News

Panel discuss improvements for LGBTQ+ fans

A panel discuss LGBTQ+ matters at Emirates Stadium

To kick off our Pride celebrations, last night we held an insightful panel discussion together with our GayGooners supporters’ club on the importance of creating and maintaining meaningful connections between football clubs and their LGBTQ+ supporters.

At the event held at Emirates Stadium, we discussed the impactful initiatives that have derived from our collaborative relationship with GayGooners, as well as providing attendees with an opportunity to share insights and experiences before the Pride In London Parade on Saturday July 2.

The panellists included Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall, Kate Laurens, Head of Communications and Content at Arsenal, Joe White, Co-Chair of GayGooners and Pride In Football UK, and Chris Godfrey, Commissioning Editor at The Guardian. 

The panel discussed a diverse range of topics including why it matters for clubs to lean into Pride Month and what the game is doing to turn this into a year-round commitment, as well as how we can elevate and celebrate underrepresented members of our community, and how we can work together to tackle damaging online hate.

The discussions were held in front of an engaged audience made up of football supporters including GayGooners’ members, other Arsenal fan groups such as Red Action, and club staff.

GayGooners were the first-ever LGBTQ+ supporters’ group in football, as well as the first to attend the Pride In London Parade. 

We have worked with GayGooners since their formation 10 years ago to help build an environment at Arsenal in which everyone feels welcome, and everyone can be themselves.