Holebi of hetero, maak er geen spel van / LGB or straight, don’t make a game of it
Action plan implemented by the Flemish Minister of equal opportunities.
On 29 January 2013, the Interfederal Action Plan against homophobic and transphobic violence was adopted. On 10 June 2013, the second part of the Interfederal Action Plan was approved. Within this framework, all authorities concerned declared themselves in agreement to tackle discriminatory behaviour on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in all sections of society.
A ‘joint declaration on a policy regarding gender and sexual orientation in education’ was already signed by a wide range of educational actors in October 2012. This declaration launched a project designed to gather all kinds of materials and good practices and to provide information to key actors and raise their awareness.
Apart from education, participation in leisure and sport is another important socialisation context. The present action plan describes initiatives that are endorsed by a whole array of partners from the football sector which will lead to more openness and tolerance towards LGB people. The different points in this action plan are developed in the context of the fight against homophobia. Such measures can equally be embedded in a broader diversity context that not only addresses racism, but also homophobia and sexism.
The action plan consists in ten actions (further detailed on the website):
1. An awareness-raising campaign about sexual identity and the creation of a tolerant sporting environment.
2. A Toolkit as an instrument for football clubs.
3. Homosexuality is more openly debatable at every level of football.
4. Football+ Foundation acknowledges sexual diversity as an element in the social exemplary role of football clubs.
5. Homophobic language and behaviour on and off football pitches are openly condemned.
6. During the supporters' consultation focus is placed on discrimination on the grounds of sexual identity.
7. The coach training tackles discrimination, and in particular discrimination on the grounds of sexual identity.
8. Football stewards/supervisors are trained in dealing with homophobic language and behaviour.
9. Homophobic incidents on and off football pitches are mapped out.
10. Equal Opportunities in Flanders and the Football+ Foundation coordinate the monitoring of the action plan.
This action plan involves National and Flemish Ministries, sport organisations including the National league of football, supporters’ association, a school for coaches… It was launched by Robbie Rogers, from the Los Angeles Galaxy, one of the few openly gay professional footballers.
This campaign has a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/theonlygayinfootball