Cheltenham Town are delighted to announce the official launch of 'Proud Robins', the club's first official LGBTQ+ supporters network.
This coming Saturday our home match against Lincoln City will mark the club's celebration of the Rainbow Laces campaign, and the launch of Proud Robins is another positive step to build LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance for fans, players and staff at Cheltenham Town.
The official supporters network for LGBTQ+ supporters at Cheltenham, Proud Robins works in partnership with the football club, the Robins Trust, the Community Trust and the Football Supporters Association.
Seven in 10 football fans who have attended a match have heard or witnessed homophobia on the terraces and Proud Robins will now provide an opportunity for fans to come together to enjoy following the Robins, to build education, and to discuss how Cheltenham Town can become more inclusive to those from LGBTQ+ communities.
Sam Lear from Proud Robins and the Robins Trust commented: "Proud Robins has been launched to support and build LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance for fans, players and staff at Cheltenham Town FC. We are a social group for LGBTQ+ Cheltenham fans, allies, together with their family and friends. We provide a welcoming space, as well as a platform from which to raise awareness of, and campaign against all forms of discrimination and equality, and particularly homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in football.
"As a fan of Cheltenham for over 20 years, I hope that everyone who enters the gates at Whaddon Road feels comfortable bringing their full and true selves to matches without fear of discrimination. I am proud that the Club, in partnership with the Robins Trust and FSA have been so supportive in helping to make Proud Robins a reality.
"This marks a positive step forward for the Club in their of their diversity and inclusion efforts. Proud Robins exists to build on the great work of previous years to provide a permanent and visible point of reference for LGBTQ+ supporters and allies."
Cheltenham Town chairman David Bloxham added: “I am delighted to see the launch of ‘Proud Robins’ here at Cheltenham Town. As a club we strive to create an environment which provides a friendly, tolerant and welcoming atmosphere for all. The Proud Robins initiative will strengthen and help us to grow our links with our LGBTQ+ supporters and further enhance our all-inclusive culture. I look forward to working with the ‘Proud Robins’ in its future initiatives and support of the club.”
If you would like to find out more about Proud Robins and its activities, campaigns and events, or find out how you can join, please follow them via their various social media platforms below, or contact your Supporters Liaison Officer at slo@ctfc.com
The group will be present with a stall at Saturday's home match against Lincoln City and you can check out all of the build up to Saturday's Rainbow Laces game online, in the match programme, and on the big screen in the lead up to kick-off.