Justin Fashanu Statue fundraiser launches: ‘It’s about much more than football’

Taslim Martin, one of Britain’s leading sculptors, will create statue of Norwich legend who was the first out gay professional footballer; “we hope to prompt awareness of homophobia in sport and conversations about how to make football a happy and safe space for all,” says campaign lead Andrew Reynolds from Proud Canaries…

Stealth tactic gets rainbow flags into World Cup stadiums in Qatar via ‘Pride Nation’ filter

Brazilian magazine Corner provides augmented reality filter option that transforms every flag into a Pride flag; filter is a safe way to show solidarity for those attending World Cup games in Qatar; “We’ll always stand for human rights. That’s why this campaign was born,” says Corner’s founder and editor…

Five clubs feature in new Naked Rugby Players calendar, raising money for Balls To Cancer

Popular charity calendar now in its fifth year, with cheeky images for 2023 edition including players from Glasgow Raptors, Bristol Bisons, Nottinghamshire Hurricanes, Newcastle Ravens and Northampton Outlaws in “daring and exciting locations”; significant donation from sales will go to support Balls To Cancer…

A World Cup wish for ‘peace and freedom’ – LGBT+ Qatari stories, shared by Dr Nas

Every day during the FIFA World Cup, Dr Nas Mohamed is sharing a story from a fellow LGBT+ Qatari; members of the community back in Qatar have been submitting testimonies via Instagram – read them here; Dr Nas is raising money for the Alwan Foundation to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the Gulf region

Sport Allies ‘gobsmacked’ to benefit from Joe Lycett’s £10,000 World Cup protest

The charity, which was set up in 2016 from funds raised by the sale of nude calendars, receives generous donation from Lycett; comedian admitted he didn’t shred the cash, which was a stunt to draw attention to David Beckham’s multi-million pound ambassadorial deal with tournament hosts Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal…

‘Football has helped me so much’ – Parker Dunn Q&A for Trans Awareness Week

“Having people in the game who you can talk to makes you feel like you’re not in it alone” – that’s why Parker joined the LGBTQ+ Professionals in Football Collective; he talks with us to mark Trans Awareness Week, which concludes this weekend – it’s followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance…

‘Joining would mean jail’: Plight of LGBTQ+ Qataris highlighted at World Cup by Proud Maroons fans group

People outside Qatar are being urged to join a new LGBTQ+ fans group for the World Cup 2022 hosts’ national team – because it’s not safe for Qataris themselves to show support for Proud Maroons; “we have the chance to bring global visibility to my community,” says Dr Nas Mohamed, the world’s only out gay Qatari

‘Shockingly scandalous’: LGBT+ fans groups blast FIFA ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup

Groups for LGBTQ+ people and allies who support England and Wales say FIFA’s letter asking 32 national associations and their players to focus on football at World Cup is “deeply troubling”; Pride in Football, the network of LGBTQ+ fans groups, also part of joint statement, which says ‘No Pride Without All’ is a more appropriate slogan than ‘Now is All’