Manchester: Football fans gather for anti-homophobia conference
An international conference on homophobia in football has taken place in Manchester.
Supporters from 29 countries across Europe attended the Football Fans v Homophobia (FvH) event on Mount Street over the weekend.
It aims to “celebrate the involvement of gay and lesbian fans and reinforce a zero-tolerance message against discrimination.”
Delegates participated in a range of discussions and workshops on issues such as “Education or Regulation – Affecting Culture Change in Football”, “Transphobia & the Experience of Transgender Fans” and “The Role of LGBT Fans Groups.”
Earlier this month, the Professional Footballers’ Association announced a new action plan on tackling homophobia in the football league, requiring participation from all professional players and clubs.
Louise Englefield, from FvH said: “The LGBT community has a large contingent of football supporters whose concerns on homophobia are often ignored.
“As the first major gathering of supporters on this issue, both LGBT and allies, this is a huge event for the LGBT community in football.”
She added: “It is fitting that it takes place on the day the most high-profile league in world football kicks off its season.”
