Barrow are pleased to announce the launch of Proud Bluebirds, the Club’s new LGBTQ+ supporters group.
The group is designed to ensure that the game is accessible and open for everyone. We want to create a safe space where everybody from all corners of society feel welcome.
Players Niall Canavan and Ben Whitfield will be ambassadors for the group, and the Barrow captain has stated how important this new organisation will be:
“Ben and I were delighted at the chance to be involved, as we, as all the lads do, feel that it’s important that everyone feels welcome at the Club.”
Another huge supporter of the group is Barrow manager Pete Wild, who is delighted to hear of the launch:
“I’m really pleased that the Club has launched this group and I’m really pleased that Niall Canavan and Ben Whitfield have agreed to be ambassadors for it.
“The 21st Century demands that everybody is represented in the right manner, and in the manner that they deserve.
"It’s a big step for the Football Club and is one of many progressive strides Barrow wants to make over the next few years.
“Long may this Club be a shining light in the community."
The new LGBTQ+ group’s interim chair, diehard Bluebirds fan Chris Altree said:
"I'm proud to speak as a gay man who has followed the Club home and away all my life.
“All this is about is making sure everyone, whoever they are, whoever they love, feels welcome at Barrow.”
The new group has received huge support from Arsenal’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, GayGooners.
GayGooners Co-chair, Carl Fearn, lives in Barrow-in-Furness and is proud to have helped Barrow establish the Proud Bluebirds. He said:
”The solid commitment of Barrow to become the third club in League Two to set up an LGBTQ+ supporters group has been marvellous to see.
“To play a small part in helping to set up the Proud Bluebirds has been a privilege. I hope the group gains the same level of respect the GayGooners get from the Arsenal family. Pride is every day, not just once a year at a Rainbow Laces game.”
Mark Brindle, Supporter Liaison Officer at Arsenal said:
“It’s fantastic to see Barrow becoming the latest club to provide LGBT+ supporters and allies with a safe and welcoming safe space to meet up, watch football together, and campaign to kick homophobia, biphobia and transphobia out of football.
“Congratulations to Barrow and their supporters.”