May 17 is World Day Against Homophobia. A day on the calendar of 60 countries, including France. As homophobic attacks exploded in 2018, the football world is mobilizing to sideline homophobia in stadiums.
Over the past year there has been a surprising increase in witnessing and reporting abuse. The 2018 figures are clearly on the rise. 231 physical attacks were recorded.
Homophobia sidelined
Homosexuality remains a taboo in the sporting world, especially in certain disciplines such as football. The Professional Football League has become aware of this. Its leaders have just launched a major campaign to tackle homophobia in stadiums. A commitment that starts this weekend. During the two days of the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 championships, the captains, coaches and referees wear an armband in the colors of the rainbow flag.
? Discover a preview of the campaign video: “Gay and straight, we all wear the same sweater”
? “HOMOPHOBIA OUTSIDE!” » ➡ https://t.co/azsiEYLY8G #Let’sPlayCollective #17 May⚽️?️? pic.twitter.com/OIsyfpF93s— Professional Football League (@LFPfr) May 13, 2019
In addition to this symbol worn by the players, an awareness clip will be broadcast on large screens in the stadiums with the slogan “Both gay and straight, we all wear the same jersey”. In addition to these actions, educational booklets will also be given to the training centers. Necessary awareness work among young players to “deconstruct the clichés”. An essential initiative when we know that insults are commonplace on the field from a very young age.
PanamBoyz & Girlz United, the club of all differences
A program specially developed in collaboration with the Parisian club of PanamBoyz & Girlz United . A logical participation for this football club that has been fighting against homophobia and intolerance in general for six years. Her players wear a rainbow stripe on their jerseys. Whether you are gay, straight or bisexual, this club is open to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. About a hundred members meet every week to train.
“I became involved in the fight for the club and its values. By playing for this club, I do more than just play football. When I wear this shirt, there is something bigger than football”
Clemens, player.
The team is committed to combating homophobia
Other actors are mobilizing to break the silence around homosexuality in sport and promote the cause, such as the magazine L’Equipe. The newspaper devoted a special issue to it. The front page of the weekly magazine showed two water polo players kissing each other.
Sport in the light of homophobia on the front page and center stage in a special issue of L’Équipe magazine this Saturday https://t.co/AuxExFQnuc pic.twitter.com/vYL0mr99yO
— L’ÉQUIPE magazine (@lemaglequipe) May 2, 2019
