|
The Eagles are dedicated their home game against Widnes Vikings at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on March 13 to the RFL’s ‘Hompphobia: Tackle It!’ campaign.
The Eagles showed their support by wearing a specially commissioned one-off playing shirt, which was sponsored by LGBT History Month and Pride Sports, and was emblazoned with the ‘Homophobia: Tackle It!’ slogan.
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 favourite 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. Congratulations and, on a personal note - thank you."
Balding’s sentiments have been echoed by Scott Haining, one of the stars from the popular television programme Waterloo Road which won the award for best drama at the 2011 National Television Awards, who will be attending the game on the day.
“I feel privileged to be associated with this Rugby League game and the “Challenge homophobia in sport” event with the Sheffield Eagles,” said Haining.
“As an actor, I work within an industry that already has a great awareness and acceptance of LGBT people. Hopefully today’s event will take another step towards raising public awareness of the LGBT community not just within Rugby League, but the whole sporting world.”
Sheffield Eagles decision to back 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 organisation 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.
