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Justin Campaign named in memory of gay footballer who committed suicide
By: Stephen Unwin
Justin Fashanu
Justin Fashanu
Football v Homophobia Day to be held next month
The Justin Campaign, which combats homophobia in football, has announced that 19 February will be a yearly international day of awareness of the issue.
Organisers of the campaign, named after the first, and only, out gay prominent footballer, Justin Fashanu, hope that national clubs will adopt their logo for the day and display anti-homophobia messages to further support the cause.
Following an opening ceremony in Brighton, community football teams in the UK and elsewhere in Europe will be showing their support by holding a series of matches and fun events throughout the day under the banner Football v Homophobia.
The campaign will send their team, the Justin Fashanu All-Stars, to play in a match in Norwich where Fashanu, who committed suicide in 1998, began his career.
Jason Bartholomew Hall, founding director of the organisation, said:
Jason Bartholomew Hall, founding director of the organisation, said:
"We think it's important to have one day out of each year when clubs and supporters are able to unite in opposing hate and intolerance in their national sport.
“ However people celebrate Football v Homophobia Day - let it be out of respect for each other and of equality."
February is also LGBT History Month.
February is also LGBT History Month.
Darren Ollerton, the Justin Campaign's director, said:
"We wanted the launch of Football v Homophobia to complement LGBT History Month somehow.
“Every year on 19 February the campaign will celebrate the day by following Justin Fashanu's career throughout the years and engaging with each team and their community along the way.
"Let's hope when the campaign reaches the end of the timeline we will have witnessed some much-needed change in the way gay and bi men in professional and amateur football are perceived and treated."
Any individuals, teams, groups or companies interested in supporting the initiative by hosting an event in their area can contact the campaign via their website for support and promotional materials.
"Let's hope when the campaign reaches the end of the timeline we will have witnessed some much-needed change in the way gay and bi men in professional and amateur football are perceived and treated."
Any individuals, teams, groups or companies interested in supporting the initiative by hosting an event in their area can contact the campaign via their website for support and promotional materials.
