Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Foundation recognise the collective responsibility to ensure we focus on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to gender, race, disability and our fourth pillar LGBTQI+.
With the introduction of the club’s newly appointed equality, diversity and inclusion manager, the first role of its kind, the club will continue to contribute to positive change both internally and externally.
On 17 May the club elevated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, giving employees the opportunity to show support, advocacy and allyship in wearing rainbow colours with a special IDAHOBIT coffee morning and a Be Curious workshop held at Stamford Bridge.
On 2 July the club will continue to show its commitment to support, advocate and be an ally by partnering with Chelsea Pride, our LGBTQI+ supporter group and taking part in the Pride in London parade, which is set to be an historic occasion with this year’s parade marking the first time the club will have an official float. The Chelsea bus will have a mix of generations, those part of the LGBTQI+ community and allies, all coming together to show support for the cause.
Equality, diversity and inclusion manager, Lauren du Plooy Flowers said: 'London Pride is a great opportunity for us to come together with Chelsea Pride and other members of the community in London and beyond to advocate and show our commitment for LGBTQI+ rights.’
Tracy Brown, Chair of Chelsea Pride added: ‘We at Chelsea Pride have been lucky enough to work with our great club for more than five years.
‘One of the highlights every year is the London Pride parade and this year it’s extra special as it marks 50 years of Pride and celebrating the LGBTQI+ community.
'My love for my club is massive and has been since a young child. But now as the chair of Chelsea Pride I am proud to see a club that believes in the power of equality, diversity, and inclusion. The want and desire to show it and stand strong with the LGBTQI+ community.’
Head of the Chelsea Foundation Simon Taylor said: ‘LGBTQI+ rights are an important societal issue and as a collective Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Foundation believe it pivotal that we play our part in being visible at events such as London Pride.
‘Through our No To Hate campaign we are committed to advocating, supporting and showing our allyship through ensuring LGBTQI+ rights are a fundamental part of our internal and external campaigns and initiatives.
‘We want to create a club and communities that are open and welcoming to all and I’m optimistic for what we can achieve together with our fans, players, colleagues and partners.’
The Pride in London parade takes place on Saturday 2 July. Show your support by attending London Pride, wear your Chelsea blues and help us to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights.
Use #CFCPride22 to upload your Chelsea Pride pictures to Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok with a chance to be featured in our Pride highlights.