Man United And Stonewall Partner For Lgbt+ Inclusion

Manchester United and LGBT+ equality charity Stonewall have entered into a new partnership in order to promote diversity and inclusion.

The move builds on the Premier League side’s ‘All Red All Equal’ campaign, and will see it sign up to Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, which helps employers embed LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace. The initiative also gives organisations access to expert consultation, training and dedicated resources from the charity to support inclusion.

United have said the partnership will also include participation in Stonewall’s Workplace Allies programme to help non-LGBT employees find ways to  support and promote an inclusive culture.

“We’re immensely proud of our relationship with Stonewall and delighted to be taking it to the next level with this strategic partnership,” said Richard Arnold, Managing Director, Manchester United.

“Diversity is a source of strength for Manchester United and ensuring a welcoming environment for LGBT+ employees and fans is a crucial part of that.

“We’re committed to making equality, diversity and inclusion integral to the way we work and this partnership with Stonewall will help us achieve that important goal, building on the range of other initiatives we have under way as part of our All Red All Equal campaign.”  

Nancy Kelley, CEO, Stonewall, added: “It’s so important for organisations to actively work towards making sport everyone’s game. Many LGBT+ people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but at the moment not everyone feels welcome. We also know that most sports fans want to see sports be better and more inclusive.

“To make this happen, we need individuals and organisations to step up to show their support for LGBT+ people and that’s what Manchester United has done today. We’re excited to continue our journey with them from being a founding member of TeamPride, to now joining us as a Diversity Champion.

“We look forward to working with them to help further LGBT+ equality in football.”

The partnership furthers United’s relationship with Stonewall. The Red Devils became the first football club to join Stonewall’s TeamPride coalition in 2017, and has also supported the charity’s Rainbow Laces campaign, created an internal Pride Network for LGBT+ employees, and last year launched its first LGBT+ Supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils.