This week’s supporter column was written by Sammy Johnson from Proud Yellows, an LGBTQ+ group for Oxford United fans.
Proud Yellows officially launched over the last couple of weeks and the response we have had has mostly been amazing.
The support from fans and allies is exactly what the group needs and we thank you for that. We have gained some valuable new members and we are very excited for more to join us in the near future.
It really has been an exciting whirlwind over the last couple of weeks, having been invited for interviews on two local radio shows, a podcast and to London for a panel with the BBC.
ANALYSIS: How likely is it that U’s will hit Des Buckingham’s play-off points target?
This was followed by a very successful social on Saturday, where we met up for drinks with the RainbOs from Leyton Orient pre and post-game. The club supported us by taking photos on the pitch and playing our interview on the big screen pre-game, and displaying our pre-match photo at intervals throughout the game. This showed us just how much the club is in support of us.
However, all of this support and excitement has also been met with many derogatory comments, which proves how needed and important the supporter group is and that change is still to happen.
We will campaign for change and work with the club on ensuring football is a safe space for everyone. Des Buckingham himself has said how the club would support its players, and we as a group would like to be that support for the fans too.
Earlier this month, @ProudYellows officially became Oxford United’s first LGBTQ+ fan group. Head coach Des Buckingham says #oufc would throw its full support behind any player who came out as gayhttps://t.co/GLB3EgROWt
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) February 28, 2024
Sometimes people aren’t as fortunate and don’t always have that support around them, and we will strive to be that support. We want to be the community and group of friends you can trust and come to when needed and we will continue to work towards this.
On a positive note, we’d like to thank everyone for their support so far, especially Sam and Andy at the club, the Jolly Farmers pub, BBC Radio Oxford, GHR Oxford, The Fence End Podcast, and our new members.
There are more socials being planned and if you’d like to get involved, please do get in touch either via social media @proudyellows or email proudyellows@gmail.com
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