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date: 18 September 2009

embargo: For immediate release

Liverpool and Everton football clubs join unions to tackle homophobia in sport

Liverpool and Everton FC joined with unions in Liverpool on Wednesday (16 September) to step up the fight against homophobia in sport.

The TUC's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) committee held a fringe meeting at the Jury's Inn Hotel during the unions annual Congress (from 14-17 September at the BT Convention Centre).

The lively meeting heard what is being done to tackle the homophobia and transphobia that prevents LGBT sportspeople from coming out.

Participants, including representatives from both Liverpool and Everton FC, also discussed how to combat the anti-gay prejudice that continues in sport despite the big legal changes of the last decade.

Addressing the meeting - which was well attended by people from across Merseyside - were the Football Association's spokesmen Mark Hardcastle and Dave Raval, and Professional Footballers' Association Equalities Executive Simone Pound.

Also speaking were Kick it Out! Campaign Director Piara Powar and Rugby Football League spokesperson Sarah Williams. TUC General Council member and TUC LGBT Committee Chair Maria Exall chaired the meeting.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Professional sport remains blighted by homophobia and transphobia in spite of the big advances in LGBT equality over the last decade.

'Due to the bigotry and narrow-mindedness that exists in sport, the majority of LGBT sportspeople are unable to reveal their sexuality for fear of discrimination or attack. This cannot be tolerated.

'Unions are linking up with a number of organisations across the UK, including Everton and Liverpool FC, to rid sport of this extreme prejudice, so that sportsmen and women no longer face harassment or intimidation because of their sexuality.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Media enquiries:
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 18 Sep 2009