Sexism in Football: Dyke and Fry – what action are you going to take on Scudamore?

As a follow-up on my blog post, I have now written an open letter to the Chairmen of the FA and the Premier League asking what action they are going to take regarding Richard Scudamore’s emails which he has accepted were “inappropriate”.   Greg Dyke Esq. Chairman The Football Association   Anthony Fry Esq. Chairman… Continue reading Sexism in Football: Dyke and Fry – what action are you going to take on Scudamore?

Sexism in Football: “Should Scudamore face FA charges?” asks Inclusion Board Member

This morning’s Sunday Mirror revealed shocking remarks made by Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League and arguably English football’s most powerful leader. Scudamore’s private emails contain a series of totally inappropriate comments about female colleagues and other women which appear to completely undermine his credibility as an advocate for women’s football and draw into question… Continue reading Sexism in Football: “Should Scudamore face FA charges?” asks Inclusion Board Member

Another victory for the Lionesses, yet still women’s football remains vastly undervalued

Yesterday – Saturday 5 April 2014 – I had the privilege of watching England beat Montenegro 9-0 in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Brighton’s Amex Community Stadium. It was an exceptional match, full of entertaining and skillful football, played in a spirit of friendship and good humour. Despite the appearance of the scoreline,… Continue reading Another victory for the Lionesses, yet still women’s football remains vastly undervalued

See It. Hear It. Report It. FA films help rid football of discrimination.

We all want to feel welcome and safe at football matches, whether we are on the pitch, in the dugout, or in the stands. Anti-LGBT discrimination, be it ‘banter’ between players and coaches or more blatant chanting from spectators can often lead to us feeling uncomfortable or even threatened. As an FA disciplinary chair and… Continue reading See It. Hear It. Report It. FA films help rid football of discrimination.

Stonewall: a new dawn for the UK’s top LGBT equality campaign

Anyone who has read my blog on LGB&T issues may have noticed a scepticism in my tone about the work of Stonewall, the biggest and most influential equal rights campaign in the United Kingdom, this despite being listed by them amongst 17 LGB ‘Role Models’ in their publication of that name back in 2012. In… Continue reading Stonewall: a new dawn for the UK’s top LGBT equality campaign

UEFA’s ‘Respect’ must be more than a slogan: time to take action on racism and discrimination

Last night’s racist incidents at the Champion’s League match in Moscow between CSKA and Manchester City bring into sharp focus the need to make UEFA’s ‘Respect’ campaign more than just a slogan. Disciplinary action must be taken against clubs who allow their fans to behave in ways which discriminate against other fans, players, or members… Continue reading UEFA’s ‘Respect’ must be more than a slogan: time to take action on racism and discrimination

“Bisexuality does exist, it is not a fiction, nor is it a phase”, my key message to Civil Service equality conference

I had the privilege of giving a keynote address to today’s Civil Service Rainbow Alliance (the national LGB&T staff network) conference at the Ministry of Defence. Also on the programme were Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service; Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions; Liz Bingham, managing Partner at EY; and Peter Tatchell… Continue reading “Bisexuality does exist, it is not a fiction, nor is it a phase”, my key message to Civil Service equality conference

Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia

I have always had the greatest admiration for Stephen Fry – his talent, his passion, his humanity, his advocacy for equality and for those, like him, who struggle with their mental health. I had the good fortune once to share a long train journey with him and found him to be not only the hugely… Continue reading Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia

In memory of Harvey Milk – defending principles, fighting prejudice

Yesterday evening, my partner and I watched the 2008 film Milk, which tells the story of the political career of San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, America’s first openly gay elected public official. Milk was an inspirational figure who overcame prejudice and even violence during his campaigns to be elected, but was ultimately assassinated in… Continue reading In memory of Harvey Milk – defending principles, fighting prejudice

On being bisexual – my appearance on Radio 4

On Monday this week, I accepted an invitation to be interviewed by Eddie Mair on Radio 4’s PM programme (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0367mxn – minutes 46-52) to give a response to the decision of Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski to come out as bisexual. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tory-mp-daniel-kawczynski-comes-out-as-bisexual-8680343.html)  I guess I was asked to appear because I, like Mr Kawczynski, am also an elected… Continue reading On being bisexual – my appearance on Radio 4