Charlton Athletic support newly formed LGBT Fangroup

Friday 15 May 2015
Back to news >

Proud Valiants has been founded by a number of Charlton Athletic fans for supporters of the club who identify themselves as part of the LGBT community.

The group, supported by Kick It Out and our ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, run in conjunction with the Football Supporters’ Federation, will officially be launched on Sunday 17 May to coincide with IDAHO(T) Day.

The group was formed as a response to a national news story earlier in the year when a twitter account posing as LGBT Charlton fans. Proud Valiants has had a number of discussions with the club who have pledged their full support.

Anwar Uddin, who leads on the delivery of the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, said: “We are delighted to see Proud Valiants become the official LGBT supporters group ofCharlton Athletic FC.

“There has been an encouraging rise in LGBT fans’ groups in recent times, aided by the formation of the #PrideinFootball network and we hope to see a further increase moving forward.

“Football needs to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment to help LGBT supporters grow greater confidence in attending matches to support their team. We have been in close contact with Proud Valiants and will continue to offer guidance, advice and support.”

A spokesperson for the newly formed group said incidents that arose last season illustrated that every club in the country should endorse an LGBT supporters group.

“Everybody has a right to enjoy the ‘Beautiful Game’ regardless of gender identity, ethnicity or sexuality in an environment where they feel safe and unthreatened.

“There has been an amazing amount of great work done over the years working to achieve equality for all in football by organisations such as Kick It Out and the Football Supporters Federation (FSF).

“This has increased awareness on discrimination in football and we hope to continue in this vein by making sure that people are aware that all forms of discrimination including homophobia have no place in the modern game.”

A representative for Chartlton said: “The formation of the Proud Valiants supporters group is further evidence of Charlton Athletic Football Club’s ongoing commitment to making football accessible to everybody.

“We want to ensure that our visitors feel equal with a sense of belonging, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, disability or religion – everybody is welcome at Charlton Athletic Football Club.”

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010