Bears Community Foundation, Bristol City Robins Foundation and Bristol Sport Foundation attended the Bristol Pride parade alongside LGBTQ+ sports teams Bristol City Panthers Football Club and Bristol Bisons RFC.
The parade, an annual event that sees a consistent and positive turnout, once again saw hundreds of people gather in the city centre in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jamie White, Chairperson of the Bristol Bisons, said: “Pride is an amazing time to join everybody in the local city who are part of the LGBTQ+ community like ourselves. It’s all about having fun but it’s also a protest as well, that’s what it is grounded in, that’s how it started, so this is what the march is all about. Being here, celebrating who we are and who we love and that that’s okay.”
Bears announced a new strategic relationship with Bristol Bisons RFC – the South West’s first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team based in Bristol – ahead of Premiership Rugby’s Pride Weekend earlier this year as part of the club’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Jamie added: “It’s so exciting that we got together this year and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Ian Downs, Bristol Bears Matchday Presenter and LGBTQ+ Ambassador, said: “Pride is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community so representing Bristol Bears with our strategic partners the Bristol Bisons was a special personal moment. Rugby has always been a haven of support and inclusion in my experience and this was cemented for me during Pride by joining the Bisons’ herd for the day!”
Representatives from Her Game Too, Bristol City Supporters Club and Trust and Bristol City Women’s Assistant Coach Nat Haigh also marched alongside the Bristol City Panthers. Nat took a particular interest in the Panthers, taking time to learn about how the Panther’s cultivate an inclusive environment.
Bristol City Supporters Club and Trust member D-M Wither’s has worked with the Foundation to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in our local community. They shared how much they enjoyed the day and how football clubs and supporters can continue to improve the sport’s culture in the future:
“Bristol Pride is an amazing community event, and it was brilliant to march with the Bristol Panthers, the Robins Foundation, Her Game Too, colleagues from Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust and staff from Bristol City.
“In recent years, football has become more inclusive for players and supporters, across grassroots and professional levels. There is still more to be done: from challenging persistent homophobia in men’s football, to showing solidarity with transgender people in the sporting arena and in day-to-day life.
“Let’s keep supporting each other so everyone can play and enjoy the beautiful game – we are stronger together!”
Find out more about Bristol Bisons RFC:
