The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation are pleased to announce that they have received funding from the European Commission’s Directorate – General Justice Freedom and Security. The funding is part of a transnational project ‘Football For Equality’ headed by Austrian anti-racism organization, VIDC.
Tanja Walther Ahrens, award winning EGLSF campaigner explains:
"This the second time we have been successful in securing funding from the EC! This is great news as this project will build on past work and will help people understand that it still is so important to increase the visibility of lesbians and gay men in sport and to counteract homophobia in many different and creative ways."
The project will involve a number of initiatives, which include an anti-homophobia campaign during the 2011 Women’s World Cup and the UEFA EURO 2012. Specific actions include an art exhibition to be held in Berlin, which will examine the contribution of lesbians to women’s football and awareness-raising activities for football fans embassies during 2012 in Warsaw, which will include the observation of anti-discrimination action days, training for embassy staff and the production of LGBT fans guides.
The project contains a strong youth focus and includes a Football For Equality Tournament for young people in Slovenia and the introduction of the anti-homophobia message in the Mondiali Antirazzisti (Anti-Racist World Cup) in Italy during 2011.
Walther Ahrens concludes:
"This is a unique opportunity to make a positive difference to football across Europe."