Premiership Rugby and its affiliated clubs are intensifying their efforts to promote inclusivity and representation within the game by hosting an LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend during Round 12 from January 26th to 28th. This initiative is aimed at celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and raising awareness about the challenges they face.
In collaboration with International Gay Rugby (IGR), each Premiership club has partnered with a local IGR club to enhance education about LGBTQ+ issues and foster stronger relationships at the grassroots level. This partnership aims to combat discrimination and improve inclusivity in rugby at all levels.
Wayne Morris, the Community & CSR Director of Premiership Rugby, emphasized the commitment to raising awareness and eradicating discrimination within the sport. He highlighted the alarming statistic that 82% of LGBTQ+ individuals involved in sports experience or witness prejudice, and 43% feel unsafe at public sporting events. Morris stressed the importance of working together to create a more inclusive environment for everyone involved in rugby.
Matthew Webb, from International Gay Rugby, praised Premiership Rugby for introducing the LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend, recognizing its role in promoting diversity and encouraging more people to participate in sports authentically. He expressed hope that such partnerships will inspire other sports bodies to follow suit in creating a more inclusive environment.
The LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend is a progression of Premiership Rugby’s longstanding support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. During this weekend, various activities will take place to promote inclusivity and show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Players will be encouraged to wear Rainbow Laces during matches, and employees will distribute laces to supporters at all games. Match officials will also incorporate rainbow-themed elements into their attire and equipment.
At Bristol Bears, the LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend match will feature rainbow-themed branding and educational content on social media. The club aims to use this event as a platform to initiate conversations about inclusivity in rugby and spur positive behavioral change.
As part of the LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend, Premiership Rugby invites all supporters, players, and partners to show their support by wearing Rainbow Laces. This initiative has been developed with the aid of a newly formed LGBTQ+ advisory group, chaired by James Swanson and Matthew Webb, and comprising volunteer representatives from different facets of rugby.
To access LGBTQ+ Pride Weekend resources or purchase Rainbow Laces, interested parties can visit the Premiership Rugby website. This collaborative effort demonstrates an important step towards a more inclusive and diverse rugby community, and its impact is sure to resonate across various sports as well.