Leeds United's offiicial LGBTQ+ supporter's group, Marching Out Together, have a special message for the Leeds United fanbase ahead of our dedicated Rainbow Laces fixture on Tuesday evening:

Everyone at Marching Out Together wants to see football continue to evolve, so every player feels safe to live their lives as openly as they wish, and every LGBT+ football fan feels safe attending matches and supporting the team they love. 

The great news is that change is happening, and Leeds United is taking steps to lead that change, within the boardroom, the Academy, the coaching and playing staff, together with the work of our supporters’ groups. Patrick Bamford recently spoke in support of Josh Cavallo, a professional footballer in Australia that recently came out as gay making him the only out male professional player in the world, praising his brave decision and Patrick said if a player were to come out at Leeds, they would have the full backing of everyone in the dressing room - which is brilliant - but he accepts that change is still needed.  

The club takes initiatives throughout the year to help raise awareness about equality, diversity, and inclusion; it’s not just about supporting the annual campaigns, like Rainbow Laces… but these campaigns do still matter. To see the team warming up wearing t-shirts supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign is hugely powerful to LGBT+ fans watching the game, and to their friends, families and allies in the stands, or watching on TV at home.

Like Josh Cavallo, LGBT+ football fans want to be their authentic selves when attending games: they want to feel safe, and not hear their own fans shouting homophobic abuse at opposing fans or players. We know the vast majority of Leeds United’s fantastic supporter base welcomes the changes that Leeds United, together with Marching Out Together, are bringing about - so please support the team passionately but think about your language and maybe as an ally wear a badge or something else from the club’s pride range to show the LGBT+ fans around you they have your support.  

And if you do hear or see any abusive incidents that concern you, challenge the person if you feel safe doing so, or please do call the club’s anonymous match day incident line: 07887 514 789, and stewards will be able to respond immediately.

#ALAW #MOT