Marching Out Together
*ALL* Leeds, aren’t we…!
To find out more about the group and join us, see the About page and complete the form with your contact details.
Rainbow Laces 2023
We are delighted to confirm that our match against Middlesborough on Sat 2nd December has been designated as Leeds Utd’s official Rainbow Laces fixture.
We are proud of the club’s work towards improving equality and inclusion for all, and in particular for their active support for our group and the Rainbow Laces campaign.
We are finalising plans with the wonderful team at ER: look out for our updates here and on our socials about special activities on the day!
26.11.23
Support for all
In solidarity with all our LGBTQ+ friends and supporters, as well as fellow fans’ groups, we wish to put on record how abhorrent we find recent remarks from some politicians and prominent figures targeting our community and especially our Trans friends.
Everyone has a right to live in peace and safety, without fear, discrimination or abuse. Regardless of where they come from, how they define themselves, or who they love.
Prejudice and exclusion have no place in football or our wider society. We will continue to work with LUFC and with our partners in the city towards a safer and more inclusive environment, and to fight hate wherever we see it.
14.10.23
Statement on FA fine
Please click the button below to read our statement on today’s decision by the FA to sanction LUFC for homophobic chanting at our game vs Brighton in March.
17.08.23
Regional Alliance launch
We are proud to be a founder member of a new Regional LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group Alliance which will
Share best practice
Offer peer-to-peer support
Explore joint events
Empower groups to reach their potential
Click below for more info and the launch announcement.
1.08.23
Leeds Pride update
We are finalising our plans for this year’s Pride (sponsored again by LUFC) and would love as many members and friends & supporters to join us as possible.
Saturday 5 Aug we will be at LGBT+ Hub Marketplace in Broderick Hall (City Museum) between 11.00-4.00pm
Sunday 6 Aug for the parade we will be meeting from 1.15-1.45pm at the junction of Calverley St/Gt George St (back corner of the Town Hall nearest Millenium Sq); parade starts at 2.15pm
After the parade you will find us upstairs in Bowers Tap, Lower Briggate to watch the end of the LUFC v Cardiff match and take in all the atmos of the Pride stage!
You will also see us at Elland Road, including on the pitch before ko (members see your email if you would like to join us).
Get in touch at marchingouttogether@gmail.com for more info
30.07.23
LUFC to sponsor Pride 23
We are thrilled that LUFC have once again confirmed their premium sponsorship of Leeds Pride, which takes place on the same day as our opening match against Cardiff, on Sunday 6th August. Following the historic attendance at Pride last year of Luke Ayling and legends Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan this is further evidence of the active work at the club to improve equality and inclusion for everyone.
Click the button below to read more, and look out for our updates on activity on the day at Pride and Elland Road.
17.07.23
LUFC Women 2023/24
Two big announcements this week with publication of the FAWNL Div 1 North fixtures and a move for home games to Garforth Town.
Click on the link at the top of the page for more info.
17.07.23
LEEDS PRIDE - Sun 6 Aug
We have been working hard on our plans for Leeds Pride, especially after the fabulous support from Luke Ayling and other legends last year. So we are extremely disappointed to see that LUFC’s first home match has been scheduled for TV not only on the same day, but kicking off within a half-hour of the LeedsPride Parade.
This means that many of our members and friends will be forced to choose between supporting the team or the parade. It also gives our team some logistical problems, but we WILL be at Pride.
We are talking to LUFC and discussing a number of options. Please look out for our updates here and on our social media.
22.06.23
Pride Month
To kick off Pride Month 2023 we are delighted that leading people & talent specialists Charlton Morris invited us back following our visit to talk to their team last year. This time we met pre-match at Elland Road and talked about why our work matters, and the special power football can have to bring change.
We are really grateful to CM for their support for us, and wider activity promoting equality & inclusion.
Click the button below to see more (and CM’s fundraiser for us!).
And look out for upcoming news about our plans for Leeds Pride in August…
1.06.23
Luke Ayling - Champion!
We are thrilled to see that Luke Ayling has been recognised as LUFC’s PFA Community Champion of the Year. Luke became the first-ever active Premier League player to walk with fans at a Pride event when he joined us last summer, and recalls “Taking part in Leeds Pride was a real highlight, …and I know that it meant a lot to our LGBTQ+ fans”.
Luke has been a star for many other reasons too: click below for the club’s release and Luke’s comments.
23.05.23
Cup Winners !
LUFC Women have had a faltering season in the league, but two great cup runs culminating in a win in the FA Womens National League Plate.
United deservedly won 3-1 over Stourbridge Women, who play in the Midlands division of the same tier as LUFC but who are comfortably top of their league.
This was a fully-deserved win for the entire team, and especially for the long-serving trio across the back of Olivia Smart, Bridie Hannon and Cath Hammil.
We were at the game and will continue our support; and we hope this success is a springboard for even greater support and development by the club, with more trophies in years to come.
26.03.23
Please, stop the chants
Sadly, our home match with Brighton & Hove Albion was marred again by the tired and offensive chanting from part of the home crowd, and we are raising this with the club.
Click the button below for our comment and see these links for further coverage in YEP and Pink News.
14.03.23
Supporting LUFC Women (and Tadcaster Albion!)
Earlier this season LUFC withdrew the option to sponsor a player, which we have been proud to do for a number of years. We wanted to continue to show our support for the team, and so have taken out an advertising board at Tadcaster.
We are delighted too that this gives some support to Tadcaster Albion - win, win!
9.02.23
FA & Discriminatory chants
The FA have belatedly written to clubs making it clear that they view discriminatory chanting as a breach of their rules, referring explicitly to the ‘Rent Boy’ chant which has been heard at high-profile games recently. We fully agree with their statement that
“These chants can have a lasting and damaging impact on people and communities within our game, and it must stop.”
We will continue to work with Leeds United and our partners on this matter until we are allowed to enjoy the game and support Leeds United just like every other fan.
12.01.2023
It’s Arsenal in FA Cup R4!
After a third cup win against higher-league opposition LUFC Women have earned a thoroughly-deserved 4th Round Vitality FA Cup tie away to WSL Arsenal - Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and others. Match to be played at Borehamwood on Sun 29 Jan.
Qatar World Cup 2022
For the duration of the World Cup in Qatar we are changing our online profiles to monochrome in support of the LGBTQ+ community there, and to highlight that football is not a sport in which to have pride when it still excludes so many people.
For our position click here.
For information on the ‘No Pride Without All’ campaign click here.
AGM - Chair’s report
This week we held our AGM and our Chair Wiggy gave his annual report.
“This has been our most active and successful year since launching. We continue to work hard to support our members, and to provide a safe and understanding space where members can enjoy their support of LUFC and football more widely. With LUFC now re-established in the Premier League and featuring international players, with the active support of the club, and with growing media recognition we are also making a positive contribution to establishing a more prominent voice for the LGBT+ community in the club and local communities, and to advance progress towards a more tolerant and inclusive environment.”
5.11.22
Rainbow Laces 2022
This has been quite a year: first our fabulous mural, then Leeds Pride was awesome, and now we are just getting our breath back after an equally epic ‘Rainbow Laces’ week! Check out the highlights, and visit here to see why this campaign week matters. All year round.
For our Rainbow Laces fixture against Fulham the club invited us to form a guard of honour as the teams ran out onto the pitch. We wrote a piece for the official match programme which also appeared on the club website, and although print deadlines meant Angus Kinnear’s notes only appeared online he talked about “our collaboration with relentlessly passionate supporters group Marching Out Together”.
Our Chair Wiggy joined the official Leeds Utd Podcast to talk about Rainbow Laces and spoke movingly about his own journey as a gay supporter who had lost and then rediscovered his place at Elland Road.
Board double-act Mick and Maz joined Brenden Aaronson and LUFC Women skipper Becky Bass at the request of LUFC Foundation for a workshop at Leeds Beckett Uni with U16 girls players on the importance of inclusion in sport and rainbow Laces.
And a huge highlight was when the club invited us to Thorp Arch to join Patrick Bamford filming a piece for Barclays Football about the importance of community involvement in football. See the full video here, including an interview with our board member Mish: as well as our team having a kickabout with Patrick this piece had a lot of coverage on social media and Sky TV played it during coverage of the Liverpool v Leeds broadcast (1-2 win for us!) at the end of the week.
Not a bad week for a small group!
30.10.22
Reflecting on Pride 22
The return of Leeds Pride and the involvement of the club this year has been a big achievement for us.
We still hear people say “Pride? Really? Why do we even need all that, these days…?”
We wrote about the protest-march origins of Pride, why it is still vital to re-assert LGBT+ people’s rights to equality, and why the support of straight allies matters. Luke Ayling, Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan joining us was especially powerful.
When we have these events the vast majority of responses are supportive, and we have had some lovely comments, thank-you. But (and especially when LUFC post on LGBT+ inclusion) we still see many questioning the need, and some are directly hostile and abusive. Still. In 2022.
One noticeable thing around Leeds Pride: we haven’t needed to challenge any hostility because you have done it on our behalf. Thankyou for your support, we DO note it, and all your voices are bringing change more quickly than we can on our own.
Our policy is that social media is not the right place to discuss complex issues. But we welcome dialogue: we are always open to genuine conversations to explore different views and perspectives & address any misunderstandings (online, or in person).
Finally: the Chief Exec and Directors of LUFC support and encourage us. So do the staff, players, academy & LUFC Women. Also LUFC Supporters Trust and Disabled Association, ‘The Square Ball’ fanzine, ‘Roaring Peacocks’ podcast & many more bodies across the city.
And we are proud of that; proud of *OUR* club. #MOT #ALAW
10.08.22
Pride is back…!
…and it means more than just a fun parade, face-paints and whistles.
Click the button below to see why it matters so much, and this year especially.
Leeds Utd to sponsor Pride
We are delighted to announce jointly with Leeds Utd that the club are once again sponsoring Leeds Pride, the centrepiece of which will be the Pride Parade - in its 17th year - on Sunday 7th August.
This will be a fantastic way to celebrate the start of the new season… in the Premier League!
New season, new manager
LUFC Women have announced the appointment as manager of Rick Passmore, in his second spell at the club.
And the fixtures have been announced for the 22/23 season starting with a home fixture (played at Tadcaster Albion) on Sunday 21 August against Hull City.
26.07.22
National Diversity Awards
We are proud and honoured to have been nominated in the category for Community Organisation Award for LGBT.
You can vote for us here and voting is open until 20 May, with judging taking place before the awards event in September.
We don’t just focus on football and LUFC: scroll down to the stories below or the links at the top of this site, and click on the voting link to see our profile summary. And for more information download our AGM report from last autumn.
Thankyou so much to those of you who have already voted: your support and comments really do mean a lot to us.
7.05.22
4th place for LUFC Women
The season comes to a close for LUFC Women with a 4th place finish and LOTS to be proud of. Click the button below to read more.
We are proud to have sponsored top-scoring striker Laura Bartup, send our best wishes to everyone for a well-earned break over the summer, and are looking forward to the new season.
1.05.22
Our mural & artist CBloxx
Now that our mural is complete, we would like to put on record our deep appreciation for the work of Jay Gilleard, also known as international street-artist CBloxx.
This is a breathtaking piece of art, the technical execution has been fascinating to observe, and they have created something which perfectly captures what we wanted to achieve, both as a landmark for the city and for the values it represents.
Thankyou Jay, and #ALAW
Click the button below to see the story of the mural and creative notes.
11.04.22
A cup final for LUFC Women
Click the button below for more info, and bring your support - it can make a huge difference in a one-off cup final!
There are other chances to see LUFC Women very soon: the last time they will play at Tacdaster Albion this season is Sunday 3rd April in a rematch against Norton & Stockton, and then the final Home tie of this FAWNL Div 1 North campaign will see the team run out at Elland Road on Sunday 10th April (tickets via the club website).
28.03.22
Mural update
We are thrilled to say that work on our landmark Marching Out Together LUFC LGBT+ mural will begin on the weekend of 26-27 March.
The mural is being created by Yorkshire & worldwide street artist CBloxx, who co-produced the spectacular ‘Athena Rising’ on the Platform building above Leeds City Station. We will share the artwork and explain its message and concepts with you as CBloxx produces it… but don’t expect a LUFC badge in rainbow colours or a football with a rainbow over it: the artwork is WAY more subtle and meaningful than that and we can’t wait to share it with you. Look out for updates here and on our socials!
20.03.22
Marcelo Bielsa
Everyone here is saddened at the news regarding Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United. We would like to put on record our deep gratitude to Mr Bielsa and wish him the very best for the future.
This is not only for the promotion back to the Premier League and all the beautiful football, but also for his values, integrity and humility, and the very special spirit and unity he brought back to our club. Marcelo Bielsa will always be treasured here.
It is our role now to stick together and support the team and new manager Jesse Marsch to ensure that they secure our Premier League status and build for more success in coming seasons.
We march on. Together.
28.02.22
Leeds Utd statement on discrimination and abuse.
We are very pleased to see Leeds United’s clear and powerful statement on discrimination and abuse - of all kinds - including the plea to fans to think about the hurt which may be caused to those around them when they join in with unacceptable chants.
The statement can be found here on the club website, or click the button below to download a copy.
11.02.22
Signs of action on abuse?
In one week Aussie pro player Joshua Cavallo faced homophobic abuse during a game and had to call it out; the tedious and hurtful ‘Rent Boy’ chant was clearly audible during a televised FA Cup 3rd Round match; and comment on that prompted the CPS to re-state clearly that homophobia meets the definition of a hate-crime, and that they would prosecute if need be.
We would rather enlighten and educate than see fellow-fans barred from matches, but remain interested to see if this is a sign of new action and a potential tipping-point… or just another new-year resolution which is still a ‘wish’ next Christmas.
12.01.22
Part of the wider LUFC community
Leeds Utd have posted a LUTV film of their work with the community. This prominently features our Rainbow Laces campaign as well as our board member Mark in a visit to a primary school with Luke Ayling, alongside content with Tyler Roberts & LUFC Women’s Bridie Hannon, as well as the Foundation, Trust and Fans’ Foodbank.
We are really proud to be in such excellent company, and proud of the contibution we have made to the club’s genuine and active commitment to inclusion for all. We will continue this work throughout the year to come.
29.12.21
Reflecting on the year
As we approached the turn of the year from 2021 to 2022 we asked each of our team to reflect on the year just gone and look ahead.
24.12.21
Rainbow Laces 2021
Our ‘Rainbow Laces’ game this year was the win against Crystal Palace in the first week of December, but the activity goes on for much more than just that one showpiece.
Click the button below to see all that we achieved, and also the fabulous support we enjoy from the club and players across all squads.
17.12.21
Statement on chanting
Last night was our Rainbow Laces game. The club have actively supported the campaign again this year - with players discussing LGBT+ inclusion on podcasts and addressing schools, they have been photographed holding rainbow flags and they wore special pre-match shirts.
The board and coaching staff all wore Marching Out Together badges, and there was active promotion of Rainbow Laces on the club’s social media site - which went well beyond any requirements from the Premier League.
The powerful support offered by the club to Marching Out Together’s work lasts throughout the year; with the culture of support led from Angus Kinnear, our CEO, and supported by his senior management team.
The work we do with the club receives the support from the overwhelming majority of Leeds fans, who welcome inclusion and support for the LGBT+ community.
However, work still needs to be done, and unacceptable chanting can still occasionally be heard. The ‘rent boy’ chant last night is one example of that. It is unarguably homophobic and unacceptable at all times. We wrote a piece condemning the use of the rent boy chant and explaining why it is homophobic last year.
It was certainly regrettable to hear last night - but the club’s ongoing powerful message of support for equality resonated much stronger on a night where we could celebrate that things are changing for the better in the game of football, when it comes to LGBT+ inclusion.
01.12.21
Joint statement on chants
Ahead of our games with Spurs and Brighton we have today issued a joint statement together with LUST, LUDO and LUSC calling for fans to give their always outstanding support without anti-Semitic or homophobic chants or gestures.
This type of hurtful and abusive behaviour is never acceptable and we can always back the team with much more positive language.
19.11.21
Qatar 2022 World Cup
As football fans we are all thrilled to see England qualify comfortably for the World Cup finals in Qatar next summer, and hope to see Scotland and Wales there too.
There are significant issues with the tournament taking place in a country where LGBTQ+ people face severe discrimination and even legal sanction. We hope that the FA and England will use their platform to challenge discrimination and support the LGBTQ+ community everywhere, and we support the Kick It Out campaign.
16.11.21
Annual General Meeting 2021
On 7 November before the Leicester City home game we held our AGM, and were pleased to have some members attend and others by Zoom. We re-elected some of our officers and gave an update on the past year and plans for the year to come: click below for the Chair’s report.
Meet our Mick
In the September edition of ‘Shine’ magazine, board member Mick Ward gives a fasciinating and wide-ranging picture over many years of the city of Leeds, Leeds United, being an LGBT+ fan, and the work of Marching Out Together. Download a copy from the Shine website.
Real action on homophopbia with LUFC
The first few weeks of the season have seen a number of stories about homophobic abuse at matches – timely then, that Leeds United invited us to deliver LGBTQ+ training for the match day stewards for the first time. Even more so when after the Burnley away match a member reported an incident which led to the club arranging a meeting at Elland Road with the fan involved.
This is another very real example of the club actively working with MOT to continue to make Leeds United, and in particular Elland Road, inclusive for all.
Back for another season!
Leeds United are back for another Premier League season! Before looking ahead to that, here’s a reminder about just how far we came last season… on the field and for Marching Out Together…
New season, same old chants…
As the new season gets under way we are saddened again to see that homophobic chanting has raised its ugly head once more. The clubs involved, LGBT+ fans’ groups and other football bodies including ‘Kick It out’ all condemned it; and we sent our support and backing. Click below to see why it is never “just banter”.
LUFC LGBT+ Mural Update
A joint press release was issued today (11/08/21) by Leeds United FC, Marching Out Together, East Street Arts, and artist CBloxx.
See it here on the LUFC website, or click below to download a copy.
Laura Bartup - LUFC Women
We are thrilled to announce that for the coming season we will be sponsoring striker Laura Bartup.
“Pride” - more than just a parade
How much do you know about the background and meaning of “Pride” month? This festival of LGBT+ presence and achievement has a long history… and is still very much needed today - in our society and our game.
A piece written by us appeared on the official LUFC website in June, and you can see ther full version here…
Personal Stories: Andrew Tilly
We sit in the West Stand where we are surrounded by the most wonderful group of fellow season ticket holders who we have got to know over the years. They all know we are gay and are supportive. Off the pitch things have not felt so positive in many years - we have a responsible owner with great vision. And, in the future, we hope that as the club improve on so many fronts, progress will also be made on making Elland Road and following Leeds away a more welcoming experience for LGBT+ fans. I look forward to playing my role in Marching Out Together and am proud to be one of our LGBT+ representatives on the Supporters Advisory Board.
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