United's LGBTQ+ supporters' club is five today!
Today (Friday 9 February) is a special one for United's LGBTQ+ supporters' club, Rainbow Devils, as it celebrates its five-year anniversary.
Founded in 2019, the group endured a challenging start to life due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but has grown beautifully to become a key part of our fanbase.
The branch strives to empower and celebrate lesbian, gay, bi and transgender Manchester United supporters and to provide a safe and inclusive space within the game of football, and now boasts more than 750 members.
In 2021, a Rainbow Devils banner was unveiled inside Old Trafford, while the group has also represented the club at the prestigious Manchester Pride events. A forthcoming episode of our fan-focused series of films, One Love, is set to shine a further spotlight on their important work.
The branch strives to empower and celebrate lesbian, gay, bi and transgender Manchester United supporters and to provide a safe and inclusive space within the game of football, and now boasts more than 750 members.
In 2021, a Rainbow Devils banner was unveiled inside Old Trafford, while the group has also represented the club at the prestigious Manchester Pride events. A forthcoming episode of our fan-focused series of films, One Love, is set to shine a further spotlight on their important work.
“Certainly in the last couple of years we’ve grown from strength to strength,” said vice-chair Lindsey Parr, when she spoke to United Review a few months ago.
“Seeing us continue to grow and work with the club, to create that safe space and that equality within football, is so powerful. United, certainly, has that power to break down those prejudices.
“I must admit, I’ve always felt welcome [at United games]. But just knowing I can be my authentic self and there is a group that supports me, and knowing that football is a safe space for everyone, is so important.”
The supporters' club was granted a position on the Fans' Forum in October, to give direct LGBTQ+ representation for the first time – a further sign of the group's growing influence and United's determination to promote inclusion.
“Rainbow Devils are really proud to have been allocated a place on the club’s Fans' Forum,” reflected the branch's chair, Eric Najib.
“We feel this maximises the opportunity for our voice to be heard alongside other facets of United’s support on a variety of topics. It's a testament to how far we have come... and we look forward to continuing the fantastic working relationship we have with MUFC.”
Five Games That Changed Me: Eric Najib
ArticleThe leader of our LGBTQ+ supporters’ group takes us on an emotional tour of the matches that shaped his life.
The supporters' club geared up for its fifth anniversary with a bespoke event back in December, called #OneLoveLive, tying in with the Stonewall campaign Rainbow Laces that has run for the last 10 years.
Parr told UR that "there is always more to be done" but says that the group are enthusiastic about the years ahead, as we work together to promote equality for all within football.
Our congratulations to Rainbow Devils on its fifth birthday – here's to many more!
Parr told UR that "there is always more to be done" but says that the group are enthusiastic about the years ahead, as we work together to promote equality for all within football.
Our congratulations to Rainbow Devils on its fifth birthday – here's to many more!
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