At Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, inclusion is one of our three values: Include, Innovate, Inspire. Pride Month reminds us of community sport’s power to help people feel they belong, break down barriers, and allow everyone to participate fully and authentically.
Why today? Because tomorrow, June 28th, marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots - a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history that sparked the global Pride movement. On that night in 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City fought back against a police raid, leading to six days of demonstrations. This act of resistance galvanized the LGBTQ+ rights movement and is commemorated each year through Pride events worldwide.
Brentford’s Pride News
This season, Brentford FC and the Trust have continued to amplify our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through inclusive on-pitch events, ongoing support for the LGBeeTs fan group, and our dedication to diversity and inclusion across the club and community.
Some of our highlights include:
Ronald Mansveld, a Brentford supporter and LGBeeTs member, shared how Brentford’s inclusive approach - from community sessions to steward training - helped him find safety and belonging in football. Read Ronald's story here.
Brentford Women’s team showed their support by dedicating a match against Whyteleafe to the Football v Homophobia campaign, with players wearing campaign shirts and educational materials raising awareness about inclusivity in football. Learn more about the match here.
During Rainbow Laces week, Brentford players, including Mikkel Damsgaard, joined an allyship and inclusion themed Premier League Primary Stars workshop at the Community Stadium Hub with Year 5 students ahead of Rainbow Laces fixtures celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Community Spotlight: West London Queer Project (WLQP)
WLQP is an open community organisation based in Hounslow, Ealing, and the surrounding areas. They run a range of friendly events throughout the year, including LGBTQ+ football sessions, wellbeing walks, Pride events, and inclusive social gatherings for individuals of all genders and sexualities.
Most activities are free or low-cost and designed to be accessible to allies, young people, and families. WLQP also partners with the Trust to promote diversity, health, and inclusion through sport and culture. Find out more about upcoming events here.
Being an Ally in Sport and Community Work
At Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, we believe sport can be a force for positive social change—but only if everyone feels safe and able to participate without fear of discrimination.
Allyship should be part of our everyday work, whether that’s:
Respectful training for staff and volunteers
Safeguarding practices for LGBTQIA+ young people
Open and honest communication in schools and youth programmes
When young people see adults’ model inclusive actions, it builds more compassionate communities. Our Include value encourages everyone involved with the Trust to explore the small but powerful ways we can be better allies—recognising and challenging hurtful language, acknowledging intersecting identities (e.g. LGBTQIA+ and religious backgrounds), and making youth spaces safer and more inclusive.
A good ally listens more than they speak and helps create safer spaces wherever they go.
Podcasts to Learn and Connect
Football v Homophobia Podcast
This podcast amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices in football—from grassroots supporters to professional players and campaigners. It explores systemic challenges and highlights the progress clubs, leagues, and community organisations are making towards inclusive football. Listen here.
Real Talk Podcast – Fertility and Equality in Sport
This segment explores the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity, fertility, and elite sport - highlighting issues faced by lesbian athletes such as IVF access, family planning policies, and institutional barriers. It emphasises the need for inclusive policies around family and reproduction in sport. Listen here.
Voices from the Trust
A Trust staff member shares their experiences and what being part of the community means to them.
Who is an LGBTQ+ icon to you?
“An LGBT icon for me has always been Sam Kerr. She pioneered women’s football when there was little to no recognition. She has South Asian heritage and is often involved in empowerment and mental health work. She also founded Sam Kerr Football Schools and online programmes to teach resilience.”
What does Pride mean to you?
“Being queer and having pride in myself means having everyday confidence in who I am—to integrate and love freely. As a queer person, I’m an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I actively engage in conversations that uplift queer voices, challenge damaging narratives, and create space for others to feel acknowledged.”
Looking Ahead: Middlesex Pride 2025
Middlesex Pride returns in 2025 at a new location: Gunnersbury Park!
Taking place on Sunday 27 July, this year the theme is perseverance, it’s more than a celebration - it’s a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience past and present. Register or support the event here.
Pride Month may be over, but our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion continues year-round. Whether through football, education, or everyday interactions, we’ll keep working to create spaces where everyone belongs.
If you need any support in creating safe, uplifting and celebratory environments for LGBTQ+ people, please reach out to the EDI Team to collaborate! Contact inclusionadmin@brentfordfccst.com or rmaher@brentfordfc.com