Pride Month is here, and Arsenal are at the forefront of celebrations, showing their ongoing commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community within the footballing world.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: A rainbow flag is unveiled as clubs show support for the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: A rainbow flag is unveiled as clubs show support for the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
  • Arsenal will officially mark Pride Month by joining the Pride parade in London alongside their GayGooners supporters’ group.
  • The club celebrates the 10th anniversary of GayGooners, the largest LGBTQ+ supporters group in British football.
  • Arsenal are actively involved in providing LGBTQ+ education and tackling homophobia, exemplifying their commitment towards inclusivity and acceptance.

Arsenal: A beacon of Pride

10 years of GayGooners

GayGooners
via GayGooners

This year holds particular significance for Arsenal as they commemorate the 10th anniversary of GayGooners, the largest LGBTQ+ supporters group in British football.

Stewart Selby, the founder of GayGooners, reflects on the transformative role of the group in shaping a more inclusive football experience for LGBTQ+ supporters.

“It completely changed my experience of football,” he told Arsenal.com. “You’re not only changing the experience for yourself but for everyone else involved.

“GayGooners has changed my life in so many ways. The greatest honour is when people tell us that we’ve helped bring them into football. That’s a beautiful feeling.”

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Inclusive initiatives

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball wearing the Rainbow Laces captains armband during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball wearing the Rainbow Laces captains armband during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at Friends Provident St. Mary’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

From collaborating with adidas to create the “adidas x Arsenal Love Unites” kit, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, to hosting an inclusive football tournament at the Arsenal Hub during LGBTQ+ History Month in February, Arsenal has been continually pushing the envelope for inclusivity.

Such initiatives underscore the club’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels welcome.

Education and advocacy

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: A rainbow flag is seen as clubs show support for the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: A rainbow flag is seen as clubs show support for the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Notably, Arsenal in the Community has played an instrumental role in promoting LGBTQ+ education and combating homophobia. This year, in collaboration with Camden and Islington LGBT Forum, they will provide education sessions in local primary schools. This active role in education and advocacy showcases

Arsenal’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone, reinforcing the club’s ethos: “Everyone should feel welcome to be a Gooner.”

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