2006

UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, and the governing body of football in Europe, launched a good practice guide called 'Tackling racism in club football'. It includes 2 pages on homophobia and sexism. Together with our partners from FARE Tanja Walther, the EGLSF FARE representative, worked on the inclusion of homophobia to this guide. UEFA obviously wants to keep this at a low profile: The focus is on racism. Other forms of discrimination are only mentioned. Download the guide Unite Against Racism - Tackling racism in club football (FARE and UEFA, 2006).

On Sunday October 24, 2006 a group of about 30 dancers, teachers, judges and competition organisers involved in same-sex dancing from 9 different European countries had an informal meeting in Budapest. The meeting was the third following earlier meetings in Cologne and Montreal. They spoke about the desire to form a network or organisation for European and non-European same-sex dancers. After a long discussion it was decided to found an organisation for European same-sex dancers, with an open mind to include non-European dancers. For a worldwide advocacy for same-sex dancers, there is already an organisation with which the founders of [...]

On Friday August 25 2006 John Blankenstein passed away in the Leyenburg hospital in The Hague at the age of 57. According to the news he was ill for some time. We all have learned to get to know John as the first international football referee that was openly gay. He was associated member of the EGLSF and supported the EGLSF over the years in the fight against discrimination of LGBT people within the Netherlands and within Europe. He participated on many platforms in Europe to support our work. Words can not express what this sudden death means to us. [...]