FvH wants football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. By working together across football we can make a difference. FvH works across grassroots, non league, the professional game and county FAs.
Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. As an international initiative FvH engages in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building to:
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Make existing football structures safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTI people
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Create opportunities and promote engagement of LGBTI people in football at all levels and in all forms
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Improve the representation and visibility of LGBTI people throughout football
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To realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change
Football v Homophobia was originally conceived and launched by the Justin Campaign in 2010.The Justin Campaign is a small voluntary run football campaign group, was founded in 2008 to demonstrate that ten years after Justin Fashanu’s tragic suicide in 1998, homophobia was still hugely prevalent in both grassroots and professional football. Along with raising awareness the campaign had a strong focus on Art, Events, Education and football.
In 2012, LGBT Sports Development and Equity organisation Pride Sports joined with the Justin campaign to help deliver Football v Homophobia, and in 2014 the organisation took over the delivery of the campaign altogether. Whilst the campaign receives wide-ranging support throughout football, core funding for Football v Homophobia is sought on a year-by-year basis.
Football Pride
Football Pride is an event from Football v Homophobia that lifts up LGBTQ+ voices across the game – will return in 2024, with a date set for London in late June. This year's big get-together has been scheduled for Friday 28 June, the day before the annual Pride in London parade. Having first been successfully staged by FvH as a virtual festival during lockdown in July 2020, Football Pride made a triumphant return last August as part of Manchester Pride.
Football v Homophobia is interested in partnering with like minded organisations that are looking to support their campaign, especially those creating football merch.
