Manchester United partnership with Stonewall to promote LGBT+ inclusion

Manchester United has entered a strategic partnership with lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT+) equality charity Stonewall to strengthen the club’s work to promote diversity and inclusion across the club under its banner of ‘All Red All Equal’.

Stonewall is the UK’s leading employers’ programme for ensuring all LGBT+ staff, customers, clients and service-users are accepted without exception.

This service includes Stonewall’s Workplace Allies programme to help non-LGBT employees across the club and Manchester United Foundation find ways to actively support and promote an LGBT-inclusive culture.

United have previously supported Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and last year launched its first LGBT+ Supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils.

Richard Arnold, Manchester United Group Managing Director, told the club’s official website: “We’re immensely proud of our relationship with Stonewall and delighted to be taking it to the next level with this strategic partnership. 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 Kelly, chief executive of Stonewall, said: “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 and 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.”

Eric Najib of Rainbow Devils said: “We’re proud to support and work alongside a club that is committed to creating an inclusive environment for LGBT+ people.

“There is still a lot more work to do but this partnership with Stonewall is another welcome step in the right direction.”

Well done to Manchester United!

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