RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB will once again be showing its support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans across the country by promoting Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign ahead of its First Team and Women’s fixtures this weekend.
The ‘Rainbow Laces’ initiative aims to change attitudes in sport and make sure that LGBT people are welcomed and accepted at all levels of the game.
Sadly, many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people have a poor experience in sport and have experienced discrimination because of who they are.
To help champion the campaign, the Rangers First Team trained in bespoke Rainbow Laces t-shirts yesterday and the Women’s Team will do the same when they warm-up on Sunday ahead of their fixture against Motherwell.
Rangers Football Club’s support forms part of its ground-breaking diversity and inclusion campaign ‘Everyone Anyone’. In collaboration with the Rangers Charity Foundation, the club works to champion diversity, encourage tolerance and understanding, and promote positive behaviour as part of an impactful strategy.
Underneath the Everyone Anyone umbrella, the Rangers Charity Foundation delivers a range of inspiring community programmes which aim to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to discrimination.
‘Diversity Wins’ focuses on interactive anti-sectarianism and LGBT+ awareness sessions and is delivered out of the Ibrox Community Hub to 700 Primary 6/7 pupils each season. Workshops are designed to break down barriers between those from different backgrounds, promote anti-bullying and motivate pupils to share the positive messages they have learned with families and friends.
The Foundation launched ‘Diversity Wins’ in 2018 with the support of Glasgow City Council’s Employment and Skills Partnership team, following the Government announcement that all Scotland schools are to formally recognise the issues faced by the LGBT+ community as part of the curriculum.
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “At a time when society feels increasingly divided, sport has this unique ability to bring people together from all walks of life. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see more and more sports come together each year to support Rainbow Laces.
“If you love sport and care about equality, then join us and take responsibility for making LGBT people feel welcome. The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we reach a place where all LGBT people, from fans to players, are accepted without exception.”
Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson commented: “Rangers Football Club is proud to support Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which echoes messages from our own Everyone Anyone initiative.
“Football can be a force for good and we are a club open to all. We were delighted to lead the way last year by introducing our ground-breaking diversity and inclusion campaign and we will continue to champion equality on and off the pitch.
“The Ibrox Pride Rangers Supporters Club also has our full backing and we will continue to work with them and other organisations who share our values.”
Carole Anderson, Co-Chair of Ibrox Pride, the official LGBT+ fans group of Rangers, said, “Rainbow Laces is an important way for Rangers FC to shows it’s support for diversity and inclusion. It encourages all LGBT fans of the club to feel welcome, included and a valued part of the Rangers family.”
You can help make sport everyone’s game. Find out more at www.stonewall.org.uk/rainbowlaces.
Find out more about Everyone Anyone HERE.