Premier League launches initiative to support LGBTQ+ community in football
Matches dedicated to "With Pride" take place from 6th to 12th February
Last updated 13 hours ago
The Premier League has announced the launch of a new initiative, "Premier League With Pride," aimed at bolstering ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community in football.
It comes after the league ended its Rainbow Laces partnership with Stonewall back in 2025.
The initiative is designed to unite the work carried out by the League and clubs, focusing on three core themes: education, celebration, and actionable change.
From 6th to 12th February, all Premier League matches will be dedicated to "With Pride," coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month.
This period will highlight the work undertaken to make football more inclusive, providing a platform to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community within the sport.
Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, emphasized the League's commitment to inclusivity, saying: “Premier League With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community and our commitment to ensuring that football is for everyone and inclusivity is embedded across all areas of the game."
The initiative includes collaboration with Switchboard, a national LGBTQ+ listening service.
This partnership ensures that fans, staff, players, and the public have access to free, confidential support.
Stephanie Fuller, CEO of Switchboard, noted: "Through our collaboration with the Premier League, we will ensure LGBTQ+ people across the football community know they’re not alone and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand, 365 days a year."
Education is a key component, with new LGBTQ+ inclusion resources being launched for children involved in Premier League community programs.
These programs include Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Kicks, and Premier League Inspires.
Furthermore, Academy players receive education on identity and inclusion, while clubs must deliver mandatory training as part of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS).
Celebration is also a focal point, with all clubs establishing or working towards official LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups.
Artist Ashton Attzs will provide illustrations celebrating these groups during dedicated match rounds.
Additionally, all 20 clubs will be featured in collaboration with Gay Times to mark the launch of "Premier League With Pride."
The initiative strengthens disciplinary measures against discrimination, including homophobia and transphobia, through enhanced reporting mechanisms and enforcement strategies.
Fans are encouraged to report discriminatory abuse directly at premierleague.com/reportdiscrimination.
This initiative reflects the League's more than a decade of work towards equality, diversity, and inclusion.
From 2025/26, "Premier League With Pride" will serve as a focal point, bringing together various inclusion efforts beyond matchdays to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month.
A unified commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is envisioned, informed by the needs of clubs, supporters, and communities.