February is the international campaign month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH) and Stenhousemuir FC is supporting the initiative. FvH is a campaign uniting football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people in football.

Year round, FvH enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. This culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to join together in making a visible stand against prejudice and for inclusion.

Stenhousemuir FC is pleased to be supporting the campaign this season.

In recent years polls have shown that whilst football fans would be more accepting than ever of a gay player in their team, as many as 72% of football fans have heard homophobic abuse at football matches. Using homophobic or transphobic language, or putting someone down because of their gender just because you don’t like the way they play football, manage a team, make a refereeing decision or because of whom they support is wrong. It’s against the Laws of the Game and can be a criminal offense, but most importantly, it can make football an intimidating and unpleasant place for fellow fans, players, and match officials.

An increase in homophobic language and abuse on social media, in the stands and at grassroots in recent years means that we all need to make sure that we stand up to homophobia in the game. Fans can make a real difference to the culture of football, and we’d like your support. We know that change starts with education and Stenhousemuir FC recognises it has a role to play in leading the way on raising awareness of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination within the club and its community.

Stenhousemuir FC believes in a game where LGBTQ+ people can be seen and heard, and valued for their contribution to football. Stenhousemuir FC will work to create a safe and welcoming football environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We want our supporters to help us achieve this.

Stenhousemuir FC will be designating a game in support of the Football v Homophobia campaign on February 22nd v Arbroath FC and Stenhousemuir Women’s FC v Westdyke Ladies on 2^nd March.

This is an opportunity for our supporters to also get behind the campaign and show everyone that Stenhousemuir FC is no place for hate or bigotry.

Find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and action you can personally take in February, here: www.footballvhomophobia.com

• Twitter: @FvHTweets
• Instagram: FOOTBALL_V_HOMOPHOBIA
• Facebook: www.bit.ly/fvhpage
• Bluesky: @footballvhomophobia.com