2013
Rainbow Laces and 'Gay. Let's Get the Meaning Straight' Campaigns Launched
Activism Cultural UK
In 2013, Stonewall launched two landmark campaigns: Rainbow Laces, which encouraged football clubs to show support for LGBT inclusion, and a parallel initiative to address homophobic language in schools. Both campaigns mobilised communities across sport and education.
Impact & Significance
Rainbow Laces became one of the most visible campaigns for LGBT inclusion in sport, adopted by football clubs, players, and fans across the country. Combined with the language campaign, it helped shift attitudes in two of Britain's most influential public spheres.
Reference Record
- Date
- 2013
- Era
- 2010-2019
- Sources
- 1
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Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q Which LGBTQ+ public figures changed visibility? They changed visibility in politics, science, activism and literature by showing that queer lives could be public, influential and historic. Q How did UK queer media and cultural spaces build visibility? They built visibility by giving LGBTQ+ people dedicated news, support lines, political journals, protected venues, museum space and mainstream screen representation. Q How did LGBTQ+ athletes change sport visibility? LGBTQ+ athletes changed sport visibility by coming out publicly, challenging homophobia in elite sport, supporting inclusion campaigns, and exposing discriminatory eligibility rules.
