The Justin Campaign in association with Kick It Out and Brighton & Hove Albion are hosting an evening of talk and debate around homophobia in football, taking place at Withdean Stadium, Brighton on October 27 at 6pm.

The aim of the Justin Campaign is to demonstrate the prevalence of homophobia in football and show how damaging the consequences of this can be on a society that holds the sport in such high regard. Through art, events, education and football this unique organisation hopes to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes that exist around gay/bi men in football and work towards a future where the visibility of gay/bi men at every level of the game is both accepted and celebrated.  
The campaign was founded in memory of Justin Fashanu, the first openly gay professional footballer, who tragically ended his life on May 2 1998. A date the organisation would like to see recognised as the international day of protest against homophobia in sport.

Questions addressed at the talk will include: Why aren't there any out gay/bi men in professional football? and Why does homophobic chanting remain consistently unchallenged at football matches?

The evening will have a panel of selected football industry workers and equality and inclusion campaigners looking at these issues and inviting the audience to contribute their ideas on how homophobia should be effectively tackled in the world of professional football.

Founding Director Jason Hall said:
“We are determined to demonstrate how endemic homophobia is in football, from grass roots to the world stage. Using art, education, football and events we aim to educate the masses on the damaging effects of homophobia, challenge the negative stereotypes attached to gay/bi men and ultimately work towards a future where ability on the pitch that counts, not a person’s sexuality!”

Campaign director Darren Ollerton said:
“I want the evening to make people realise that sexuality is as equal a strand of diversity as any other and that the football authorities have a duty to tackle all hate and intolerance equally with no exceptions.”

Campaign Director Paul Windsor said:
"After years of campaigning to show racism the red card, let's all work together to do the same to homophobia"

For more information view:
www.thejustincampaign.com