Liverpool FC has launched its first ever LGBT staff network, as part of the club’s ‘Red Together’ inclusion strategy.
The strategy was created to maintain a safe, inclusive and fair environment at the club where everyone can be their true authentic selves. Speaking of the network launch, Mark Armario, a senior manager at LFC and member of the LGBT staff network, said: “One of Red Together’s commitments was to create several new colleague networks to allow people to connect across the club, create an internal community and enhance engagement with the wider community and supporter groups.
“The network will be actively involved in a number of internal and external events celebrating the LGBT community – including Pride in Liverpool and other events delivered by LCR Pride Foundation, Rainbow Laces, Pride Month and LGBT History Month – to build on the great work that the club has been doing.
“I’m personally delighted and feel empowered to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve as a network of like-minded individuals.”
Although only launched during LGBT+ History Month in February 2021, the group has already curated a programme of events for its staff members, including an educational event with LCR Pride Foundation Patron, Flight Lieutenant Caroline Paige, who made history as the first transgender officer to serve openly in the UK armed forces. It will also be celebrating Pride Month 2021 and Pride in Liverpool, and supporting IDAHOBIT in May, Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and Trans Day of Remembrance later in the year.
Aside from its events calendar the network will also be working in consultation with LFC’s LGBT supporters’ group, Kop Outs, to form an LGBTQ+ independent advisory group to help continue to develop this area of work and inform what we do as an LGBT inclusive football club.
Mark added: “It’s fantastic that we already have members of the LGBTQ+ community who have agreed to be part of the group and provide their support, including Steve MacFarlane from the Michael Causer Foundation, Liverpool’s LGBT charity set up in Michael’s memory; Linda Riley of Diva Mag, Europe’s largest magazine for lesbian and bisexual women; and Flight Lieutenant Caroline Paige, who made history as the first transgender officer to serve openly in the UK armed forces. This is another exciting and important project for the club and more members will be announced soon.”
Speaking about the establishment of the LFC LGBT staff network, Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to see LFC continuing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Our organisational goal is to make the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly in the UK and LFC’s work through Reds Together supports this mission. We’re looking forward to working with the LGBT staff network this year and beyond, to see what we can achieve.”
You can read the full interview with Mark on the LFC website here.
For more information on Red Together, please visit https://www.liverpoolfc.com/redtogether.
Image courtesy of Liverpool FC
