Just a Ball Game? match ball sponsors of HYDE FC.

JUST A BALL GAME? to sponsor match ball for HYDE FC game.Another first for the TIGERS!!

Hyde Fc will host Droylsden in the Blue Square North  as  a FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA game on 25th FEB, kick off 3pm.
JUST A BALL GAME? will be match ball sponsors.
The Hyde team will come out onto the pitch wearing both Just a Ball game? and Football v Homophobia t-shirts.
Village Manchester FC will also be attending the game?
Football v homophobia banner will be displayed throughout the game, flyer's and stickers and badges given out.




what is JUST A BALL GAME?

Just a ball game? contact us ..... info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

Description

Just a ball game? A campaign group which will help both grass roots and professional sports groups, organisations , authorities, along with governments, education establishments and trade unions build on the delivery of their existing work to deliver the core values of ''SiR'' SAFETY-INCLUSION-RESPECT around LGBT people, sexual orientation and gender identity. We hope to step OUT and be public to ...become role models for others. We will raise awareness and challenge what is seen as homophobia/anti-gay. LGBT football, LGBT sport, LGBT campaigns, LGBT activists. “Open the doors for them, give them hope,” raise awareness around LGBT issues, promote LGBT history and achievements. Aim to change mind-sets, help to dispel myths and widen education in different cultures in a healthy active way. See More

Website	http://justaballgame.blogspot.com/

what is FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA?


On February 19th 2010, The Justin Campaign launched “Football v Homophobia” – An international day opposing homophobia in football. The intention of this initiative is to provide an opportunity for individuals, communities and teams the world over to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in the game and celebrate its diverse following under the banner of Football v Homophobia.

The initiative is now about to enjoy its third year! Its growth and success is testament to all those who have supported and contributed to its development.And remember you don’t have to be a football fan or a sports group to back the campaign! Impacting on homophobia in football will communicate a zero tolerance attitude to homophobia, in any shape or form, across the world.

Football v Homophobia: football for everyone

18^th – 26^th February 2012

Football v Homophobia is an international campaign in football to tackle homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. It’s a campaign that is important for everyone in football, regardless of their sexuality. Homophobia, prejudice and discrimination affect us all. Justin Fashanu, the first ever out gay male professional footballer suffered bulling and hostility after his sexual orientation became public, but so too have straight footballers such as Graeme Le Saux and Sol Campbell.

Just like racism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia tarnish football for all of us. According to research (Stonewall 2009), almost 2 out of every 3 fans think that football would be a better sport if anti-gay abuse was eradicated. 52% of fans think that football should do more to prevent anti gay abuse and discrimination, whilst 70% of fans have heard anti gay abuse at football matches in the last 5 years.

Homophobic abuse is outlawed by The FA’s Ground Regulations. It is punishable by both the police and also by The FA, in exactly the same way as racism is. Chanting, verbal abuse, banners or text that uses homophobic, hateful or prejudiced language can lead to charges ranging from being banned from attending matches or being fined, to even imprisonment.

The aim of Football v Homophobia is to make football safe and welcoming for all. We want to ensure that football values the contributions made by all people regardless of their gender and sexuality. To get involved with the campaign and make a difference, visit our website: www.footballvhomophobia.com

3 simple things you can do to support football v homophobia

1. Follow FvH and promote us on social media

2. Take some simple actions to make a difference through our website www.footballvhomophobia.com

Report any incidences of homophobic language at football. Talk to a nearby steward, the police, a club official, or the referee or your County

who are VILLAGE MANCHESTER FC?

"Village Manchester Football Club have been competing in local Sunday leagues for the past ten years with the aim of showing that gay men can play football at a good level and to reduce prejudice in sport simply by getting on the pitch and showing what we can do.

"We're delighted to see Hyde committing to the Anti-Homophobia charter.  It's important that equality in sports is promoted at every level and having the Blue Square Bet Conference North leaders taking a strong stance is a very encouraging sign.  We hope to work with the club in the future to ensure that young LGBT footballers feel they can play at any level without the need to hide their sexuality."










WHAT IS LGBT HISTORY MONTH?


Once again the events of FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA are also part of LGBT History Month.
We are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and their friends.
We exist in all times and places. We speak each and every language. We laugh and cry. We talk and remain silent.
When we can, we attend school, college and university. When we can, we go out into the streets. We read the papers and watch the TV. We attend church, synagogue, temple and mosque. We are free and confined. We celebrate and we hide. We are happy and sad. We are supported and alone.
Our lives are both ordinary and extraordinary.
LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland.
Since 1997 the position of LGBT people has improved as a result of human rights legislation. Transsexual men and women are now able to assert their gender on passports and birth certificates. Section 28 was repealed in 2003. Since 2010 we have had a single Equality Act that includes sexual orientation and gender reassignment among its protected characteristics. A crime with a homophobic motive is now a hate crime. LGB people can enter civil partnerships and enjoy the same pension rights as heterosexual couples. We have become visible in the media, from Saturday night TV and soap characters to dramas and documentaries about our LGBT ancestors. Out and proud gay and lesbian MPs sit in parliament in all the major parties.
Sport has also its share of LGBT's participating both at professional and grass roots level.
If we want it to have a major impact, we must share the responsibility for making it happen. Click here for suggestions for events and activities, as well as other information.

MEDIA RELEASE: SPECIAL ONE IN GAY SLUR ROW

 

              MEDIA RELEASE for immediate release. 21/02/2012.

             THE SPECIAL ONE IN GAY SLUR ROW.

The Coach of Spanish Super club REAL MADRID and former Chelsea ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho has found himself at the centre of a gay slur row following footage showing him making comments while he kicked a ball around on a winter clad pitch in Moscow prior to a Champions league tie.

It’s understood that cameras followed Mr Mourinho though the stadium out onto the pitch wear questions were raised around what colour ball the teams would play with. With film still rolling the statement in Portuguese was clearly herd saying ‘’Y esos maricones….No dicen con que balon se juega?’’ which when translated is ‘’And those faggots….do not say that you play ball?’’

Founding Director of LGBT campaign and activist group JUST A BALL GAME? Lindsay England has condemned the slur, calling it ‘’un-necessary and inappropriate language.’’

‘’As fans of the game both LGBT and straight the world over are this week celebrating the lives of LGBT players, coaches, managers, etc under the banner of FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA http://www.footballvhomophobia.com/  comments such as this from high profile and well respected people within the game highlight how much work and education there is still needed to be done.’’

‘’There have been a number of coaches, managers and former managers in the past several years who have made these type of comments and it’s hoped that European governing body UEFA will hold Mr Mourinho accountable and implement the correct fines and disciplinary action.’’

Film of Mourinho making the slur can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UxVQkMYWoGY

Lindsay England.    justaballgame.blogspot.com

Double standards from QPR? -they warn fans not to sing homophobic songs only hours after singing a player who encouraged fans to be homophobic!

Fans of QPR have been warned of their conduct ahead of this weekends FA Cup clash with Chelsea.Yet this has happened only hours after the news broke that the club has signed former Marseille Nigerian player Taye Taiwo.
Why the big fuss you may ask?
Well Taiwo, AC Milan's 26 year-old left-back has joined the premiership side on loan till the end of the season, and he is the player who was found guilty of being homophobic in April last year (2011) and fined £17,000 by the French football chiefs and given a one game ban.
His crime?
The player celebrated his winning goal against French side Montpellier's at the final whistle by grabbing a microphone and led the signing with the clubs hardcore supporters of an expletive-ridden homophobic song about their bitter rivals Paris St. Germain.
This action by the club doesn't set much of an example for its fans to follow, on one hand they want the fans to behave themselves and be accepting of diversity, but then turn a blind eye to the actions of a player who so publicly disgraced himself as a role model to many fans of the game, and showed his ignorance and lack of respect to an LGBT community.

JUST A BALL GAME?-''HAPPY NEW YEAR''

    JUST A BALL GAME? would like to thank all those who have helped out and supported our efforts over the year 2011 and wish all campaigners and activists a HAPPY NEW YEAR for 2012.

MEDIA RELEASE dec 2011 HYDE FC first BLUE SQUARE NORTH club to sign' CHARTER'

       MEDIA RELEASE   JUST A BALL GAME?  December 2011.

                             info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

                 HYDE FC to tackle homophobia in football.

A little bit of history was made last night (05/12/11) at Ewen Fields when HYDE FC become the first Blue Square Bet North  football club to officially sign up to the Government ‘charter against homophobia and transphobia in sport’ after their 4-1 home win against Eastwood.

The Tigers pride themselves on being very much a community club and they welcomed Lindsay England from football’s LGBT campaigning organization JUST A BALL GAME? as a guest for the home fixture, and Manager Gary Lowe and player Gianluca Haveren were more than happy to add a signature to the charter committing the club to challenging homophobia and taking a zero tolerance to any anti-gay abuse or chanting within the game.

The club have also stated they will look at hosting a celebrity match or training session and invite LGBT players to attend to help celebrate LGBT History Month in February of next year.

Until stepping down early this year former Director of Hyde FC, Julie Whitehead was the only ‘out’ lesbian involved in the semi-professional game in a senior managerial role, showing Hyde FC are one of the most inclusive teams in the country.

Contact: Lindsay England.  

                                          info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

                                         

HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT- SURVEY nov. 2011

    info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

                                                   justaballgame.blogspot.com

 

              MEDIA RELEASE November 2011.   JUST A BALL GAME?   -SURVEY.

      A LOOK AT HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT.

The research published in this documentation was conducted by Lindsay England founder of “Just a Ball Game?” (“JBG?”)  in partnership with the TUC’s LGBT Committee. This survey is the second phase of three pieces of research conducted by "JBG?". The first being a report titled ‘’We’re not homophobic.’’

During the summer of 2011, Just a Ball Game? conducted a short survey to look into HOMOPHOBIA in SPORT. Below are the key findings from the survey.

a.         Just over a third, 34%,feel the need to participate in sport or leisure activities in a ‘safe space’ by being part of LGBT/LGBT friendly clubs or groups solely .

b.         Over 2/3rds stated they experienced homophobia in sport.

c.         Only 26% of respondents to the survey reported any of the homophobia they witnessed to an appropriate body.

d.         Only 8 out of 92 who responded to the question ‘’Do you feel satisfied with the responses you got when you reported the homophobia?’’ felt that the response they got after reporting the homophobia was satisfactory.

e.         Despite the amount and levels of homophobia around sport over 60% of those who answered the survey say they attend sport events on a regular basis.

Just a Ball Game? believe that ‘’For LGBT’s to be fully accepted, respected and integrated as athletes we need to eradicate the conservative environment which still pretends there is no homosexuality in sport. As homophobia constitutes its self in many forms and there is a need for education throughout both professional and grass roots sports to fully understand this, one of the biggest steps taken would be for a zero tolerance to be introduced by all involved. Sport also needs to be more open and show visibility to any work achieved around LGBT inclusion. ’’

 ‘’SAY NO TO HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT’’

 LINK to RESEARCH.   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LQDludKUcs-nQEG1dRvOmvZOjb3yf4nD50PHICqX8Yo/edit?hl=en_US#

___________________________________________________________________

Contact: Lindsay England    info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

                                         djlindsayengland@gmail.com

     

CWU Day of Action -just a ball game? MEDIA RELEASE

            

           JUST A BALL GAME?  MEDIA RELEASE nov. 2011.

     COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION (CWU) day of action.

Just a Ball Game?  would like to announce that Bradford City  will become the 3^rd Professional Football Club to sign to the government ‘CHARTER’ taking action  against homophobia and transphobia in sport, after they confirmed they will be publicly signing up to the charter prior to their home fixture against Plymouth Argyle on December 10^th 2011.

This will form part of a whole day of action addressing homophobia and transphobia in football by the CWU at Valley Parade and Bradford City will become the first UK  Professional Football Club (under Football League ruling and acceptance) to allow literature addressing anti-gay issues and LGBT issues to be distributed at a game.

The CWU have been campaigning for over 3 years for strong action to be taken and its National Equality Officer Linda Roy said ‘’ The CWU have been campaigning for a long time on rising awareness on homophobia in sport and we are very pleased that Bradford City FC have agreed to host our Day of Action.’’

The CWU will be supported on the day by groups such as the TUC,who will be there handing out leaflets to fans as they arrive. They will then also be a part of the public signing up to the ‘CHARTER’ by the club and the celebrations as Just a Ball Game? announce that Bradford City will receive an award in recognition of the clubs continued efforts in challenging homophobia in football since the changes made to the ground rules and regulations in 2007.

Founder of Just a Ball Game? Lindsay England says ‘’ Bradford City has always been very much a community focused club and although like many other lower league sides have priorities in investing in the playing side, diversity also plays a big role in the clubs existence. I have worked with club officials and the Bradford City Supporters Trust and others to try eradicate anti-gay views held by a small section of our fan base and I believe that the commitment by the club itself to signing up to the ‘CHARTER’ is a huge step forward. It sends out the right message to both our support and visiting support to Valley Parade .One message which I hope many other UK football teams will now follow.’’

So far over 2,000 professional sports teams, groups, individuals and grass roots competitors have now signed the government charter for action against homophobia in sport. Please sign up today at…https://www.facebook.com/#!/lgbtsportcharter

______________________________________________

Contact:

info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

LGB sport -mad week or mad world?

FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) weeks of action -cake.

Well what a busy last week in October 2011 it has been for LGBT sports people!

Just slightly off tack I would like to say huge congratulations to my friend Elly Barnes a music teacher, trainer and diversity officer from London who topped the IoS Pink List this year, it was well deserved.
While we are on the pink list Steven Davies England's one day and 20/20 wicketkeeper-batsman was also in there at number 12.

Here in Manchester we had the official launch of Just a Ball Game?(JBG?)as a campaigns and activist group,a year on from starting out as a blog.Then LGBT sports people from Northern Wave Swim Club and Manchester Sharks Water Polo side joined football fans in a Sports Swap event as part of this years FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) grass roots events which aimed to bring another strand to the campaign by raising awareness around LGBT issues in the game as part of the annual weeks of action.
John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas, Bristol rugby player Jed Hooper, featured in news items while Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic become the first 2 professional teams in football to sign up to the government charter. A little further afield in Germany a former Wolfsburg player dismisses once again gay rumours, and Abby Wambach is highlighted as endorsements don't follow those of fellow teammate Hope Solo, while both women look set to find new sides to turn out for with the WPSL enforcing a ruling and closing the club down.
So lets have a look in a little bit more detail as to what has happened over the last 10 days shall we.

England cricketer Steven Davies, 24, who also plays for county side Surrey 'came out' earlier this year, the first professional in modern day Cricket to do so.This was a huge effort on Steven's part as his family and close friends had known for a number of years his sexuality but he wanted his team mates to know the truth also and took a big step in telling them. On doing so Steven became one of only a handful of LGBT sports people to announce their sexual orientation publicly while they are still a playing professional.Seen as a role model to aspire too for a younger generation the Pink List this year recognised Steven's efforts to raise awareness of LGBT participation in professional sport and put him at number 12 on the list.

Just a ball Game? started out 12 months ago as a blog off the back of 5 years work in and around lgbt issues in football and the challenges that are faced in dealing with homophobia in the beautiful game.As things now need to be taken to the next level JBG? will be applying for funding over the coming weeks and months to extend on ideas and activities to raise awareness around LGBT inclusion in the game and has now been launched officially as a constituted campaigns group.
The launch although low key its-self was part of this years FARE event in Manchester when local LGBT swimmers joined local lgbt football fans for a Sports Swap event.The football fans attended the regular swim/ water polo session and then the swimmers in turn (joined by lgbt runners/ tennis players and other local lgbt people and reps from unions) spent a few hours entertaining at Taurus Bar later that evening when the dvd about an LGBT football team ''KICK OFF'' was shown (some liked it so much they asked to take it home with them to watch again),and as well as handing out give aways to the general public and asking them to sign the government 'CHARTER' against homophobia and transphobia in sport the event was rounded off with a light-hearted Table Football Challenge!

A couple of days later JBG? carried on the FARE weeks of action campaign handing  out badges/posters/flyer's and posed for many photos with local fans in Zwolle,before the Holland v England women's international qualifying game.




                             
   Northern Wave Swim Club and LGBT Football fans at FARE weeks of action event-Taurus,Manchester.



Manchester also saw one of it's very own LGBT heroes honoured this week when ex-NBA star John Amaechi who told the world of sport he was a gay man shortly after retiring from playing professionally, received his OBE(which was announced in June this year)from Prince Charles in recognition of his services to sport and the voluntary sector.

Sadly we see that Gareth Thomas who in his professional career played both codes announced his official retirement from international and club rugby a few days ago at the age of 37.A proud Welshman born in Bridgend,Mr Thomas who played much of his early career in union then switched codes to league a couple of years ago and stated he was gay, was one of the only a few in the game to do so, Australian League's Ian Roberts and and fellow Welshman (who was an assistant ref in the recent Rugby Union World Cup Final in New Zealand) ref Nigel Owens being the others.Gareth said he will always have a great passion for the sport but felt it was time to hang up his boots as he could no longer give a 100%.

Following in Gareth's footsteps we see 22 year old Jed Hooper captain and back row forward of Bristol rugby team Old Redcliffians make a media announcement to disclose he is gay after telling his family and friends at the start of the the year.
Mr Hooper is a hotly tipped prospect to be a star athlete in the future and he decided that he didn't want to hide who he was any more,and after firstly trying to deny to himself his sexuality now sees that his ability to be open has changed him as a person and for the better lifting a huge weight from his shoulders.He hopes that he can now inspire others who are in the same situation he was that there is light at the end of the tunnel and to not bottle things up, ''trust me the world is not against you.''

                        Old Redcliffians player Jed Hooper.



In August this year we saw Bury defender Efe Sodje become the first professional football player in the UK to sign up to the governments 'CHARTER' he has been joined this week by 2 professional football clubs from league 1 in Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic. Captain of Wycombe and the club's PFA representative Matt Bloomfield and Charlton boss Chris Powell signed on behalf of their teams who have now committed to tackle homophobia and transphobia in the sport.Support for the 'CHARTER' has been steadily growing and over 2000 NGB's sports stars past and present and grass roots teams and players and fans have now signed up to the initiative.Lets hope its not too long before all 90 remaining professional football clubs in the top 4 English divisions follow suit and also sign up helping to challenge the anti-gay feelings and abuse there unfortunately is within the game.

Over in Germany this year we have seen the topic of homophobia and 'gay players' discussed on a number of occasions in the past 12 months with much debate both for and against whether a player 'coming out' would be good for themselves and the sport. The most recent to do so is former Wolfsburg international player Arne Friedrich who when questioned on a talk show TV interview was once again found to be playing down speculation about his own sexuality,the day after his girlfriend of 10 years even commented on the issues of her partner.The player himself said he does find it a little odd when the word 'gay' comes up on Google in association with his name and says ''there is no debate, as far as I am concerned,'' adding he had ''never met a player who I even suspected of being gay, but if that was the case, it would have been OK as well.''
When he was questioned further about the possibility of a player coming out he replied, ''I think it would be quite difficult,especially in football,there would probably be some headwind.''
German football itself through the FA has been pro-active for a number of years now fighting homophobia and most of the Bundesliga teams have their own LGBT fan clubs who are identifiable in the stadiums.Its generally thought in Germany that improvement is still needed so that the situation of a player still in the profession will feel confident to announce their sexuality and continue to play and be accepted, this could be achieved by education, coupled with stricter punishment for homophobic behavior on and off the field.Also that once the stigma itself is targeted,the fear felt by those affected will alleviate,too. 


As we hear this week that USA stars of the Women's World Cup Abby Wambach and Hope Solo are looking for a new club to play for next season as Magic Jack have had their franchise terminated by the WPSL (women's professional soccer league) following conflicts over sponsorship signs at matches and other expenses leading to points deductions and accusations of failing to pay bills tarnishing the leagues reputation, the women are also subject of media reports on their personal endorsements and their marketability.
Its been reported that while the players share similar adulation of the fans of their club and country and have similar attitudes towards playing the game and a love of it, and quite the same personalities, even long standing endorsements with high profile companies, they are seen as being a world away in terms of how these companies including ESPN value them because of their different sexualities.When Hope is very much seen as someone who can sell 'heterosexy' Abby is not, and true to form the very thought of selling Wambach to lesbians is out of the question! So, for now while we see Solo on DWTS, appearing on the cover of sports magazines and turning down shoots for male magazines and pulling in millions worth of dollars we don't see Wambach doing the same.This is often brushed off with comments that Abby doesn't court the same publicity,but it is not widely known that she 'is out' but its not a secret either and some of the coverage she has heavily points to the 'lesbian thing' of it all, and we can't have that can we,its not good PR and so little time or space is given to a strong successful female athlete if she is not heterosexual or perceived to be one.
Quite something when you think that 30 years on from professional tennis and the companies who sponsored it having this attitude, sport and its associates are still living in the dark ages around LGBT players.
So a mixed week for LGBT sports people, but was it a mad week or a mad world?

                                      USA football player Abby Wambach.

dj lindsay.



31/10/2011.

info.justaballgame@yahoo.com

first professional player to sign up to 'CHARTER'

          MEDIA RELEASE.       13/09/2011.             

Efe Sodje, Bury and Nigerian defender,-first Professional Football Player to sign up to the Government ‘CHARTER’.

On the eve of the recent 21^st birthday celebrations for Manchester Pride, the local LGBT sports teams and organizations gathered to kick off the weekends main events with the annual ‘It’s a Gay Knockout’ at Taurus Bar on Canal St.

This year, ‘loud and proud’ best wishes and a signed football, were sent to those competing from Bury and Nigeria defender Efe Sodje who took time out from his hectic pre-match routine and scheduled commitments to his own charity ‘The Sodje Sports Foundation (which aims to be inspiring and empowering for children and youths, as a result of promoting education through life skills and sport) to be available for a photo opportunity to help raise the awareness of LGBT inclusion in football.

 Just a Ball Game? were pleased to join Efe and Senior Executive of Equality-Simone Pound, at the PFA’s Head Quarters in Manchester where Efe became the first professional football player to sign up to the governments, ‘charter for action against homophobia and transphobia in sport’

  (https://www.facebook.com/#!/lgbtsportcharter),

the charter being initiated  as a direct idea and proposal to the GEO  at a TUC/Alliance meeting last December.

Efe is well aware ‘’how tuff things will be for the next professional player in football from the UK to ‘come out’ as they continue their playing career’’, and how much ‘’intrusion and unnecessary attention there will be from the press and media’’, and that unfortunately many bigoted supporters will not tolerate the announcement, Efe also thinks ‘’the player will have to be very brave and strong’’.

Efe spoke of how he himself is still subjected to abuse during games from the seemingly uneducated fans in stands and on terraces,(those these may not be the majority) even after all these years of many campaigns and events centered around minority inclusion in football.

Efe believes the fans  homophobia would be difficult to deal with, but thinks that from a professional game perspective ‘’the player would be accepted within a dressing room environment, and that team mates he hopes would be supportive.’’

As we are aware football still has a long way to go to even begin to state the game is becoming accepting of any LGBT’s who play, and indeed those who spectate as the game is institutionally homophobic, much work is needed to be done and everyone in the game from the very top, down through to grass roots has to take on some responsibility in dealing with this. The PFA are making small but welcome steps forward down that long road recently producing a poster to be displayed in professional teams dressing rooms, and they continue to be supportive of campaigns work and engage with the activist groups like, just a ball game and the TUC/Alliance group.

Lindsay England…

justaballgame.blogspot.com/

13/09/2011.

LGF news article

Here is a news item reproduced from a recent online article from the LGF which appeared over the summer after an interview with myself.

With kind permission from the LGF and their news team.

http://www.lgf.org.uk/news/opinion-ugly-side-to-the-beautiful-Philip Lahm calling for gay players to stay in the closet, MPs telling them to come out, FIFA President Sepp Blatter begging gay men not to have sex at the Qatar World Cup and the recent release of the report into Internet based football fans' homophobia: it's no wonder that the relationship between homophobia and football is constantly in the headlines.We're Not Homophobic, allout campaign have started a petition encouraging football's governing body FIFA to take a stand against such discrimination.change.org are currently calling on the newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester United to make an It Gets Better video to support LGB&T youth.The Justin Campaign
The Football AssociationJust a ball gameGay Football Supporters Network Village Manchester

OPINION: Ugly side to the beautiful game

Publish Date: 29/06/2011

     
Jack Stacey on the confusing swirl of homophobia and acceptance in the world’s most inclusive game.
                                                                                                                                                         Homophobia in football is nothing new, but has had a more significant focus of late. It seems that all the instances concerning the subject of homosexuality in football have culminated at the same time.
With Bayern Munich player,
The Women's World Cup kicked off this weekend and already a microcosm of the conflicting attitudes towards being  gay and kicking a ball around a pitch has flared up.
On the one hand, you have host nation Germany, proclaiming "It's ok to be gay". While the Nigerian team have allegedly sent the members of their squad suspected of being gay back home. In response, the
Closer to home Everton FC got involved with a number of community projects over IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia), while America's
Surely in this country, it is the responsibility of the FA to take decisive action to eradicate any forms of prejudice within the sport. It is not as though there are no gay rights campaigners banging at their door; the problem seems to be that there is no one at home.
Numerous attempts have been made to launch awareness of homophobic attitudes within football. The anti-homophobia film which the FA commissioned last year received a mixed response; swirled in criticism and controversy since its inception, the one and a half minute video of a man hurling homophobic abuse at commuters and work colleagues and then at players from a football stand, had its release at Wembley postponed, leading many to question the FA's sincerity.
Prominent retired NBA basketball player, turned gay activist, John Ameachi O.B.E perhaps put it best in his blog: "Ninety seconds of bad language that will only be seen on the internet is not a solution to the problems faced by football and the concept of trying to create a 'viral video' to combat homophobia in football feels crass at best."
It seems to a lot of people, Mr Ameachi included, that no one area if addressed will solve the problem of homophobia in football. The approach needs to be holistic to tackle what appears to be a form of discrimination which is inherent and difficult to deal with, yet often based on casualness and ignorance.
The repeat offenders and hard-line homophobes need to be ejected or arrested while those who obviously don't know any better need to be educated. Too long has the terrace been a safe place for chauvinists and it is about time that they are held to account.
The We're Not Homophobic research was conducted over a period of 16 weeks last year, internet mediums for football fans were studied and it was found that just 400 links had over 8,000 threads containing homophobic wording, of these 1,500 contained homophobic abuse and anti-gay hate.
It's tragic that 13 years after Justin Fashanu's suicide - the only high profile professional footballer ever to come out - widespread homophobia still continues in the game.
The recent coming out of Swedish footballer Anton Hysen is perhaps a glimmer of hope - so to is the FA working in partnership with The Justin Campaign, but there are still lots of challenges ahead.
It seems what has emerged is a type of stand-off between the administration, the players and the fans. Surely, this means that it is about time someone plucked up the kahunas and made the first move.




Links

IT'S A GAY KNOCKOUT

                                                TAURUS BAR       
                             PRIDE GAMES and JUST A BALL GAME?
                                                  bring you
                                       ‘’It’s a gay knockout’’
                             Thursday 25th August, 8pm onwards.
                                Come along and join in the action.

         Several local LGBT sports clubs and community organisations will compete in the fun to help kick off the weekend and celebrate 21 years of Manchester Pride.
                  Sign up to ‘the Charter ‘ (against homophobia and transphobia in sport) and take two minutes to complete the JUST A BALL GAME? survey, looking at homophobia in sport.

           Monday 22nd Aug. (15.30-16.30) will see the launch with VBA,  TAURUS BAR and first of the sports groups sign up and display ‘the Charter’ in the bar, followed by more teams Tues/Wed/Thurs till we have 21.

homophobia in sport- the survey

Media release:           JUST A BALL GAME?  A survey looking at homophobia in sport.            Media release.

                                                                                  

A week ago Just A Ball Game?  (justaballgame.blogspot.com) went live with a survey looking at homophobia in sport.

 Just A Ball game?  are inviting  sport’s people, in particular those who identify as LGBTQI to fill out this survey which will be live until 1 September 2011.

The link for the survey is: http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/justaballgame/, it is very easy to complete and will take only around 2 or 3 minutes of your time to do so. You can complete the survey whether you are active in a sport or leisure activity or even if you only watch live sport as a fan. There is no limit to how many times you can take the survey so you are able to fill in details on the 17 questions, as a sports participant and then do so again as a spectator if you wish too.

In May this year Just  A Ball Game?  completed over 240 hours of research looking at homophobia found on the internet,  from football fans forums and message boards and put out research findings from this. The research can be found with this link: http://justaballgame.blogspot.com/2011/05/media-release-were-not-homophobic.html

The fluid survey,  http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/justaballgame/,   looking at HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT is part of Just A Ball Game?  on-going research, campaigning  and activist work  which is recognised by many LGBT sport groups and organisations including the JUSTIN CAMPAIGN, and also by the TUC (trades  union congress) CWU (communication workers union)  PFA (professional footballers’ association) to name just a few.

As an alternative to filling out the survey on line, if you live in Manchester or will be around the last week in August as part of the many events to celebrate Manchester Pride’s 21^st birthday you can fill out the survey form and hand it too Just A Ball Game? representatives who will be present at venues Taurus (including 25^th Aug. for IT’S A GAY KNOCKOUT)  and Vanilla throughout the whole week.

Lindsay England author of the JUSTABALLGAME.BLOGSPOT.COM, says that ‘’although LGBT participation in sport is still very much a taboo subject it is important that the community has a voice and a platform where views, opinions and concerns can be aired. A number of ‘straight allies ‘ are being found and it’s hoped that sooner rather than later much progress can be made to help change society’s attitudes around the inclusion of LGBT’s  in sport and their skills and talent can be enjoyed and admired and aspired too by young and old alike.’’

women's world cup players 'proud an kicking'

PROUD AND KICKING?

 

off on 26th July 2011 when hosts Germany entertain Canada, and the German's aim to write their names into the history books once again. But, just how many of those players from the 16 teams competing do so as 'proud and kicking athletes?'


Certainly there will be two LGBT community members in the squads for that first game, as last year Nadine Angerer Germany's Goalkeeper declared herself to be bisexual, and fellow team mate Ursula Holl recently married her girlfriend. Angerer should win her 100th national cap in the tournament, and she stated that she came out as she wanted to reinforce the fact that hetrosexuality should not be a given in football. Several of the German squad are actually 'out' but we all know how the media plays things, then there's the fact that sexism and homophobia are an unwanted combination in all women's sports. Being an LGBT women can cost you your job as a coach or manager, straight women remain silent as many can see their aspirations squashed if they are perceived to be LGBT.
It's time football adopted the motto for this years 'CHRISTOPHER ST DAY ' events in Berlin (taking place the same weekend as the WC tournament kicks off) which has a sport theme 'Fairplay to Diversity.'


Then there is out lesbian and striker Jessica Landstrom, a Swede who plays for FFC Frankfurt, then er, er well that's about it really.There are others who are known and out to their own teams and fellow country women, some even known to the public, but the reluctance of the media to take the women's game seriously, let alone give text space to any of the players differing lifestyles means very few are spoken about.

Miss Landstrom had been 'out' to friends and family for some time, but decided to go public through Swedish magazine QX about here relationship with girlfriend Sara in 2008, this a gesture and acknowledgment to the couples commitment to each other.
Jessica has played over 50 times for Sweden, and not only does she have a talent for sport but she is also qualified in Mechanical Engineering.







So we know of the Europeans, but what of the English? Unfortunately those who are in and around the England Women's football team are very much in the closet. They maybe 'out' to close pals or family but nothing has come from any women in the game personally by way of speaking about their sexuality to help inspire a new generation, and be great role models to look up to. A sad tale really when you consider 2008/9 season figures stated that 260,000 women play football in England and 1.1million girls. Surely at least one must 'play for the other team?'


When I asked Hope Powell (England head coach) and Rachel Pavlou an FA coach at an event for teenager girls in Manchester last year what had been done in the last 12 years to attract and accommodate young LGBT women to the game, to play or coach or referee, and what the FA's plans were for say a further 12 years, the reply came back that nothing had been done, 'we don't cater for specific groups, all women and girls are welcome from all ages and abilities, from whatever backgrounds we welcome all there is no discrimination.'


I pointed out that figures had been given of specific groups to show how well the FA were doing in developing the game for females, but nothing mentioned being inclusive of LGBT's.There was nothing to show LGBT's would be in a learning environment which was safe for them.The answer that came back was 'there was no need to be inclusive of LGBT's as discrimination had never been an issue on any of the FA courses that either Rachel or Hope had been involved in the 12 years they had worked for the FA and my concerns were unnecessary and not relevant, as i had been the only person they had ever met who had questioned this.'


I asked Rachel if it was possible for her and Hope to run an LGBT only training session or event ( like this evening ) for local LGBT’s here in Manchester at some point in the future, and Rachel said ''its unlikely as they don’t think there is a need stating once again that ok, I my have had a problem somewhere along the line but this was just unfortunate and nothing she had ever come across. Rachel then said any way things like this would have to be arranged through the new EQUALITY Standard set by the FA.''


What is it then do we think which stops the top female stars in the UK from not being comfortable enough to disclose any personal persuasion? I have herd it stated many a time over the last 5 years or so by those working in football authorities and organisations that the atmosphere HAS to change and the TIME HAS to be RIGHT before anyone in football of which ever gender feels they can say they are in a same sex relationship. But just how long do we have to wait for the atmosphere too change? Will the time ever be right? When people needed to stand up for themselves around issues of racism 20/25 years ago did they all say, hey we best hang on till the time is right? No, they just got on with things they had seen and herd enough and took a stand. LGBT's in football (or any other sport for that matter) come out,come out where ever you are.We need our queer pioneers.


''THIS IS THE TIME, THE TIME FOR ACTION.''


One member of the infamous Dick Kerr Ladies team, Lily Parr a proud and kicking Lesbian, did take action 90 years ago when the FA banned all women from playing the game, and no male member of the association was allowed to referee or be a linesman in a unofficial game. Lily didn't care what the world thought about her being lesbian and could be seen around and about often with her girlfriend Mary, and insisted in being paid for the games she played in with Woodbine cigarettes!
Lily played in the first ever recognised international fixture for women when an England side hosted the French.She was said to have been a bit of a cult hero with her antics both on and off the field. Years after her death Lily, was inducted into the HALL OF FAME by the FA, and there was an out cry from the LGBT community as the FA failed to do what they they stated they would do and make a full apology and honour Lilly Parr. Instead a news item in 2008 was printed which was written about a game played in Regents park London to recognise her achievements, the article never even mentioned that the game was part of LGBT History Month or that she was a lesbian. In 2013 the FA will celibrate it's 150th birthday, perhaps this would be a good time for both the FA and Newcastle United ( the team who called for the women's game ban) to put things right.


One of the most disturbing news items to come to light a couple of weeks ago was that of certain members of the Nigerian women's team for the World Cup who were axed from the final squad simply because they were, or percieved to be LGBT!
It's reported that coach of the Super Falcons, Eucharia Uche and ex NFF technical assistant Sir James Peter have spoken of their indepth knowledge of how lesbian 'operate' and they were given instructions and restrictions as to how they could conduct themselves whilest with the team, that is, certain players could not room together. Peter said while he was part of the back room set up for the squads in the

The Women's World Cup kicksrecent African Women's Championships and China WC 'the act was rampant.' He dropped players he 'knew' were lesbian.
Eucharia stated ''dispit the presence of lesbians in the female national team, these 'problems' can be solved with proper spitual councelling.''
And what of FIFA when they got to hear of such actions we ask, well they added to the discrimination in true FIFA style by continuing with their headlines and front pages highlighting the teams on their web site, when it was the turn of the Nigerian squad they added a picture and in the text said that some of the players would miss the World Cup because of 'a lack of fitness' so just for a change an issues is glossed over and no one wants to talk about the impact of homophobia within the game. The institution that is FIFA burried its head in the sand and maintained a polite silence.
Well after all being LGBT and being a female athlete does challenge the staus quo. And long may it continue.

dj lindsay 2011.