FvH Month of Action
Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action is well underway. Proud Baggies members were in attendance at West Brom Women’s home game vs Rugby Borough last week, flying the flag to showcase our supporter’s group, and it was more of the same last night at The Hawthorns.
West Bromwich Albion drew 1-1 with Charlton Athletic, and whilst that disappointing result saw the departure of Eric Ramsay, there was a bigger talking point on show through the advertising boards and screens around the stadium, before and during the match.
The English Football League, West Bromwich Albion, and of course Proud Baggies are all taking part in Football v Homophobia’s awareness campaign for February, with a big push to promote equality and tolerance at football games and to crack down on any toxic support and abusive behaviour, of which homophobia plays a big part.
Proud Baggies members Sarah Robinson and Ellie Macfarlane were chosen to hoist the PB flag in front of the home crowd, whilst photographer Liam Sheasby documented the occasion. Many Proud Baggies members were also in attendance in the crowd, which was great to see.
Players from the Albion wore t-shirts bearing the Proud Baggies logo on the front and Kick It Out’s Fans for Diversity campaign branding on the back, as seen below, during their pre-match warmup routines.
Speaking about her involvement, Sarah Robinson said: “Ellie and I were delighted to be chosen to represent Proud Baggies at The Hawthorns. These dedicated FvH matches are important because people need to see representation in the game. Fans need to know that they can come to a game and feel safe, and hopefully Proud Baggies and FvH offers that. I love representing Proud Baggies for exactly those reasons, I know we’ve changed lives and continue to do so every day”.
Aune Heggebø was fortunate enough to meet Robbo and Ellie!
As were Baggie Bird and Boilerman!
Proud Baggies is West Bromwich Albion’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, but in such turbulent times - when many marginalised people are under increased scrutiny and prejudice in public life - the group’s community elements and solidarity and advocacy become more important than ever.
If you want to BECOME A MEMBER, simply sign up through this website. We host regular matchday gatherings, group socials, as well as both fun and serious football sessions for those who want to play as well as watch. Proud Baggies seeks to be a space where people can be their true selves, and with a rapidly growing membership it’s clear that we’re on the right tracks.
