Foundation showcases LGBTQ+ initiatives ahead of dedicated matchday

Foundation of Light and Beacon of Light has collaborated with Sunderland AFC to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and services ahead of Saturday's dedicated matchday.

The campaign is being held in partnership with the Premier League Fans Fund which supports football clubs at all levels to strengthen connections between them, their fans, and local communities.

The dedicated matchday when the Black Cats take on Watford at the Stadium of Light on 8th February will serve as a platform to share plans for June’s Pride event at Mowbray Park and promote the new Sunderland AFC supporters’ group.

"The Beacon of Light provides a welcoming space for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. This weekend’s Fan Zone activities will highlight the incredible work being done by local organisations to foster inclusivity, support, and education," said Foundation of Light CEO - Lesley Spuhler. 

"We are proud to partner with Sunderland AFC and Pride in Sunderland to ensure football is a space for everyone, both on and off the pitch."

Ahead of the game, several services championing and supporting LGBTQ+ people will join us at the Beacon of Light Fan Zone. Here’s a little bit more about some of those organisations:

Curious Arts

Curious Arts is a North East based arts and youth charity championing and developing LGBTQ+ artists and communities across the region. Their projects include the Curious Arts Shop, regular youth groups, allies training, and much more.

Contact: hello@curiousarts.org.uk

Website: curiousarts.org.uk

Rainbow Home

Rainbow Home support LGBTQ+ people who are seeking asylum, often those who have had to flee due to persecution in their country. They provide a safe and confidential space with staff capable of providing specialist support on the challenges of seeking asylum and being LGBTQ+.

Contact: rainbowhomene@gmail.com

Website: rainbowhome.org.uk

Wear Proud

Sunderland’s LGBT+ network, dedicated to promoting equality throughout the city. Wear Proud offer a variety of services including events, support groups, training courses, hate crime reporting, and access to information and resources.

Contact: hello@wearproud.org

Website: wearproud.org

Northern Proud Voices

Northern Proud Voices is a Newcastle-based choir bringing together LGBTQ+ people across the North East. No previous experience or musical training needed. Have a cuppa with like-minded people and make new friends.

Contact: northernproudvoices@hotmail.com

Website: www.northernproudvoices.co.uk

Wear Recovery

Wear Recovery is a support service encouraging people to make positive changes to their drug and alcohol use through one-to-one, group, and peer support. They provide information, advice, treatment, and support across Sunderland, with hubs in the city centre, Washington, and Houghton le Spring.

Contact: 0800 234 6798

Website: www.changegrowlive.org

Waythrough

Charity providing support to young people aged 11 to 25 across the North East including one-to-one sessions, sexual health guidance, support to access clinical gender identity services. Waythrough also facilitates opportunities to meet other LGBTQ+ young people, family support, hate crime reporting, and fun activities.

Contact: lgbt@waythrough.org.uk

Website: www.waythrough.org.uk