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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls
@rainbowowls.bsky.social
590 followers 600 following 630 posts
The LGBTQ+ and allies supporters' group of Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC. To follow us elsewhere: https://linktr.ee/rainbow.owls
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6h
To mark #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek, three-time world squash champion Nick Matthew OBE speaks about how his early #swfc experiences inspired him to become a Rainbow Owls ambassador. 🦉

Prejudice in any form should always be called out and never be tolerated: no matter who we are, #WAWAW 💙
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 23h
Today marks #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek 🫶

A hate crime is a criminal offence that's motivated by prejudice against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or trans identity.

Several third-party hate crime reporting centres exist without having to directly contact police. 📋
The graphic text reads: "Today is the first day of Hate Crime Awareness Week. A hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. SAYiT: anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime reporting centre - hatecrime@sayit.org.uk; Victim Support: South Yorkshire division - southyorkshire@victimsupport.org.uk, Galop: anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime helpline - help@galop.org.uk " The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo and a ribboned love heart in Pride colours. All of this information is placed over a backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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Reposted by Rainbow Owls
sportsmedialgbt.com
Sports Media LGBT+ @sportsmedialgbt.com · 1d
NEW: It’s #ComingOutDay, and on the FvH Podcast, there’s good advice about how to be true to yourself in grassroots men’s football when you’re gay or bi

⚽️ Callum Hodge is a prolific striker for Chew Magna FC and has been out in the county league for many years…

#LGBTQfootball #FvH2025

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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 1d
Today is #NationalComingOutDay! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We want to assure everybody that there's no rush to come out. It's okay to not feel ready, as the coming out process is non-linear and deeply personal. 🫂

We'll celebrate and support you: whether you're out, closeted or unsure of who you are. 🙌
The graphic text reads: "11 October is National Coming Out Day. You’re not alone if you are struggling to come out or know who you are. We’re always here to provide support and you can also access several LGBTQ+ organisations. Switchboard LGBTQIA+ operates a national helpline, which can be reached via email at hello@switchboard.lgbt or via phone at 0800 0119 100. This number is free to all UK users and is open from 10am until 10pm each day. Our charity partner SAYiT can be reached via email at info@sayit.org.uk and they run in-person youth groups for LGBTQ+ people who are aged under 25 years." The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo and a collection of celebrating arms in Pride colours. All of this information is placed over a backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 2d
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay! 🫂

Research from @stonewalluk.bsky.social indicates that 50% of LGBTQ+ people experience depression and three in five experience anxiety. Everyone is loved, special and valued.

Please don't suffer in silence: it's okay to reach out and ask for help. 💙 #swfc
The graphic text reads: "10 October is World Mental Health Day. Here are some free helplines if you ever need to reach out for any support or a one-to-one phone chat: Switchboard LGBTQIA+ - 0800 0119 100 (open from 10am until 10pm). CALM - 0800 58 58 58 (open from 5pm until midnight). Samaritans - 116 123 (open 24/7)." The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo and a ribboned love heart in Pride colours. All of this information is placed over a backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 3d
Our LGBTQ+ charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social are co-running a drag panel event next week! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It's held at Mappin Hall from 4.30pm on Wednesday 15 October with discussions about the social & legal landscape of practising drag.

To book your free place ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/schoo...
The graphic text states: Lectures on Gender & Sexuality and SAYiT present, Drag and the Law - a public panel on the social and legal landscape of practising drag by drag artists and scholars. Mappin Hall, 21 3JD, 15 October, 4.30pm - 6pm.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 4d
Today is #InternationalLesbianDay ❤️🧡🤍🩷

We're so proud of our group's diversity and how 15% of our 215 #swfc members identify as lesbian.

We'll always provide a safe space for our members' wonderful authenticity! 🙌

To become a Rainbow Owls member ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The graphic text states: "International Lesbian Day - 8 Oct" in the five bisexual colours of red, orange, white, pink and rose. The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo and a cartoon image of the lesbian flag. All of this information is placed above a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 4d
Our #swfc Wednesday Pride event is being held at the Niagara Centre next Thursday evening! 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

We have several guest speakers from the likes of @swfccp.co.uk @manchesterlaces.bsky.social @bluemoonpodcast.com, so please join us! 💙

To book your FREE place ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/rainb...
The graphic text states: WEDNESDAY PRIDE - AN LGBTQ+ AND ALLIES FAN CONFERENCE Thursday 16 October at the Niagara Suite of the Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. FREE ENTRY for all - sign up via the QR code. Funded by the Safer Sheffield Partnership. Includes: Discussion panel with five guests from LGBTQ+ football: Jess Birtles, David Mooney, James Fox Neville, Callum Prince and John Reavey. SWFC Community and Project 6 speakers. A chance to meet Rainbow Owls members. The graphic also includes a QR code, Rainbow Owls and Sheffield City Council logos, and a cartoon image of five LGBTQ+ people holding Pride flags, which are all placed over a backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6d
Rainbow Owls have issued a joint statement, along with SWFC Supporters' Trust, @swfcwsg.swfc.social and @wednesdayite.bsky.social, regarding today's meeting with the Independent Football Regulator. ✍️ #SWFC #WAWAW
The graphic text states: JOINT STATEMENT - INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL REGULATOR Rainbow Owls, along with SWFC Supporters’ Trust, SWFC Women’s Supporters’ Group and Wednesdayite, met today with representatives from the Independent Football Regulator. We shared our experiences as Sheffield Wednesday fans, and jointly set out our views about ownership and governance at the club. All four supporters’ groups are grateful to the Independent Football Regulator for listening to our concerns. #SWFC #WAWAW
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6d
We saw a well-earned Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC win yesterday! 💙

Two second-half goals saw them dig deep to beat Millmoor Junior FC Ladies 2-0 & reach second in the league.

It was great to see our #swfc ambassador Rachel Norsworthy start & conference speaker Jess Birtles create late chances 👏
A photo of Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC intercepting the ball against Millmoor Juniors FC Ladies.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6d
We attended our first Sheffield Wednesday Deaf FC match yesterday at the Jubilee! 💙

A superb 6-1 win over Carlisle City ensured that the newly-formed team remain top of the table with a 100% league record. 💪

We're always proud to highlight diversity and inclusion at #swfc! 👏
A photo of Sheffield Wednesday Deaf FC getting ready to take a free-kick against Carlisle City.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6d
Thank you, Aaron - it means a lot and is lovely to hear such kind feedback! 💙

And we'll continue to promote reporting numbers, for both home and away matches, so that fans can report any discrimination in real time, should it ever unfortunately occur. 🙏
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 6d
Ethan Horvath is Rainbow Owls' Player of the Match for the second time in three games! 🏆

Despite the heavy score, a string of great #swfc saves impressed our WhatsApp members with 75% of the post-match vote.

To join Rainbow Owls and vote in our polls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The bottom of the graphic states "Player of the Match, Ethan Horvath vs. Coventry City" in the trans colours of light blue, pink and white. The top of the graphic includes a rainbow ball cartoon icon, the Rainbow Owls logo and a photo of Ethan Horvath clapping in a goalkeeping shirt. This information is all placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 7d
Everybody at Rainbow Owls is saddened by the passing of our former owner Milan Mandarić.

Milan was the consummate professional throughout his stewardship of #swfc and our kindest thoughts go to his dearest ones. #XbanaMilan 🙏💙
swfc.co.uk
Sheffield Wednesday @swfc.co.uk · 7d
Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former owner and chairman Milan Mandarić.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 8d
We hope #swfc fans & @proudskyblues.co.uk members have a safe time at today's game! 💙

If you experience or see issues: text @swfc.co.uk's Match Control Room on 07526 166907 in real time with incident & location details. 📱

Kick It Out & @sayitsheffield.bsky.social offer national reporting services.
The text from this graphic in full: How to report abuse in real time at SWFC’s home games. Stadium Control Room: text the stand, row & seat of where the abuse comes from, as well as descriptions of the abuse & abuser - in real time to 07526 166907. We also recommend reporting such discrimination, either online or in-person on matchdays, to these email addresses: operationsenquiries@swfc.co.uk, hatecrime@sayit.org.uk and report@kickitout.org The top of the graphic includes logos for Rainbow Owls, SAYiT and Kick It Out, which are placed over a background of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 9d
We'll be continuing to work with Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC on LGBTQ+ matchday campaigns this season, Aaron, and we are also hoping to develop a similar relationship with the deaf team - it's on the agenda! 🙏💙
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Reposted by Rainbow Owls
9000lives.org
Aaron King @9000lives.org · 9d
Sheffield Wednesday top the league this weekend.

Supporting the Deaf Football team surely falls outside the #SWFC fan boycott?

Home games are Sundays at Wadsley Bridge. Deaf_owls on Insta for kick off times.

@be-reyt.bsky.social
@shane11.bsky.social
@rainbowowls.bsky.social
#DeafFootball
Northern Deaf Football table shows Sheffield Wednesday in at the top of the table after 2 games with 6 points.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 9d
Rainbow Owls' Player of the Month is Barry Bannan! 🏆

A majestic free-kick and two assists in three successive #swfc games meant that our beloved Bazza won 53% of September's vote. ⚽🅰️🅰️

To become a Rainbow Owls member and vote in our post-match polls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The bottom of the graphic states "Player of the Month, Barry Bannan, September 2025" in the trans colours of light blue, pink and white. The top of the graphic includes a rainbow ball cartoon icon, the Rainbow Owls logo and a photo of Barry Bannan celebrating a goal in a home Sheffield Wednesday shirt. This information is all placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 9d
Our next matchday social is tomorrow! 💙

We're meeting at The Pangolin after the game, which is based next to Hillsborough Park tram stop. 🍻

Our good friends @proudskyblues.co.uk will also be joining us, as we always strive to provide a safe space for our LGBTQ+ fan group peers. 🤝
The middle of the graphic states: "Owls vs Coventry City, Saturday 4 October from 3pm; The Pangolin - next to Hillsborough Park tram stop" in yellow text. The bottom of the graphic states "Matchday social" in the official trans colours of light blue and pink, with a Pride flag placed in-between the two words. The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls and Proud Sky Blues logos, inbetween a cartoon icon of two LGBTQ+ people holding a Pride flag, which are all placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 9d
This is a great and important read on LGBTQ+ football and allyship from @outsports.com's @jonhholmes.bsky.social! 👏🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽
outsports.com
Outsports @outsports.com · 11d
Soccer star says he admires out gay players, having been target of homophobia himself - www.outsports.com/2025/10/1/24...
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 10d
We attended a launch event last night for a new LGBTQ+ musical storytelling project! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Our #swfc podcast partner @lstraker.bsky.social from @proudchangemakers.bsky.social joined our charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social on the panel to discuss how the law has affected LGBTQ+ love and life. 🎙️
A panel of four LGBTQ+ people discussing their experiences of how the law has affected love and life.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 10d
Many thanks to @sheffcitycouncil.bsky.social's Safer Sheffield Partnership for funding this inclusive LGBTQ+ and allies event! 🙏
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 10d
Our #swfc Wednesday Pride event is being held at the Niagara Centre in two weeks time! 💙

We have almost 25 bookings and a discussion panel with five guests from LGBTQ+ football, so there's still plenty of time to register your free place. 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

To join us ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/rainb...
The graphic text states: WEDNESDAY PRIDE - AN LGBTQ+ AND ALLIES FAN CONFERENCE Thursday 16 October at the Niagara Suite of the Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. FREE ENTRY for all - sign up via the QR code. Funded by the Safer Sheffield Partnership. Includes: Discussion panel with five guests from LGBTQ+ football: Jess Birtles, David Mooney, James Fox Neville, Callum Prince and John Reavey. SWFC Community and Project 6 speakers. A chance to meet Rainbow Owls members. The graphic also includes a QR code, Rainbow Owls and Sheffield City Council logos, and a cartoon image of five LGBTQ+ people holding Pride flags, which are all placed over a backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 11d
Thanks and fingers crossed for more merch in the future 🙏💙
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · 11d
We sell group badges for £5 each, with 20% of proceeds going to our LGBTQ+ charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social - hope that this helps! 💙 www.paypal.com/instantcomme...
Rainbow Owls badge
You can help Rainbow Owls by buying a Rainbow Owls badge! A fifth of money raised will go to our LGBTQ+ charity partner SAYiT. This item is only available to UK users via this payment method - please...
www.paypal.com
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