Hibs will be showing their support for LGBT players and fans through Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign. The campaign also has the support of the Scottish Professional Football League.
The Rainbow Laces campaign 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.
Chief Executive Leeann Dempster, said: “Hibernian is proud to be supporting the Rainbow Laces Campaign. We want all fans to feel welcome and included at our games – football should be somewhere everyone can be themselves.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Hibernian 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 to 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
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
