Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC is delighted to be showing our support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans by wearing Rainbow Laces at our Ladbrokes Championship match against Falkirk on 1st December 2018.
Rainbow Laces is Stonewall Scotland’s campaign to change attitudes in sport and make sure that LGBTpeople are welcomed and accepted at all levels of the game. Sadly, many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people have a poor experience in sport and have experienced discrimination because of who they are. Research shows that almost half of LGBT people think that public sporting events, suchas football matches, aren’t a welcoming space for them.
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “We are delighted that SPFL clubs are supporting our Rainbow Laces campaign, and by doing so, standing with LGBT football fans across Scotland. We want to see fans make similar commitments and become active allies to LGBT people by creating a welcoming environment and challenging abuse. Many LGBT people want to take part in football, either as players or fans, but abuse from a small minority makes many people feel unsafe. We look forward to working alongside the SPFL and clubs across Scotland to help make football everyone’s game.”
John Robertson, Inverness Caledonian Thistle Manager, said: “Everyone at Inverness Caledonian Thistle is right behind the Rainbow Laces campaign and fully supports all initiatives during the next few weeks. Football should be a welcoming game, whether you are playing or attending, and be fully inclusive for all with no threat of physical or verbal abuse in any way shape or form regarding your beliefs or your sexuality. I ask everyone connected with the club to show your support by sporting the Rainbow colours.”
Yvonne Crook, Chief Executive Officer of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, said: “We are delighted to be showing our support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans by backing the Rainbow Laces campaign. We really need to change attitudes in sport and make sure that LGBT people are accepted at all levels of the game and that we create a welcoming environment.”
We can only stop homophobic, biphobic and transphobic behaviour and language from happening in football by showing that it is not acceptable, at every level of the game. We are dedicated to eradicating any forms of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour and making sure Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC is a place where LGBT fans can be safe and accepted. We need you to stand with us as allies to LGBT people.
Find out more at www.stonewall.org.uk/rainbowlaces