Football Homophobia Conference Opens in Manchester
The tittle is not a joke but instead the answer to homophobia in sports and that is education and understanding.
Supporters from 29 countries around Europe are expected to attend the event
An international conference on homophobia in football has started in Manchester.
Organisers hope the Football Fans v Homophobia (FvH) meeting, described as the first ever, will identify new ways of tackling the issue within the sport.
It also aims to "celebrate the involvement of gay and lesbian fans and reinforce a zero-tolerance message against discrimination", FvH said.
Supporters from 29 countries around Europe are expected to attend.
Speakers at the conference, on Mount Street, include representatives from European football governing body Uefa and members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) supporters' clubs.
Louise Englefield, from FvH said: "The LGBT community has a large contingent of football supporters whose concerns on homophobia are often ignored.
"As the first major gathering of supporters on this issue, both LGBT and allies, this is a huge event for the LGBT community in football."
She added: "It is fitting that it takes place on the day the most high-profile league in world football kicks off its season.”
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has signed up to a programme run by a gay equality charity to promote fair treatment for all.
Stonewall Cymru called the FAW's move a "great step forward" as its research showed homophobia was a "real issue in football".
Stonewall's diversity champions project ensures equal opportunities for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
The FAW joins 100 other organisations taking part in the programme in Wales.
Andrew White, director of Stonewall Cymru, said: 'By joining the diversity champions programme the Football Association of Wales have recognised that people perform better when they can be themselves.
'Our research has shown that homophobia is a real issue in football.
"This is a great step forward and signals the kind of leadership we hope to see more of in Welsh sport.
"We look forward to working with the FAW on tackling homophobia and making the 'great game' one that celebrates diversity of its fans and players."
FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "At the Football Association of Wales, we seek to promote an environment in which all individuals, regardless of background, are offered a level platform on which to fulfil potential.
"Through a positive strategy of education, we are confident of continued progress."
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