Arsenal is proud to support Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, as we collectively strive to kick homophobia, biphobia and transphobia out of our game.
Rainbow Laces is approaching its tenth anniversary and this year comes with the reminder that inclusion has no off-season. Regardless of whether we’re playing at Emirates Stadium or Meadow Park, we stand together to ensure everyone feels welcome to be a Gooner.
We will mark the occasion at both of our men’s and women’s league fixtures this weekend, with our players also warming up in the new adidas x Arsenal Love Unites kit, inspired by Stonewall activists.
Ahead of our home game against Nottingham Forest, we’ll welcome footballer Jahmal Howlett-Mundle pitchside as he shares his story with the Emirates crowd. Jahmal, who played for semi-pro side Sheppey United, came out as bisexual last year and his teammates’ overwhelming support was shared widely on social media. An interview with him will also feature in our matchday programme.
As we take on West Ham in the Women’s Super League later that evening, referee Lucy Clark will be joining us at Meadow Park. We’ll speak to Lucy about her journey as the first out trans referee in English football, alongside LGBTQ+ allyship, inclusivity, and her life as a Gooner.
Arsenal and England great Lianne Sanderson will also be speaking pitchside at Meadow Park, sharing and celebrating her experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
With Gay Gooners, we are proud to have the first and the largest LGBTQ+ fan group in England, with over a thousand of members in the UK and beyond. Our supporters club exists to unite LGBTQ+ Arsenal fans and allies at both home and away fixtures, providing a safe and welcoming space for all. Gay Gooners also represents us during the annual London Pride parade every summer.
Everyone can make a difference through conversations, understanding the stigma that still surrounds LGBTQ+ people on and off the pitch, and calling out discriminatory behaviour and sentiment when you see it.
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