Football v Homophobia

Football v Homophobia
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The Football v Homophobia podcast brings you all the latest news and updates from the campaign and beyond!

  1. JAN 31

    How do you tackle homophobia at Premier League matches, and will 'With Pride' help? With LGBTQ fan groups Chelsea Pride and Leeds' Marching Out Together

    February marks the Football v Homophobia Month of Action, and for Premier League clubs and fan groups, there's a fresh initiative from the Premier League - it's called 'With Pride'. Across consecutive match rounds, there will be a focus on education and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community in the game, as the league moves on from the long-running Rainbow Laces campaign. On this episode of the FvH Podcast, host Jon Holmes of Sports Media LGBT+ is joined by the chairs of two of the Premier League's biggest LGBTQ fan groups - Tracy Brown of Chelsea Pride, and Steve "Wiggy" Wignall of Leeds United's Marching Out Together. Tracy and Wiggy discuss their hopes for 'With Pride' and their groups' experiences of homophobia in the last year or so, including a shocking incident at an away game for Wiggy's friend and fellow MOT member, Andrew Tilly. We hear about what happened from Andrew, in his own words (contains mention of discriminatory language). Clubs, teams, leagues, fan groups etc are encouraged to sign up and support #FvH2026, wherever they are in the world. Just head to footballvhomophobia.com/moa to register for FREE and be part of the FvH Champions roster. There's plenty of info about the campaign on the website, plus get your T-shirt and items to wear on 'Wear It Black & Pink Day' on February 19th. Links... FvH - footballvhomophobia.com Chelsea Pride - chelseapride.co.uk Marching Out Together - marchingouttogether.co.uk Sports Media LGBT+ - sportsmedialgbt.com 'Rainbow Laces out, pride-themed footballs in? Premier League to launch new LGBTQ+ campaign' (Adam Crafton, The Athletic) Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, and X. Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    39 min

  2. 11/15/2025

    Trans footballers… what happened next? With Goal Diggers FC’s Billie Sky and Gaia Laidler, and Natalie Washington

    To mark Trans Awareness Week 2025, we’ve got a question of sport for you - where did all the trans footballers go? Despite attempts to erase what is a very small group, and from the women’s grassroots game in particular, these players have by no means packed their boots away. With the support of many inspirational clubs and leagues, the action and the activism continues. On this special Football v Transphobia episode, the campaign’s lead Natalie Washington joins Sports Media LGBT+’s Jon Holmes along with two great guests from Goal Diggers FC - Billie Sky Walker and club chair Gaia Laidler - for a chat. Like Natalie, Billie has been visible in the media and on social media as a trans woman impacted by the ban. Here, they both describe where they’re at with football six months down the line, and the paths to play that are still open to them. Along with Gaia, they also provide guidance and suggestions for listeners who want to create and access trans-inclusive football spaces for themselves, in their local communities. It’s an ultimately uplifting listen, even while there’s still so much that we’re all fighting for. Links… Billie Sky Walker on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/billie.skywalker  Goal Diggers FC - https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggers_fc  Natalie Washington on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transsomething  Football v Homophobia - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/  Sports Media LGBT+ - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/  Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast! Please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. Connect with us on social media - Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn. Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    43 min

  3. 10/10/2025

    What’s it like to be gay in grassroots men’s football? With Chew Magna FC’s Callum Hodge

    Having scored more than 200 goals for his local club, based in a small village in Somerset, Callum Hodge can say with confidence that he’s made his mark in grassroots football. Millions of men across the U.K. play at a similar level every week - but Callum’s story is unusual. He came out as gay in his early 20s and has carried on playing into his late 30s. He’s yet to meet another player at this level who’s out as gay or bi to everyone in their county league. Callum knows that homophobic language is a major reason why the vast majority of gay guys like him remain hidden in football. But with his team, Chew Magna FC - who have been amazing allies - he’s taking action. They recently walked off the pitch in protest due to a discriminatory slur, with the incident now under investigation. Sadly, it’s not the first time Callum has faced homophobia on the field. Now he wants to help bring about change for the benefit of other LGBTQ players, especially those struggling with their sexuality. On this episode of the FvH Podcast, he talks to Jon Holmes about the good, the bad and the ugly of grassroots men’s football; why he’s extra proud to be an Aston Villa fan; and shares his coming out story, in support of National Coming Out Day on October 11. Links.. FA investigates alleged homophobic slur at match (BBC Bristol, 29 Sep 2025) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c07v0z5ngzdo 'Alarming' rise in reports of homophobia in grassroots football highlighted by FvH campaign (Sports Media LGBT+, December 2024) - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/grassroots-football-homophobia-anti-gay-lgbtq-discrimination-disciplinary-review Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. We're at @football_v_homophobia on Instagram; @FvHtweets on Twitter / X; and you can find us on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn too. Our website is https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/  Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    33 min

  4. 08/05/2025

    Lars Fellows on his fascinating football journey as a trans man, ‘I Kissed a Boy’, and the need for queer clubs

    ‘Footballer’ - that’s what is written in Lars Fellows’ Instagram bio, along with Pride flags and a kiss emoji for the TV show that’s changed his life. Lars is our guest on a special episode of the FvH Podcast. The first-ever trans contestant on the BBC’s ‘I Kissed a Boy’ shares his football story in the media for the first time, and it’s an enthralling tale. As an Under-18, he played at a high level with a professional club set-up and could have pursued a career overseas. But there was a decision to make, one that took him out of football for a long time. Eventually, he'd rediscover his passion for playing with an LGBTQ-inclusive club, one that has become very close to his heart. Speaking to Jon Holmes from FvH / Sports Media LGBT+, Lars also looks back on a summer that's made him a famous name in queer households and has brought him some amazing opportunities, such as at Pride in London. He talks about his passion for the club he’s supported since childhood, and why he’s excited to be a part of Football Pride, the big FvH summer get-together event happening at The Y Theatre in Leicester on Friday 29 August 2025 (10am to 5pm). You could be there too! Read more info and grab a ticket here - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/join-us-at-football-pride-2025-in-leicester-on-29-august/ Follow Lars on socials - https://linktr.ee/larsfellows Discover the previous episode with IKAB's Jordan Burrow - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/jordan-b-from-i-kissed-a-boy-on-fvh-podcast/ Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. We're at @footballvhomophobia.com on Bluesky; @football_v_homophobia on Instagram; and you can like us on Facebook too. Our website is https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/  Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    34 min

  5. 06/09/2025

    Jordan Burrow from BBC TV’s ‘I Kissed A Boy’ on gay football icon Jake Daniels

    The sun may have set on the masseria for another year, but don’t worry... we’ve got one of the lads from hit TV show ‘I Kissed A Boy’ season 2 right here, on the FvH Podcast! Not only was Jordan Burrow one of our faves from this latest series, but he also showed his football credentials by donning a tangerine kit to honour footballer Jake Daniels, who’s still the only out gay player in the men’s game in England since sharing his story three years ago. Jordan joins Jon Holmes from FvH and Sports Media LGBT+ for a chat about all things LGBTQ+ in the game, how he came out to his Man Utd-loving dad and brother, his thoughts on what smaller clubs can do to make gay fans feel more welcome, and his future plans… Links.. Jordan Burrow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanburrow  Football v Homophobia Shop - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/shop/  Sports Media LGBT+ - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/  Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. Connect with us on social media - Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn. Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    38 min

  6. 03/04/2025

    What makes Glasgow’s LGBTQ football scene so great? FvH Awards chat with The Sideline

    It’s party time! The Football v Homophobia campaign is in the mood for dancing because Awards Night is here once again - and this year, we’re all going to Glasgow! This is the sixth staging of the only event of its kind, recognising outstanding achievement in the field of LGBTQ+-inclusive football - from the professional clubs setting the standard, to the fan groups that are bringing folks back to the game, to the FvH Heroes going above and beyond… their moment of acclaim is here, and we just can’t wait to celebrate. To preview the Awards in this special episode, we’re joined by two guests who know the Scottish game inside out, and not least the city’s LGBTQ+ football scene - it’s Amanda Aitken and Megan Thomas from The Sideline podcast. Since it started in May 2024, Amanda and Megan’s pod has quickly become a must-listen, mixing big interviews with the likes of Tessel Middag and Elaine C. Smith, alongside truly nourishing natters with grassroots champions like Glasgow Pride Community Football, Cathkin Blazes, Glasgow Saints, to name but a few. If you’re hitting play before Awards Night on Friday 7 March, consider this your essential preview (and if you haven’t yet bought a ticket, hurry! Link below)... if you’re late to this episode, fear not, as there’s still loads to enjoy, as The Sideline duo spill the beans on podcasting, their own club Camp Hellcats FC, their dream guests, and much more. Links.. The Sideline Podcast - https://podfollow.com/1749278705  The Sideline on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_thesidelinepodcast/  Buy FvH Awards Night tickets! - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/football-v-homophobia-awards-night-2025-tickets-1216203149359  FvH Awards 2025 shortlists - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/football-v-homophobia-awards-2025-shortlists-announced/  Sports Media LGBT+ - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/  Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. We're at @FvHtweets on Twitter / X; @football_v_homophobia on Instagram; and you can find us on Bluesky, Facebook and Threads too. Our website is https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/  Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden   Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    32 min

  7. 12/11/2024

    Why are LGBTQ fans having to untangle Rainbow Laces?

    In the history of the Rainbow Laces campaign, LGBTQ supporters groups have been pivotal - think of Proud Hornets’ huge rainbow mosaic at Watford, fans getting to chat with first-team players, and clubs and community trusts sharing the stories of members. However, in the 2024 activation, three groups in the Premier League - Crystal Palace’s Proud and Palace, Manchester United’s Rainbow Devils and Ipswich’s Rainbow Tractors - found themselves pitched into controversies due to decisions made by players that blew up into big stories. Be it an armband or an anthem jacket, whether abstaining or altering, the impact of these situations are felt deeply by LGBTQ fans who suddenly find themselves having to handle media enquiries and negotiate with club officials under similar scrutiny. On a special Podcast episode, Proud and Palace co-chair Emma Franklin-Wright and group member Randy Boose share their reflections from a turbulent week and a half; Emma’s equivalent at Rainbow Devils, Eric Najib - who’s also first-team manager at Stonewall FC - talks us through what happened at Manchester United; and we’re also joined by Rishi Madlani, the co-chair of Pride in Football and a committee member of Leicester City’s Foxes Pride. As well as looking back, the panel also looks ahead to what a future Rainbow Laces activation might look like in light of this year’s challenges, and how the annual FvH Month of Action in February 2025 can help shift the focus onto where it needs to be. Links Football v Homophobia - https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/ Sports Media LGBT+ - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/ Read Randy’s blog - https://substack.com/@randy831/p-152601330  Proud and Palace on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/proudandpalace Rainbow Devils - https://rainbowdevils.com/ Thank you for listening to the FvH Podcast - if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. We're at @football_v_homophobia on Instagram and Threads; @footballvhomophobia.com on Bluesky; @FvHtweets on X; and you can like us on Facebook too. Contact us via DM or email jon@footballvhomophobia.com  Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden  Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    57 min

  8. 11/14/2024

    Rainbow Laces 'real talk' in women’s football, with Caz Simone and Valentine Pursey

    It's a huge weekend in the Women's Super League and Championship, with bumper crowds expected on a round of fixtures all being played at the clubs' main stadiums - from Goodison Park to the Amex, from St James' Park to The Valley, a lot of eyes will be on women's football. And they'll be seeing a lot of rainbows, as it's a Rainbow Laces activation too. So how important is the LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports campaign in the women's game? Joining us to explore this is Billericay Town forward Valentine Pursey, who recently went public about a report she made regarding homophobic abuse on the pitch; and Huddersfield Town midfielder and TikToker Caz Simone, who won the LGBTQ Award at the Football Black List earlier this year. They chat with host Jon Holmes of FvH and Sports Media LGBT+ about their experiences within football and on social media; what it's like to be a player with short hair, which is somewhat rare in the women's game and also the subject of an awareness campaign created by an Under-12 girls team; and what they believe the underlying message should be for Rainbow Laces 2024. Links Valentine Pursey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valentine.pursey/ Caz Simone on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@yourfavouritegemini666 Rainbow Laces info - https://sportsmedialgbt.com/rainbow-laces-2024-womens-football-lgbtq-sports-campaign-barclays-wsl-super-league-championship Thank you for listening to the Football v Homophobia Podcast - if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review and share on socials. We're at @football_v_homophobia on Instagram and Threads; @fvhfeed on Bluesky; and you can like us on Facebook too. Our website is https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/ Me & You by MusicbyAden | https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden  Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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About

The Football v Homophobia podcast brings you all the latest news and updates from the campaign and beyond!

Information

  • Creator
    Football v Homophobia
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Football v Homophobia
  • Show Website
    Football v Homophobia