David had previously worked with Pride in Football back in 2018, spending the duration of the 2018 World Cup capturing England fans supporting the national team. His involvement was commissioned by the Fans for Diversity campaign, and the subsequent exhibition of his photography was also sponsored by Free Lions, the England fanzine produced by the FSA’s Fans’ Embassy team, who provided support to England fans throughout the tournament.
Speaking to the FSA, David said: “This project documents not only the story and positive experience had by the England fans but it also celebrates diversity amongst the England support base.”
In May 2024, award-winning photographer David J Shaw embarked on his latest project - Pride in Football. In conjunction with the Pride in Football organisation, David embarked on a mission to visit LGBTQ+ supporters groups across the UK and to take portraits of the people at the heart of groups like ours; a snapshot of life in Britain for queer football fans.
Whether at football games, social gatherings, or meeting members as they went about their day-to-day activities, David’s goal was to celebrate LGBTQ+ football fans and fan groups - with an end goal of creating a Panini-style sticker book per club.
In November 2024, David received confirmation that one photograph from the project - a portrait of Lukas from Arsenal’s Gay Gooners fan group, had been shortlisted for the Portrait of Britain award.
Whilst David sadly wasn’t a winner, it’s a huge honour and incredibly prestigious for his photo to have been selected, and all shortlisted entries are featured in the published Portrait of Britain Book (Volume 7). Keen photography fans can buy this volume from Bluecoat Press.
Pride at
The Hawthorns
As part of the Pride in Football project, David came along to photograph Proud Baggies members at the Football v Homophobia dedicated fixture on Wednesday 12th February 2025.
West Bromwich Albion hosted Blackburn Rovers on a cold night at the Shrine, and David documented selected members from our organisation who had been chosen to be flagbearers pitchside as the club showcased our organisation.
Below are David’s photos of members Vicky Haddock, Edwin Naylor, Billie-Jo Clarke, and Jason Tatlock, whilst Shereen Johal, Jordan Shepherd and Matthew Caldwell were also in attendance.
