Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 4d

Despite a heavy #swfc loss yesterday, a fab time was had with the Pangolin Craft Beer crew after the game! 🍻

More than a few pints was the perfect way to unwind, blow some cobwebs and have a mental health reset. 🙏💙

I also have an accidental way of aggressively holding a pint glass when tipsy. 😂

A photo of me with a pint in my hand while wearing a rugby shirt and autumn peacoat.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 7d

I've been co-ordinating this #swfc @rainbowowls.bsky.social event to be held at the Niagara on Thurs 16 Oct! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

If you're into sport and based near Sheffield, please register your free place for an evening that will explore the current state of LGBTQ+ football ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/rainb...

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 10d

Havertz, Maanum.... Ledger?! 😍😅

As a stadium nerd, I loved this @thefsa.bsky.social #FansForDiversity #FFD tour of the Emirates stadium on Friday. Still buzzing. 💙

A selfie of me with Kai Havertz and Frida Maanum's Arsenal shirts during a tour of the Emirates.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 11d

It was amazing to attend @thefsa.bsky.social's #FansForDiversity meet-up on Friday!

Getting an Emirates Stadium tour, seeing @rainbowowls.bsky.social being nominated for a Women's Game award and hanging out with dear friends (especially my LGBTQ+ Regional Alliance besties) meant the world. 🙏

A photo of me with James from Rainbow Blades and Michelle from Rainbow Rams at an Emirates Stadium tour.

A photo of reps from Proud Forest, Rainbow Rams, Rainbow Blades and Rainbow Owls holding the LGBTQ+ Regional Alliance banner at the Emirates Stadium.

A photo of lots of LGBTQ+ football folk from Proud Baggies, Football v Homophobia, Proud Lilywhites, Proud Forest, Rainbow Rams, RainbOs, Rainbow Blades, Rainbow Owls and Rainbow Spireites at a pub.

A PowerPoint slide that references Blues 4 All, Rainbow Owls and Villa Bellas being nominated for a Fans For Diversity Women's Game award.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 11d

It was lovely to be joined by @paulcasey1983.bsky.social before yesterday's #swfc game for a fab joint @rainbowowls.bsky.social social with @qprrainbowrangers.bsky.social! 🍻

Really looking forward to being joined by @proudskyblues.co.uk and Proud Yellows at The Pangolin over the next month, too. 🩵💛

Photo of me with a QPR Rainbow Rangers member and sharing drinks from The Pangolin at a Rainbow Owls social.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 16d

I could not be prouder of my good friend, @proudskyblues.co.uk founder @lewale.bsky.social, for being interviewed by @sportsmedialgbt.com for #BisexualVisibilityDay! 🩷💜💙

A fab write-up as always from @jonhholmes.bsky.social to provide important visibility for our LGBTQ+ fan groups. 👏✍️

Bi Visibility Day: LGBTQ fan groups welcome everyone, says Proud Sky Blues' Lewis Wale

Coventry City’s LGBTQ+ and allies fan group, Proud Sky Blues, is celebrating its second anniversary; founder Lewis Wale talks to FvH about the journey so far and the importance of Bi Visibility Day on...

sportsmedialgbt.com

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 20d

The @wedwarehouse1.bsky.social museum was the perfect mental health detox, amid such a rough #swfc period! 💙

There is so much content (now with bonus @rainbowowls.bsky.social visibility 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️) and a great shop that sells DVDs for just £5 each.

Please visit it on Burton Road each Sunday from 10am-5pm!

A photo of me with the owner of the Wednesday Warehouse museum, with us holding a Rainbow Owls T-shirt.

A set of three Sheffield Wednesday DVDs that were purchased from the Wednesday Warehouse museum.

A photo of retro Sheffield Wednesday merchandise at the Wednesday Warehouse museum.

A photo of Football v Homophobia and Step Up, Beat Hate warm-up T-shirts at the Wednesday Warehouse museum.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 23d

It has been a rocky few months on a personal level, so I'm glad that the wonderful Pangolin Craft Beer has remained a safe space for me.

It was great to be there recently for a @rainbowowls.bsky.social social and a sensational performance from drag king Tito Bone. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

A photo of me with two fellow Rainbow Owls members at The Pangolin.

A photo of me holding the SWFC Progress Pride flag with drag king Tito Bone at The Pangolin.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · 23d

Thank you to @jonhholmes.bsky.social for this fantastic @sportsmedialgbt.com interview with @statman-jon.bsky.social. 👏

Coming out later in life is incredibly difficult, so feeling seen and heard through this article and so many relatable words means the world. 🙏💙

Covering the World Athletics Championships and coming out as gay in later life - Jon Mulkeen Q&A

Jon Mulkeen has been working in track and field media for nearly 20 years, and is among the LGBTQ editors and journalists out at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo; here, he discusses his role and what makes the sport he loves so inclusive, and shares some of his personal journey too… World Athletics senior web editor Jon Mulkeen discusses his role and what makes the sport he loves so inclusive, and shares some of his personal journey too.

sportsmedialgbt.com

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Sep 4

It's brilliant to see this new #FansForDiversity @thefsa.bsky.social LGBTQ+ hub. 😍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Running an LGBTQ+ fan group is often tricky, so everybody deserves lots of support from a broad range of sources. 👏

Thanks to everybody involved for all their hard work! 🙏💙

Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · Sep 4

It's great to see a new #FFD LGBTQ+ hub from @thefsa.bsky.social, which will complement our Regional Alliance and @prideinfootball.bsky.social membership! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We were proud to host a #swfc case study during the first session, so we could inspire new LGBTQ+ fan groups. 🙌💙

Fans for Diversity Network takes step forward - Football Supporters' Association

The FSA Fans for Diversity Network has taken a big step forward in supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in football with a session which brought together groups from across the country to share experiences, di...

thefsa.org.uk

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Sep 3

Please listen to this inspiring Jack Murley Sports Show episode, which was recorded at @footballvhomophobia.com's Football Pride and features the likes of Josh Cavallo! 🙌💙🎧

open.spotify.com/episode/6Mbn...

Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · Sep 3

The @footballvhomophobia.com Football Pride panel about working in LGBTQ+ football has been released on Jack Murley's Sports Show! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Please hear Jack's important discussion with Josh Cavallo, @hugoscheckter.bsky.social, @beth-burgess.bsky.social and El Finneran ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/6Mbn...

The graphic text states: "Live at Football Pride 2025: The Biggest Ever Episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show!" The graphic also includes a photo of Jack Murley co-presenting Football Pride.

The graphic text states: "It's an hour-long special that's full of passion, pride and power. It's all about showing why the beautiful game is for everyone and it's in your feeds right now." The graphic also includes a photo of Jack Murley hosting the panel with Josh Cavallo, Dr. Beth Burgess, Hugo Scheckter and El Finneran.

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Reposted by Chris (he/him)

Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · Sep 1

We're announcing details of our second #swfc LGBTQ+ & allies fan conference this week! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It will be held at The Wednesday Tap on Thursday 16 October - we can't wait to host an evening that will celebrate & explore LGBTQ+ football! 🙌

To book your free ticket ➡️ www.tickettailor.com/events/rainb...

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 31

Photo credits: 1, @brianstokes92.bsky.social. 2, Emilia Domingos. 3, James Laley. 4, My Android phone.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 31

I had a wonderful & inspiring time at @footballvhomophobia.com's Football Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

The many LGBTQ+ football items were SO empowering.

Thanks to those who looked after me - huge congrats to @jonhholmes.bsky.social @louenglefield.bsky.social & every participant for doing an amazing job on Friday! 💙

A photo of me holding a signed Football v Transphobia armband from Lars and Jordan from I Kissed A Boy.

A photo of Josh Cavallo holding the Regional Alliance banner with various member groups.

Selfie with me and James Laley from Rainbow Blades on the train to Football Pride.

A photo of Jack Murley and Becky Taylor-Gill on Football Pride co-hosting duties.

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Reposted by Chris (he/him)

Football v Homophobia @footballvhomophobia.com · Aug 31

✨ What a magical day in Leicester for #FootballPride! 🏳️‍🌈⚽️🏳️‍⚧️

📸 Thank you Mili Domingos - @emilialdomingos on Instagram - for the fantastic photos 🫶

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 31

I'm very proud of my friend @jimsummersnews.bsky.social for writing this fantastic @itvnews.bsky.social piece about LGBTQ+ football hero Josh Cavallo! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽

It presents a very important message, so please read and share widely! 🙏💙

www.itv.com/news/2025-08...

www.itv.com

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Reposted by Chris (he/him)

Rainbow Blades @rainbowblades.com · Aug 31

What a day! 🌟

Football Pride 2025 in Leicester brought queer football culture to life – with theatre, film, spoken word & inspiring conversations 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽

Amazing to have footballer & LGBTQ+ role model, Josh Cavallo share his story with us! 🙌

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 29

I am ready for you, @footballvhomophobia.com's Football Pride! 😍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽

A selfie of me on a train with SWFC gear.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 28

Very excited about attending Football Pride tomorrow! 🎊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

@footballvhomophobia.com have put so much work into this, so please buy a ticket if you can make it to Leicester! 🙏💙 ytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/...

Football v Homophobia @footballvhomophobia.com · Aug 28

🎟️ tickets just £20 for a WHOLE DAY of comedy, chat, culture and queer football joy 👉 ytheatre.ticketsolve.com/share/117366...

📍 The Y Theatre, Leicester city centre
🗓️ Friday 29 August 2025
🕙 10am to 5pm

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 24

I had a great Saturday evening celebrating the 40th birthday of Pango queen Jo! 👑🎂

It was also great to catch-up with the Pangolin Craft Beer crew and an honour to be invited!

A selfie of me with Pangolin Craft Beer's Jo!

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 15

It's been a busy week, after attending Chesterfield vs. Mansfield Town on Tuesday & Bolton Wanderers vs. #swfc on Wednesday! 🏟️⚽

It was great to see two new stadiums & catch up with @rainbowspireites.bsky.social @rainbowowls.bsky.social members, with special thanks for the former's hospitality. 🙏💙

A photo of me, with two Rainbow Owls members, smiling in the away stand of Bolton Wanderers vs. Sheffield Wednesday.

A photo of me, with three other Rainbow Owls members, holding Sheffield Wednesday's Progress Pride flag at Bolton Wanderers' stadium concourse.

A photo of me, with four Rainbow Spireites and Rainbow Owls members, outside the SMH Group Stadium after an EFL Cup match.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 12

On the Sheffield Tap Pilsners before some EFL Cup footie! 🍻⚽💙

Selfie of me with a pint of beer at the Sheffield Tap.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 12

Attending @rainbowblades.com @communitysufc.bsky.social's LGBTQ+ inclusive football sessions has been a highlight of this summer! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽

Seeing a diverse group of people grow in confidence fortnightly and make new friends has been so heartening. 🫶

Another Regional Alliance success story! 🎉

selfie of me wearing a black baseball cap and blue Lazio shirt before a Rainbow Blades LGBTQ+ football session.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Aug 4

I had a wonderful time celebrating two years of the LGBTQ+ Regional Alliance in Manchester! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Words can't express how grateful I am for the support and friendship of @jameslaley.bsky.social @ellieyates.bsky.social @dyates73.bsky.social @martshyland.bsky.social: thank you for being in my life. 💙❤️💛🤍

A photo of myself with Regional Alliance members from Rainbow Rams, Rainbow Spireites, Proud Stags, Rainbow Blades, Marching Out Together and Proud Forest standing together behind a New Union Hotel mural on Canal Street.

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Chris (he/him) @topherchris1987.bsky.social · Jul 25

Brilliant for @rainbowowls.bsky.social to be nominated for its work in the women's game, as well as Regional Alliance buddies @proudforest.bsky.social and @rainbowspireites.bsky.social being shortlisted in other categories 💙🏆

Rainbow Owls @rainbowowls.bsky.social · Jul 25

We're delighted to be nominated in the Women's Game category at @thefsa.bsky.social's #FFD Awards! 🏆

Having our #swfc projects with Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC and @freelionesses.bsky.social, plus our support for @swfcwsg.swfc.social, being recognised at national level is amazing. 💙

The graphic text reads: FSA Fans for Diversity Awards - shortlists. The shortlists reflect the breadth of the FSA's networks - women's football, non league, all of the EFL and Premier League. Additionally, this year we have the "In Off The Bar" category to recognise the work going on outside of those established networks.

Women's game
Villa Bellas (Aston Villa)
Rainbow Owls (Sheffield Wednesday)
Blues 4 All (Birmingham City)

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