Sport
Lilywhites reflect on 10 years of progress in Lgbtqi+ fight
Proud Lilywhites, the official LGBTQI+ supporters’ group for Tottenham Hotspur, has made great strides since its inception 10 years ago.
Celebrating a decade of fighting for equality in football and tackling homophobic attitudes, co-founder Chris Paouros said initially they hoped to “put ourselves out of business” by improving equality in football and changing homophobic attitudes.
The group has been marked their 10-year milestone with numerous activities. In honour of Pride Lilywhities’ 10th anniversary, respective matches against Wolves and Aston Villa have been dedicated to the group.
Among their accomplishments, the Proud Lilywhites have helped a member gain asylum in the UK. They’ve also played a role in recognising the ‘Chelsea rent boy’ chant as a homophobic hate crime.
The group has been marked their 10-year milestone with numerous activities. In honour of Pride Lilywhities’ 10th anniversary, respective matches against Wolves and Aston Villa have been dedicated to the group.
Tottenham’s 62,850-seater stadium was lit up in rainbow colours, a dazzling sight celebrated again on February 15 during an event that saw players like Ben Davies and Ellie Brazil attending. Co-founder Paourous told PA: “Walking down the High Road (before Wolves), I can’t even begin to tell you how I felt.
“I come from Seven Sisters way and seeing the stadium saying celebrating 10 years of Proud Lilywhites, it almost took my breath away and I feel emotion now talking about it. We just made up this thing 10 years ago and thought this is a good idea!