Premiership Rugby is set to host its inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Round from 18th to 20th April 2025, an event aimed at celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and addressing discrimination within the sport. Sale Sharks, a club actively taking part in this initiative, emphasises its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
The Pride Round is part of a broader strategy by Premiership Rugby, known as Unite. Tackle. Change. This initiative seeks to engage fans across the rugby community and encourage them to report instances of discrimination, whether observed or experienced. Premiership Rugby has expressed its aim to empower supporters to act as allies in combatting discrimination through several measures.
Key components of the initiative include raising awareness, educating fans on recognizing and addressing discrimination, and providing straightforward systems for reporting any incidents. The focus is not only on personal responsibility but also on cultivating a supportive community among fans, ensuring that rugby stadiums maintain an atmosphere of equality and inclusion.
Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead for Social Impact and Diversity & Inclusion at Premiership Rugby, spoke to the importance of this campaign, stating, 'We want to empower our rugby family to take meaningful action against discrimination. By learning how to spot the signs, report confidently, and stand as allies, we can create an environment where fans feel safe, valued, and included. Rugby is a sport for everyone, and we will not tolerate discrimination in our stands in any form.'
The event highlights the commitment from various rugby clubs, including Sale Sharks, to create a culture of respect within the sport. By encouraging fans to engage in the process of reporting discrimination, the initiative aims to foster a rugby community that is not only aware but also proactive in protecting its members from discrimination and abuse.
For those interested in more information on the Pride Round, including educational resources and reporting mechanisms, further details can be accessed on the Premiership Rugby website.
Source: Noah Wire Services