Proud Seagulls founder wants to help make football for all

Football is for all, and we must challenge those who think homophobia is normal and acceptable in today’s society.

That’s the message from Proud Seagulls founder and chair Stuart Matthews, ahead of our dedicated Rainbow Laces match on Saturday against Chelsea. 

Stuart has developed a huge love for the club despite only catching the blue and white bug in later years, and now wants more people from all different backgrounds to fall in love with Albion just like he did.

“In years gone by, I couldn’t build an affinity with Albion.” said Stuart. “I was in the army for ten years and never had a huge liking for the game, and despite moving to Sussex and attending Brighton matches while working with St John’s Ambulance I never seemed to get the hype. 

“But that changed completely when we moved to the Amex. I’d been to the Goldstone and Withdean plenty of times, but seeing our stadium and walking up those stairs for the first time was something special. It was an amazing moment for me. 

“I couldn’t get enough of that feeling and while I tell people getting my first season ticket was a midlife crisis it’s actually one of the best things I’ve ever done.” 

Stuart has been a devoted Albion fan ever since, going home and away with the club. But, as an openly gay man, he knows the struggles faced by LGBT+ fans. 

That is why he founded Proud Seagulls, which is now an official supporters' club, in 2017 to represent our LGBT+ fanbase and give them a voice. 

“Setting up Proud Seagulls was nothing to do with our own supporters,” he added. “I have never had a problem with any Brighton fans and I have been embraced by those I sit with and everyone I’ve met at games. 

“I have met so many good people through the club and felt so welcomed. But our LGBT+ fanbase need a common voice, and that’s the aim of Proud Seagulls. 

“Sarah Watts and Liz Costa did so much campaigning against homophobia and discrimination and we’ve just carried on their good work and taken it a step further. 

“We join forces with other groups from other clubs to try and make a change and give our fans a voice. Pride in Football gave us the pathway to create Proud Seagulls and we now have more than 50 full members.

“Some of our members are quite visible and outspoken as fans, but others are not even out yet. We have fans who come to games who might not be out to their families, or people they sit with. Our groups are closed to protect their identities and act as a safe space. 

“We also have more members who are allies, who have come forward to support us and tell others we need this group. 

“Proud Seagulls represents LGBT+ fans and our allies - people who follow our aims and objectives, which is to make football for all.”

While the good work of Proud Seagulls doesn’t go unnoticed by its members or its fellow fan groups across the country, it is undeniable that initiatives like this weekend’s Rainbow Laces campaign are still necessary. 

Stuart has experienced homophobia first hand and, with the support of the club, wants to make a difference. 

“Before setting up Proud Seagulls, I asked football fans online for their thoughts and opinion on the idea. 95% of the responses were superb and supportive, but it was the 5% of replies which convinced me a group like ours was needed. 

“We are all fans, there to watch the game and support the team. We are just as passionate about goals, just as emotional about VAR decisions and just as happy when we win – the only difference is our sexuality, and that shouldn’t be a barrier for anybody. We have experienced homophobia at away matches and it needs to stop."

Stuart will be taking over our Instagram account on Saturday to showcase his fan experience. He has praised Albion for the work they’ve done to support his group and the LGBT+ fanbase. 

“Proud Seagulls has an amazing relationship with supporter services, with the club and Paul Callander – our LGBT+ rep. They have all been absolutely amazing. 

“We have been part of Pride and we have been part of Rainbow Laces… the list goes on. I can’t speak highly enough of the club for giving us a voice and highlighting the LGBT+ community.  We have gone from strength to strength off the pitch – as well as on it of course!

“They are so supportive to groups like us. With their help we want to keep giving our LGBT+ fanbase and our allies a voice to be heard.

“Proud Seagulls is there to support those who feel for whatever reason they can’t come out to their fellow supporters, or feel uncomfortable at football. It is also there to challenge those who think homophobia is normal and acceptable in today’s society. 

“We will keep trying our best to make a difference, and be there for our fanbase.”