Introducing the Proud Lilywhites

Thursday night saw the official launch of our first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) fan group, in collaboration with the Gay Football Supporters' Network (GFSN).

Proud Lilywhites are members of the GFSN Fangroup Coalition (GFSN FC), the umbrella organisation for LGB&T football fangroup backed by Kick It Out and Stonewall.

The GFSN is an 850 member organisation which is celebrating 25 years of bringing LGB&T football fans together around their shared love of the beautiful game.

Proud Lilywhites aim to engage Tottenham Hotspur's LGB&T fan base and hold regular consultation with the Club. Those interested in joining the group can visit www.gfsn.org.uk/supporting

Leviathen Hendricks, Coordinator of GFSN FC, said: “We are delighted to be launching Proud Lilywhites. All football fans want to feel a real sense of belonging to their team. Unfortunately, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are still very real barriers.

“LGB&T fan groups will go a long way toward creating a tolerant and safe environment while providing an equality of social experience for all fans to freely enjoy the excitement of being a proud supporter of their Club.”

Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “The Club prides itself on being fully inclusive, regardless of race, gender or sexuality, and welcomes the formation of Proud Lilywhites.

“Through our award-winning Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, we are a leader in the field when it comes to promoting equality and acceptance of the various groups and cultures that exist within our diverse and vibrant local community.

“We see this very much as an extension of that fantastic work, as well as the 20 years of ongoing support we have shown to the Kick It Out campaign.”

To find out more about the GFSN and the GFSN Fangroup Coalition, please visit www.gfsn.org.uk