Former Strictly Come Dancing star West Bromwich Albion supporter Richie Anderson believes there is ‘progress being made’ to ensure football stadiums become all-inclusive for LGBTQ+ fans.
The BBC presenter is a patron of West Brom’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, Proud Baggies and holds a season ticket at The Hawthorns.
Proud Baggies aims to increase visibility within the community and celebrate diversity in footballing environments, speaking via The Baggies Podcast, Anderson reflected on his upbringing as a gay Baggies fan.
“I remember thinking I was the only gay Albion supporter,” Anderson admitted.
“Sometimes when you’re at a football match it can be such a testosterone-filled environment.
“As an LGBTQ supporter, that can be intimidating.
“Some of the chants and things said, all those comments you got at school can make you go into your shell and worry about who you are as a person.
“It can be very triggering at a football stadium when you’re in such a macho environment,” Anderson added.
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ We are committed to creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ people at West Bromwich Albion. An inclusive club with a proud history of diversity. 💙
— Proud Baggies (@WBALGBT) May 17, 2022
Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia have no place at The Hawthorns. 🌈 #WBA | #IDAHOBIT2022 pic.twitter.com/5f7rKPEkZw
The presenter came out to his ex-Sunday league team, Coombs Woods during a feature for BBC’s One Show that aimed to explore the pressures of homophobia in sport.
Anderson also believes that the work done by Proud Baggies can provide a safe haven for LGBTQ+ supporters.
“With Proud Baggies, it’s a safe space for all LGBTQ+ supporters to get together and feel welcome.
“I know it sounds crazy to think I was the only one, chances are in a crowd of 26,000, someone has to be gay.
“It kind of feels like that sometimes when you’re at the football, so bringing us all together in that safe space and that we can go to games together and knowing we’ve got each other’s backs.”
Embed from Getty ImagesAnderson competed in Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series, where he danced alongside Giovanni Pernice, in just the second year that the BBC has opted for same-sex couples on the show.
And the presenter believes that finding common ground between supporters is important.
“Just being visible is a big thing,” Anderson began.
“Lots of teenagers growing up trying to work their identity, just seeing the flag at The Hawthorns every week makes them know that the supporters club is there and there’s a place for them at West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
“I did wonder when I came out, will I still be able to go to the football?” Anderson added.
But despite those early concerns, Baggies fan is insistent that inclusivity in football is getting much better.
“There’s still work to be done,” the BBC presenter admitted.
“Seeing the rainbow flag in the Halfords Lane stand and Rainbow Laces day, having the supporters club makes me feel there is progress being made.
“We’re a really prominent supporters group at the Albion at the moment.
“The lad at Blackpool coming out, that’s really helpful and what a superstar he is and I hope he has the best career.
“We’re working very hard, just by following our links on social media and supporting us, fans can help.”
“Things are getting better but there’s still work to be done,” Anderson added.
You can get involved with Proud Baggies, West Bromwich Albion’s LGBTQ+ supporters group by clicking the links in this article.
