Albion will be celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at Sunday’s FA Women’s Super League game against Manchester United.
This year’s Rainbow Laces campaign is encouraging people to ‘Lace Up and Speak Up’, emphasising the importance of holding open conversations in support of LGBTQ+ communities.
The WSL works together with clubs to celebrate and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion all year round. This is underpinned by significant work to improve policies and practices, including reporting measures and pastoral care, as well as staff training and wide-ranging education programmes.
As a club, Albion work hard to promote equality and diversity in everything we do, from creating an inclusive atmosphere and experiences at the Amex Stadium, to the delivery of numerous community projects.
Albion midfielder Dani Bowman said, “We’re delighted to be supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign. I speak on behalf of the players, the staff and everyone connected with our club when I say it’s essential that we continue to make the women’s game as open and as welcoming for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.
“I’m proud to say is most definitely the case inside our dressing room, where everyone is welcomed no matter what their background, and it makes me proud to wear our shirt as a result.
“I’m also proud to see the tremendous work the club does in terms of promoting inclusivity and equality. The Rainbow Laces campaign is an excellent way of reminding us that we are not all the same, yet we all have the right to be who we are and to be accepted by all aspects of society.”
Rose Read, the club’s head of people and culture added, “We strive to ensure that the Amex Stadium, and the People’s Pension Stadium, is a welcoming and safe environment for everybody to enjoy.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy in respect of discriminatory behaviour and encourage all of our fans to speak up and report it if they witness or experience anti-social or discriminatory behaviour.”