Pride in Football launches cartoon to help challenge homophobia

Posted Thursday, March 29, 2018 by Skysports.com

Pride in Football launches cartoon to help challenge homophobia
The animation called 'Show Some Respect' is designed to help challenge homophobia

The FA premiered a fan-produced cartoon ahead of England’s match with Italy on Tuesday that aims to help supporters challenge homophobic abuse.

The animation, called 'Show Some Respect', was produced by Pride in Football and funded partly by anti-discrimination group Fare Network for the Football V Homophobia campaign and encourages fans in stadiums to stand up to offensive behaviour.

The film is the latest part of Pride in Football's CallitOut project, which was launched by Stephen Fry last year.

Pride in Football, the alliance group of LGBT+ fan groups, told Sky Sports News earlier this month that football fans are more confident of reporting abuse as a result of increased visibility of the LGBT+ community.

Pride in Football launches cartoon to help challenge homophobia
The cartoon features a fan chanting at a goalkeeper wearing pink

Chair of Pride in Football Di Cunningham said: "People are aware that there are LGBT+ people around and moderating their behaviour. A result for everyone.

"Most fans find when someone's challenged calmly that they'll stop. They see you there and maybe there's some empathy, some respect, and some self-respect."

A blog post by West Ham fan and Pride of Irons member Lorna Severn recalled one encounter with a fan who had chanted: 'Does your boyfriend know you're here?'

Severn explains how, in response, a number of friends challenged the behaviour of the individual resulting in an apology.

Jim Dolan, chair of Pride of Irons, said: "People are feeling empowered to actually do something and that's positive."

Joe White, of Gay Gooners and Pride in Football's campaign lead, added: "Sometimes you need to find the right words. Phrases like 'show some respect' and 'we're better than that' can help us all challenge in situations where it's safe."