toolkit Tackling Homophobia in Football can be found at http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-rights/tackling-homophobia-football
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
 

 http://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/TacklingHomophobiaToolkit.pdf

UK HOMO HERO NOMINATION for our patron ANDIE WORRALL.

ANDIE WORRALL short listed for UK Homo Hero ROLE MODEL OF YEAR AWARD.

Here at Just a Ball Game? we are delighted to announce that one of our patrons, FA WSL and Manchester City Ladies Goalkeeper Andie (Andrea) Worrall has made a short list of 3 nominations for the UK Homo Hero-ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013.          

The voting is now open for the general public to determine who will be the winner and the announcement will be made at an awards ceremony in October. The prestigious award was won for the first time in 2011 by Sir Ian McKellen.

VOTE here: https://www.lgf.org.uk/surveys/index.php?sid=95345&lang=en

We spoke to Andie to congratulate her on the good news and she had this to say: ”I am extremely proud to be a patron of Just A Ball Game? and now also proud to have been nominated for this award.Hopefully with the continued excellent work from organisations such as JBG? we can make positive contributions too lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.”

Andie has made 110 appearances  for current club  Manchester City Ladies F.C.  and also has 6 International caps under her belt  playing for Wales. She is currently the only 'out' in public LGB&T player in the game at elite level in the UK. Andie is involved with ‘Just A Ball Game?’ as one of their Patrons, doing interviews and photo shoots, who aim to use this work as part of an education package in the near future. It is hoped that by being involved in this type of work for a not-foot-profit voluntary community organisation like Just a Ball Game? Andie will be helping to raise awareness around LGB&T participation and inclusion and gender identity in football and also challenge homophobia.

See more on JBG? and Andie here: http://www.justaballgame.co.uk/patrons/andy-worrall


 @justaballgame

 justaballgame.co.uk