Rangers back LGBT players

[BEARGER 1,830]

Rangers Football Club

THIS year, Rangers will be showing their support for LGBT players and fans through Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

 

At our match at Ibrox on Wednesday 29 November, the Club will be showing support for the LGBT community and inspiring people who follow and take part in sport to “come out” as allies.

 

We want sport to be everyone’s game and are proud to stand with gay, lesbian, bi and trans players and supporters everywhere.

 

The campaign, which also has the backing of the SPFL, aims to make sporting environments more inclusive for LGBT fans and players by raising awareness of anti-LGBT abuse. Research carried out last year found that 72 per cent of football fans have heard anti-LGBT remarks at games over the last five years, while 20 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds said they would be embarrassed if their favourite player came out as LGBT.

 

The Rainbow Laces campaign runs from 24 November to 3 December and Rangers stars Kenny Miller and Captain Lee Wallace are leading the way by pledging their support. Earlier this season, the Club welcomed Stonewall Scotland to The Rangers Football Centre where they gave presentations about the Rainbow Laces campaign to both the first team and Under 17s squads.

 

Kenny Miller commented, “It’s great to see this initiative in football and I’m delighted that SPFL clubs are getting behind the campaign.

 

“I will be wearing the laces with pride at the match against Aberdeen later this month. We want all fans to feel welcome and included at our games. ”

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said “We’re delighted that Rangers Football Club is supporting Rainbow Laces, and standing with LGBT fans.

 

“Many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but abuse from a small minority makes many people feel unsafe.

 

“Wearing Rainbow Laces is a great way to show your support, and help make sport more inclusive for everyone.”

 

Follow Stonewall Scotland using @StoneWallScot and get involved in the conversation on Twitter via #RainbowLaces. Find out more about Stonewall Scotland here.

Edited November 13, 2017 by BEARGER

[Bill 13,717]

Is there no escape from this torrent of crap?

[cooponthewing 1,139]

That’s a really good PR story of an inclusive, liberal and forward club. Watch the Scottish media avoid it and bury it as it dosnt exist!

[Gonzo79 15,292]

Is there no escape from this torrent of crap?

 

Unfortunately not.

[JohnMc 2,750]

Why does this topic upset people so much?

[Frankie 8,562]

Why does this topic upset people so much?

 

I think a lot of our supporters may find it difficult to relate to the apparent dozens of genders and sexualities nowadays. Even as the cousin of a trans man, I find it very difficult to keep up myself with what's seen as the correct diversity term to use.

 

As such, I applaud the club for trying to open minds on this but it's going to take a while to educate everyone on what is a very tricky subject to navigate.

Edited November 14, 2017 by Frankie

[Devil's advocaat 1,541]

Great forward step from the club, can only be good.

[JohnMc 2,750]

I think a lot of our supporters may find it difficult to relate to the apparent dozens of genders and sexualities nowadays. Even as the cousin of a trans man, I find it very difficult to keep up myself with what's seen as the correct diversity term to use.

 

As such, I applaud the club for trying to open minds on this but it's going to take a while to educate everyone on what is a very tricky subject to navigate.

 

Serious question Frankie; what's tricky about it? Is it just the nomenclature?

In the post above Bill used the term "torrent of crap" which Gonzo seems to have agreed with. Perhaps Bill or Gonzo will expand on their concern(s) with this. Not knowing what the correct term is to describe someone seems to me a fairly low barrier to understanding the issues people face though. Perhaps Bill and Gonzo's response to this is exactly why the club should be getting involved.

[MacK1950 2,376]

Think the club are caught in the bandwagon of being politically correct although I have no objection to it,just don't ram it down our throats.

BTW I have a "gay" nephew who's mother tried to hide it from my wife and I,but as we already knew it was a bit annoying on her part.

[Gonzo79 15,292]

Let me explain, when I take my young son to Ibrox (as I have done on several occasions), I really don't want to have to get into a discussion about sexuality/gender-fluidity with him if he asks the reason for the laces (no doubt there will be mention of it in the programme or on the big screen). I have no issues with consenting adults doing whatever they want with each other.

 

Fans are often told not to bring politics to football matches and yet, here were are, subjected to political campaigns at the football.

 

I hope that clears it up and I look forward to laces celebrating other sexual proclivities if we're going down this road (I have a thing for the Dimples of Venus, myself).

Edited November 14, 2017 by Gonzo79