Premier League x Stonewall partnership concludes, new LGBTQ+ initiative to be unveiled
The Premier League is preparing to launch a fresh LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative following the conclusion of its partnership with Stonewall, the organization behind the well-known Rainbow Laces campaign. Initiated in 2013, Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign became a staple in English football, with players from all Premier League teams donning rainbow-hued laces and captains wearing rainbow armbands to advocate for acceptance and equality. The primary goal of the campaign was to champion LGBTQ+ rights and promote inclusivity among supporters and youth. After more than ten years of collaboration, the league will take the reins in its own campaign, coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month in February, according to reports from The Telegraph. “Rainbow Laces has been supported by a broad spectrum of partners, with a natural ebb and flow reflecting cultural and sporting shifts,” a representative from Stonewall told BBC Sport. “In partnership with other sporting organizations, the FA has played a crucial role in enhancing LGBTQ+ inclusion at the grassroots level, and more recently, the Women’s Super League has taken on this responsibility as the women’s game has expanded—allowing Rainbow Laces to connect with more diverse audiences.” Despite Stonewall’s initiatives, recent findings from Kick It Out highlight a worrisome spike in discriminatory occurrences in football, including increases in sexism, transphobia, and faith-based abuse, with racism still being the most common issue. Controversies surrounding players’ responses to rainbow armbands have also made headlines. Last season, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy opted out of wearing one due to personal religious beliefs, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi attracted criticism for customizing his armband with the message “I Love Jesus.” Moreover, Manchester United halted its plans for LGBTQ+ supportive jackets after a player expressed reluctance to engage. Marc Guehi stirred controversy with his captain’s armband last season. / Richard Pelham/GettyImages With no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League at this moment, coupled with the rise in discriminatory incidents, some are questioning the appropriateness of the decision to part ways with Stonewall—a highly esteemed organization known for its advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Although details surrounding the Premier League’s new initiative are not yet disclosed, as the league aims for a “reset,” there is optimism that it will roll out a significant and effective program that promotes equality rather than detracts from it. READ THE LATEST FASHION, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE CONTENT FROM 90MIN
Published: 2025-08-11 23:05:00
source: www.90min.com
