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Kick It Out tackles homophobia in new film

Kick It Out pulled back the curtain today on with the release of a film that aims to rid football of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) discrimination in stadiums.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is hosting a roundtable meeting today in an attempt to tackle homophobia in sport and the intentions of Kick It Out’s Call Full Time on Hate initiative is to encourage inclusion and purge hate from the game.

The films contain personal stories from the LGBT community on discrimination in football and Kick It Out chief executive Roisin Wood believes that these resources will not only continue to raise awareness but will hopefully help people have the “confidence in effectively challenging such discrimination.

She said: “With LGBT History Month recently taking place in Britain, it is important that Kick It Out continues to raise awareness of the issues which still blight our national game, including homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

“These topics have long been taboos in the game but thanks to the proactive work of campaigners we are beginning to see the football community recognise the positive impact LGBT inclusion is having on the sport.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added: “Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse is completely unacceptable and this partnership between Kick It Out and the government can help further tackle the issue in football.

“I urge stewards and all match-day staff to use these resources, so that all know exactly what is expected of them if an incident were to take place.

“Football stadiums are much more welcoming and family friendly than they were 30 years ago.

“However, we must not be complacent and it is important that we continue to educate and challenge any discriminatory behaviour.

“It is only right that LGBT people get support across all sports and that they can participate in a safe and positive environment.”

Discrimination reports relating to sexual orientation made up 17 per cent of reports to Kick It Out in 2015-16, a rise of 4 per cent on the previous season.

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