German anti-homophobia campaigners are calling for fans involvement in tackling homophobia in football stadiums, through colourful and creative initiatives, during the LGBT Month of Action in February.

Following the coming out of the former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger, which this month has caused a widespread debate across Europe about homophobia in football, the two supporters’ initiatives Fußballfans gegen Homophobie e.V. and Queer Football Fanclubs stress the importance of positive fan action to help create an inclusive environment in Europe’s stadiums.

“The coming out of Thomas Hitzlsperger was a bold move of a high symbolic value. However, the struggle for the recognition and appreciation of gays and lesbians continues and takes place in our everyday life.” said the spokesperson of Fußballfans gegen Homophobie, Christian Rudolph.

“As a campaign made by and for football fans, we hope that fan groups will get involved in the Month of Action against homophobia and will send out positive messages in the stadiums. Homophobia has no place in football and elsewhere.” he explained.

The two Fare member organisations call on supporter groups, in Germany and throughout Europe, to colour their stadiums and celebrate diversity during the LGBT Month of Action through rainbow flags, tifos and banners.

Football v Homophobia Month of Action
In 2014, Fare and the UK-based campaign Football v Homophobia (FvH) will be funding 12 organisations across Europe to stage football related activities during the anti-homophobia Month of Action throughout February.

The Month aims to raise awareness of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and calls on everyone to get involved in championing LGBT rights.

To get involved and find out more about initiatives taking place near you, check our website for updates or send us an email. If you organise an activity during the Month, get in touch.