Brentford marks LGBTQ+ History Month: Events and matchday activity | OneFootball

Brentford will mark LGBTQ+ History Month this February with activity celebrating LGBTQIA+ inclusion in football.

The club will host a special panel discussion event at Gtech Community Stadium and recognise the work of its LGBTQIA+ fan group, the LGBeeTs, for the Premier League matchday against Arsenal on 12 February.

Brentford is committed to ensuring football is for everyone, regardless of their background.

Our LGBTQ+ History Month activity aims to promote inclusion in the game and highlight what can be done to show togetherness and progressive allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Our Game with Pride – free panel event at Gtech Community Stadium

Brentford will host Our Game with Pride, a special panel discussion focused on breaking down barriers to inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community in football.

The event will be delivered in partnership with Football v Homophobia at Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday 17 February, from 6.15pm to 8.45pm.

It will bring together the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and members of the football industry. Our Game with Pride will be a space for honest conversations, shared learning and connection.

Two panel discussions will feature community voices from across football reflecting on what meaningful inclusion looks like, how allyship shows up in practice, and how intersecting identities shape LGBTQ+ experiences in the sport.

Our Game with Pride is open to all and free to attend. Tickets are available now.

Free football skills sessions for LGBTQIA+ community and allies

Last month, the club announced it is relaunching inclusive football skills sessions in west London for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. The sessions provide a safe space for individuals in the community as well as allies to play football, regardless of ability.

The free sessions will take place fortnightly this year, run by West London Queer Project and led by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust coaches. The next session takes place on Monday 2 February from 6.30pm to 8.00pm in Quintin Hogg Memorial Sports Ground in Chiswick. Register to attend.

Celebrating the LGBeeTs

Brentford’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal on 12 February will be dedicated to LGBTQ+ History Month. As a part of the Premier League With Pride initiative, representatives from the club’s LGBTQIA+ fan group, the LGBeeTs, will be presented with an illustration demonstrating their positive work in the community pitchside before the match.

Created by artist Ashton Attzs, the illustration highlights LGBeeTs’ involvement in the skills sessions and honours their support for the club. The group was first established in 2016 by Bees fans Gemma Teale and Lisa O’Brien. Today, they provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ supporters to watch Brentford fixtures together, enjoy activities outside of football and represent the community’s fans.

Football is for all

This year, Brentford have been shortlisted for a Football v Homophobia Award, recognising the club's achievements so far that have made a positive impact on people who are LGBTQ+.

On Brentford’s LGBTQ+ History Month activity, club EDI lead Rhiannon Maher said: “Inclusion is a year-round commitment for us, not something we only focus on for a month. We’re very proud of the relationship we have with the LGBeeTs and the important role they have in making Brentford a welcoming place for everyone.

“The return of our inclusive skills sessions with WLQP is a brilliant opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to connect with football, and we hope to see some new faces. Football clubs are trusted hubs in the community and we’re using our voice to bring people together, on and off the pitch."

Zero tolerance for homophobia

Brentford believes that the LGBTQIA+ community should be able to enjoy football without any fear of homophobia. The club has a zero-tolerance approach to any supporters using discriminatory language in our stadium.

Any fan who experiences or witnesses homophobic abuse at the Gtech should immediately notify a nearby steward, member of staff or police officer. You can also report the incident or any concerns via our reporting system on the Brentford app or by texting 62277.