To mark the end of The One Game, One Community week of action, The Justin Campaign in association with Kick It Out and Brighton & Hove Albion football club hosted an evening talk and debate around homophobia in football at Withdean Stadium last month.
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The panel explored issues such as why there are no out gay/bi men in football and why homophobic chanting consistently goes unchallenged at football matches.

The aim of the Justin Campaign is to demonstrate the prevalence of homophobia in 'the beautiful game' and show the 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 were 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 footballer, who tragically ended his life on May 2, 1998, a date now dubbed 'Justin Fashanu Day' by the organisation, who in future years would like to see May 2 recognised as the international day of protest against homophobia in sport.

Founding director Jason Hall said:
"We are determined to expose how endemic homophobia is in football, from grass roots to the world stage. Using art, 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 is what counts, not a person's sexuality!"

Simon Burgess, Labour candidate for Brighton Kemptown was one of few politicians who attended the event. He said:
"It was a very productive discussion highlighting how there are those, even amongst those present on the night, who do not see homophobia as being as terrible as racism. That is certainly the experience of Albion fans attending away matches where homophobic chanting is too often tolerated even though Albion supporters challenge it with club officials who have the powers to act. The Withdean is seen as one of the very few grounds where it is tackled. The FA needs to take a lead and act and take this hate abuse seriously - it is time for the game to move on and I want to see major progress by the time we have a new ground at Falmer. All football supporters have to wake up, for it to be the 'beautiful game' diversity needs to be respected"

For more information about the Justin Campaign view:
www.thejustincampaign.com