More and more teams with the Rugby Football League in England are showing support for the fight against homophobia.
The Sheffield Eagles are the latest team to dedicate a game to raise awareness about the dangers of homophobia. Rugby has been at the forefront of the battle for years with straight ally Ben Cohen leading the fight and with rugby star Gareth Thomas coming out in 2010.
Teams throughout the league will wear official RFL shirts that read “Homophobia: Tackle It!” on the front.
Sheffield Eagles are the first professional club in mainstream UK sport to display such a high level of support for the anti-homophobia campaign.
The Eagles efforts are part of the Rugby Football League's celebrations of LGBT History Month, which began on February 1.
England cricketer Steven Davies, who recently announced his homosexuality to the world, was among the first to show his support for the event.
“Gareth Thomas was a real inspiration and made me believe it would be possible for me to do the same,” said Davies, “So anything that helps even one person should be applauded. There may be added pressures in sports as the number of people that have come out is so small, so it's great that Rugby League is taking this step.”
One of the nation's favorite broadcasters, Clare Balding, was also quick to show her support for the event.
“I am delighted that Rugby League has taken the positive, progressive step of publicly embracing diversity and condemning prejudice,” said Balding. “Rugby League has always been a sport that seeks to involve rather than exclude and I applaud its stance against homophobia. I hope other sports will follow the outstanding example set by The RFL.”
Popular English actors have embraced the campaign and several politicians have stepped up support as well.
Home Office Minister Lynn Featherstone pledged her support to the campaign through a press release.
“Homophobia and transphobia have caused too much harm and ruined too many lives,” Featherstone said. “That is why we all need to join together to tackle this problem. I am delighted to support this fantastic occasion with the RFL and Sheffield Eagles, who are sending an amazing message not only to sports fans but also to children, and society in general, that there is no room for homophobia or transphobia in this country.”
The Sheffield Eagles decision to back Britain's LGBT History Month and Pride Sports' anti-homophobia campaign follows a number of groundbreaking achievements by the sport of Rugby League.
The RFL was recently included in the Stonewall Top 100 Workplace Index, becoming the first sports organization ever to be named as a leading LGBT friendly employer, an accolade that followed Super League player Gareth Thomas's recognition as the 2010 Stonewall LGBT Hero of The Year.
