Club celebrates Pride in London at home

With the annual ‘Pride in London’ parade cancelled this year due to COVID-19, members of Proud Lilywhites, the Club’s Official LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Association, are celebrating from home for the first time.

But despite being unable to come together in person, Proud Lilywhites have created their own virtual Pride on Zoom to mark the special event.

Members, allies and friends have also posted videos of their home celebrations on social media, with past and present Club captains, Ledley King and Hugo Lloris, plus Tottenham Hotspur Women midfielder Josie Green sharing additional messages of support.

Set to return in 2021, ‘Pride in London’ is the UK’s biggest and most diverse pride event, inclusive of people of every race, ethnicity, disability, faith and all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Proud Lilywhites’ members have continued to stay connected throughout the pandemic.

In the absence of live sport, they held a variety of online events, from Spurs-themed quizzes involving guest questions from First Team players, to the ‘Talking Tottenham on a Wednesday Night’ social.

Lee Johnson, Co-Chair of Proud Lilywhites, said: “It has been really important for us all to keep in touch and be there for each other during this strange time.

“Not being able to be together at the stadium has been tough, just as it’s hard not celebrating Pride as we know and love it. But the way our members and allies have come together today and spread joy virtually is incredible.”

Since its formation in 2014, Proud Lilywhites has worked closely with the Club on a range of initiatives to engage Tottenham Hotspur’s LGBTQ+ fanbase, its staff and partners.

These have included illuminating our iconic stadium in rainbow colours to celebrate Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in December.

The Club also recently picked up the Professional Game Award at the first ever Football v Homophobia Awards, which recognises professional football clubs who have shown dedication to improving the landscape of football for LGBTQ+ people.

Within the local community, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has employed an LGBTQ+ Co-Ordinator to deliver youth groups, inclusive sports sessions and educational activities within schools to promote diversity and inclusion.

For more information about Proud Lilywhites, please visit www.proudlilywhites.uk or follow them @spurslgbt.