Chris (he/him)
@topherchris1987.bsky.social
38, gay, autistic and dyspraxic. Founder of @rainbowowls.bsky.social and #FvH2025 Hero 🥈 runner-up at @footballvhomophobia.com awards.
It was amazing to see Chris Kirkland, one of my favourite players from my youth, at his #swfc book signing yesterday! 🧤😍
Also really lovely to see the wonderful @h1867x.bsky.social at @rainbowowls.bsky.social's Pangolin matchday social: it's always nice to see great friendships develop in-person. 💙
Also really lovely to see the wonderful @h1867x.bsky.social at @rainbowowls.bsky.social's Pangolin matchday social: it's always nice to see great friendships develop in-person. 💙
November 30, 2025 at 7:04 PM
It was amazing to see Chris Kirkland, one of my favourite players from my youth, at his #swfc book signing yesterday! 🧤😍
Also really lovely to see the wonderful @h1867x.bsky.social at @rainbowowls.bsky.social's Pangolin matchday social: it's always nice to see great friendships develop in-person. 💙
Also really lovely to see the wonderful @h1867x.bsky.social at @rainbowowls.bsky.social's Pangolin matchday social: it's always nice to see great friendships develop in-person. 💙
Reposted by Chris (he/him)
Nominations for @footballvhomophobia.com #FvH2026 awards are open until Sun 14 Dec! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
You can nominate Rainbow Owls in the LGBTQ+ fan group category - we had #swfc recognition last season via @swfccp.co.uk and our founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social!
To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
You can nominate Rainbow Owls in the LGBTQ+ fan group category - we had #swfc recognition last season via @swfccp.co.uk and our founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social!
To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
November 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Nominations for @footballvhomophobia.com #FvH2026 awards are open until Sun 14 Dec! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
You can nominate Rainbow Owls in the LGBTQ+ fan group category - we had #swfc recognition last season via @swfccp.co.uk and our founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social!
To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
You can nominate Rainbow Owls in the LGBTQ+ fan group category - we had #swfc recognition last season via @swfccp.co.uk and our founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social!
To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
I was SO excited about seeing Steps' musical Here and Now and it didn't disappoint - I was grinning throughout. 😍🎭
Inspired staging and wonderful performances, with some really thoughtful and lovely touches, made for an iconically camp show. 💃
It was all about The Way It Made Me Feel. 😉
Inspired staging and wonderful performances, with some really thoughtful and lovely touches, made for an iconically camp show. 💃
It was all about The Way It Made Me Feel. 😉
November 23, 2025 at 9:43 AM
I was SO excited about seeing Steps' musical Here and Now and it didn't disappoint - I was grinning throughout. 😍🎭
Inspired staging and wonderful performances, with some really thoughtful and lovely touches, made for an iconically camp show. 💃
It was all about The Way It Made Me Feel. 😉
Inspired staging and wonderful performances, with some really thoughtful and lovely touches, made for an iconically camp show. 💃
It was all about The Way It Made Me Feel. 😉
It was a pleasure and an honour to support @sayitsheffield.bsky.social's #TDoR #TransDayOfRemembrance service by running a @rainbowowls.bsky.social stall. 🏳️⚧️🕯️
We shall never forget the lives that have been lost to transphobia & always strive to make this world a safer place for our trans friends. 🙌💙
We shall never forget the lives that have been lost to transphobia & always strive to make this world a safer place for our trans friends. 🙌💙
November 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
It was a pleasure and an honour to support @sayitsheffield.bsky.social's #TDoR #TransDayOfRemembrance service by running a @rainbowowls.bsky.social stall. 🏳️⚧️🕯️
We shall never forget the lives that have been lost to transphobia & always strive to make this world a safer place for our trans friends. 🙌💙
We shall never forget the lives that have been lost to transphobia & always strive to make this world a safer place for our trans friends. 🙌💙
Reposted by Chris (he/him)
🏆🩷⚫️ Football v Homophobia is thrilled to announce that the nominations window is now OPEN for the FvH Awards 2026!
🏳️🌈⚽️🏳️⚧️ This is the 7️⃣th edition of the only awards event of its kind that recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion at all levels of the game…
#LGBTQfootball
/1
🏳️🌈⚽️🏳️⚧️ This is the 7️⃣th edition of the only awards event of its kind that recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion at all levels of the game…
#LGBTQfootball
/1
November 18, 2025 at 12:45 PM
🏆🩷⚫️ Football v Homophobia is thrilled to announce that the nominations window is now OPEN for the FvH Awards 2026!
🏳️🌈⚽️🏳️⚧️ This is the 7️⃣th edition of the only awards event of its kind that recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion at all levels of the game…
#LGBTQfootball
/1
🏳️🌈⚽️🏳️⚧️ This is the 7️⃣th edition of the only awards event of its kind that recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion at all levels of the game…
#LGBTQfootball
/1
Taking part in @rainbowblades.com's LGBTQ+ inclusive sessions always means a great deal - a real mental health lifesaver during a difficult six months, as well as a great way to keep fit, build confidence on the pitch and befriend new people. ❤️
Tonight was our fortnightly Inclusive Football Session, featuring a friendly against Mount Pleasant Park FC. MPP edged it 13–9.
We continued to mark #TransAwarenessWeek and support the Football v Transphobia campaign 🏳️⚧️
Great to see participants growing in skills, confidence & wellbeing.
We continued to mark #TransAwarenessWeek and support the Football v Transphobia campaign 🏳️⚧️
Great to see participants growing in skills, confidence & wellbeing.
November 18, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Taking part in @rainbowblades.com's LGBTQ+ inclusive sessions always means a great deal - a real mental health lifesaver during a difficult six months, as well as a great way to keep fit, build confidence on the pitch and befriend new people. ❤️
#TransAwarenessWeek starts today! 🏳️⚧️
I'm proud to support Trans in the City's #IStandWithTrans campaign in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT2025 colours, as chair and founder of @rainbowowls.bsky.social, in order to show how workplaces like football are for all! 🙌🩵🩷🤍⚽
I'm proud to support Trans in the City's #IStandWithTrans campaign in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT2025 colours, as chair and founder of @rainbowowls.bsky.social, in order to show how workplaces like football are for all! 🙌🩵🩷🤍⚽
November 13, 2025 at 11:49 AM
#TransAwarenessWeek starts today! 🏳️⚧️
I'm proud to support Trans in the City's #IStandWithTrans campaign in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT2025 colours, as chair and founder of @rainbowowls.bsky.social, in order to show how workplaces like football are for all! 🙌🩵🩷🤍⚽
I'm proud to support Trans in the City's #IStandWithTrans campaign in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT2025 colours, as chair and founder of @rainbowowls.bsky.social, in order to show how workplaces like football are for all! 🙌🩵🩷🤍⚽
It was great to be back under the floodlight at #swfc last night! 😍🌌🦉
Despite not picking up the win, it was a pleasure to finally meet @birkdalecollective.bsky.social's @peteydavis.bsky.social, as well as catch up with old pals at The Pangolin. 🍻💙
Despite not picking up the win, it was a pleasure to finally meet @birkdalecollective.bsky.social's @peteydavis.bsky.social, as well as catch up with old pals at The Pangolin. 🍻💙
November 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
It was great to be back under the floodlight at #swfc last night! 😍🌌🦉
Despite not picking up the win, it was a pleasure to finally meet @birkdalecollective.bsky.social's @peteydavis.bsky.social, as well as catch up with old pals at The Pangolin. 🍻💙
Despite not picking up the win, it was a pleasure to finally meet @birkdalecollective.bsky.social's @peteydavis.bsky.social, as well as catch up with old pals at The Pangolin. 🍻💙
It was lovely to do more #swfc outreach last night and meet @rainbowowls.bsky.social member @sarahjonestoo.bsky.social in-person last night.
She gave a wonderful talk about being the first trans person to be ordained in the UK, while attendees asked thoughtful stall questions about Rainbow Owls. 🏳️⚧️
She gave a wonderful talk about being the first trans person to be ordained in the UK, while attendees asked thoughtful stall questions about Rainbow Owls. 🏳️⚧️
November 5, 2025 at 1:49 PM
It was lovely to do more #swfc outreach last night and meet @rainbowowls.bsky.social member @sarahjonestoo.bsky.social in-person last night.
She gave a wonderful talk about being the first trans person to be ordained in the UK, while attendees asked thoughtful stall questions about Rainbow Owls. 🏳️⚧️
She gave a wonderful talk about being the first trans person to be ordained in the UK, while attendees asked thoughtful stall questions about Rainbow Owls. 🏳️⚧️
Best 🎃🎬 ever, period. 💙
October 31, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Best 🎃🎬 ever, period. 💙
I attended my first @hallamfc1860.bsky.social game on Tuesday! ⚽
Despite the narrow cup loss, it was a great match with some superlative non-league grub. 😍🍔
Despite the narrow cup loss, it was a great match with some superlative non-league grub. 😍🍔
October 31, 2025 at 11:20 AM
I attended my first @hallamfc1860.bsky.social game on Tuesday! ⚽
Despite the narrow cup loss, it was a great match with some superlative non-league grub. 😍🍔
Despite the narrow cup loss, it was a great match with some superlative non-league grub. 😍🍔
It was a pleasure to finally meet the icon and legend that is @hatscarfshirt.bsky.social at the Megastore yesterday! 🎉
I also made sure to buy myself a new shirt and other little #swfc merch goodies to help save our club! 💙
I also made sure to buy myself a new shirt and other little #swfc merch goodies to help save our club! 💙
October 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
It was a pleasure to finally meet the icon and legend that is @hatscarfshirt.bsky.social at the Megastore yesterday! 🎉
I also made sure to buy myself a new shirt and other little #swfc merch goodies to help save our club! 💙
I also made sure to buy myself a new shirt and other little #swfc merch goodies to help save our club! 💙
Reposted by Chris (he/him)
Rainbow Owls founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social is this week's Jack Murley Sports Show guest! 🎙️
His chat with Jack ranges from old-school FIFA and neurodiversity to starting Rainbow Owls and organising two #swfc Wednesday Pride events! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
To hear the podcast ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
His chat with Jack ranges from old-school FIFA and neurodiversity to starting Rainbow Owls and organising two #swfc Wednesday Pride events! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
To hear the podcast ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
October 29, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Rainbow Owls founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social is this week's Jack Murley Sports Show guest! 🎙️
His chat with Jack ranges from old-school FIFA and neurodiversity to starting Rainbow Owls and organising two #swfc Wednesday Pride events! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
To hear the podcast ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
His chat with Jack ranges from old-school FIFA and neurodiversity to starting Rainbow Owls and organising two #swfc Wednesday Pride events! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
To hear the podcast ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
It was a genuine honour to be asked by Jack Murley to appear on his award-winning LGBTQ+ Sports Show!
Jack was so lovely and supportive to chat with, as we discussed everything from @rainbowowls.bsky.social to the joys of scoring with Shaka Hislop on FIFA '98! 💙
open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
Jack was so lovely and supportive to chat with, as we discussed everything from @rainbowowls.bsky.social to the joys of scoring with Shaka Hislop on FIFA '98! 💙
open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
October 29, 2025 at 11:31 AM
It was a genuine honour to be asked by Jack Murley to appear on his award-winning LGBTQ+ Sports Show!
Jack was so lovely and supportive to chat with, as we discussed everything from @rainbowowls.bsky.social to the joys of scoring with Shaka Hislop on FIFA '98! 💙
open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
Jack was so lovely and supportive to chat with, as we discussed everything from @rainbowowls.bsky.social to the joys of scoring with Shaka Hislop on FIFA '98! 💙
open.spotify.com/episode/7oPM...
#SWFC matchdays are back! 💙🦉
It was lovely to be sat in the South Stand yesterday and see a dedicated second-half fightback that didn't get the point it merited.
It was also fab to learn more about Proud Yellows at a @rainbowowls.bsky.social meet before the game!
It was lovely to be sat in the South Stand yesterday and see a dedicated second-half fightback that didn't get the point it merited.
It was also fab to learn more about Proud Yellows at a @rainbowowls.bsky.social meet before the game!
October 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
#SWFC matchdays are back! 💙🦉
It was lovely to be sat in the South Stand yesterday and see a dedicated second-half fightback that didn't get the point it merited.
It was also fab to learn more about Proud Yellows at a @rainbowowls.bsky.social meet before the game!
It was lovely to be sat in the South Stand yesterday and see a dedicated second-half fightback that didn't get the point it merited.
It was also fab to learn more about Proud Yellows at a @rainbowowls.bsky.social meet before the game!
It has been a pleasure to attend @communitysufc.bsky.social @rainbowblades.com's LGBTQ+ inclusive football sessions, as well as solidify friendships with people like Dan and Harper who always give it their all. 🙌
As a dyspraxic person, I am stunned that by my improvement with five goals so far! 😅💙
As a dyspraxic person, I am stunned that by my improvement with five goals so far! 😅💙
🏳️🌈⚽️ Breaking Barriers in Football: Inclusive Sessions Support LGBTQ+ Players
We've been working alongside @rainbowblades.com to provide inclusive football sessions! Read about how some of our participants have been impacted already ⬇️
sufc-community.com/news/breakin...
We've been working alongside @rainbowblades.com to provide inclusive football sessions! Read about how some of our participants have been impacted already ⬇️
sufc-community.com/news/breakin...
Breaking Barriers in Football: Inclusive Sessions Support LGBTQ+ Players - Sheffield United Community Foundation
Sheffield United Community Foundation, in partnership with Sheffield United’s official LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Blades, has been delivering inclusive sessions in the city. Many LGBTQ+ individua...
sufc-community.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:54 PM
It has been a pleasure to attend @communitysufc.bsky.social @rainbowblades.com's LGBTQ+ inclusive football sessions, as well as solidify friendships with people like Dan and Harper who always give it their all. 🙌
As a dyspraxic person, I am stunned that by my improvement with five goals so far! 😅💙
As a dyspraxic person, I am stunned that by my improvement with five goals so far! 😅💙
I'll praise the Regional Alliance until I'm blue in the face 💙
The peer-to-peer support, so we can thrive, is amazing, as is the emotional rock & friendship amid trickier times.
Thanks to @rainbowblades.com @rainbowspireites.bsky.social @proudforest.bsky.social for backing @rainbowowls.bsky.social
The peer-to-peer support, so we can thrive, is amazing, as is the emotional rock & friendship amid trickier times.
Thanks to @rainbowblades.com @rainbowspireites.bsky.social @proudforest.bsky.social for backing @rainbowowls.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I'll praise the Regional Alliance until I'm blue in the face 💙
The peer-to-peer support, so we can thrive, is amazing, as is the emotional rock & friendship amid trickier times.
Thanks to @rainbowblades.com @rainbowspireites.bsky.social @proudforest.bsky.social for backing @rainbowowls.bsky.social
The peer-to-peer support, so we can thrive, is amazing, as is the emotional rock & friendship amid trickier times.
Thanks to @rainbowblades.com @rainbowspireites.bsky.social @proudforest.bsky.social for backing @rainbowowls.bsky.social
Organising & compering @rainbowowls.bsky.social's #swfc Wednesday Pride was a big deal as a naturally shy person.
But it was amazing to celebrate LGBTQ+ football with 45+ people, including beloved pals. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And thanks to @davidmooney.co.uk @lstraker.bsky.social for being incredible participants! 🙏
But it was amazing to celebrate LGBTQ+ football with 45+ people, including beloved pals. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And thanks to @davidmooney.co.uk @lstraker.bsky.social for being incredible participants! 🙏
October 19, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Organising & compering @rainbowowls.bsky.social's #swfc Wednesday Pride was a big deal as a naturally shy person.
But it was amazing to celebrate LGBTQ+ football with 45+ people, including beloved pals. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And thanks to @davidmooney.co.uk @lstraker.bsky.social for being incredible participants! 🙏
But it was amazing to celebrate LGBTQ+ football with 45+ people, including beloved pals. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And thanks to @davidmooney.co.uk @lstraker.bsky.social for being incredible participants! 🙏
Always very proud to have Sheffield sporting icon Nick Matthew as a #swfc @rainbowowls.bsky.social ambassador 👏💙🦉
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 💙
Prejudice in any form should always be called out and never be tolerated: no matter who we are, #WAWAW 💙
October 12, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Always very proud to have Sheffield sporting icon Nick Matthew as a #swfc @rainbowowls.bsky.social ambassador 👏💙🦉
Reposted by Chris (he/him)
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 💙
Prejudice in any form should always be called out and never be tolerated: no matter who we are, #WAWAW 💙
October 12, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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 💙
Prejudice in any form should always be called out and never be tolerated: no matter who we are, #WAWAW 💙
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. 😂
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. 😂
October 5, 2025 at 6:55 PM
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. 😂
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. 😂
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...
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...
October 2, 2025 at 6:23 PM
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...
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...
Havertz, Maanum.... Ledger?! 😍😅
As a stadium nerd, I loved this @thefsa.bsky.social #FansForDiversity #FFD tour of the Emirates stadium on Friday. Still buzzing. 💙
As a stadium nerd, I loved this @thefsa.bsky.social #FansForDiversity #FFD tour of the Emirates stadium on Friday. Still buzzing. 💙
September 29, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Havertz, Maanum.... Ledger?! 😍😅
As a stadium nerd, I loved this @thefsa.bsky.social #FansForDiversity #FFD tour of the Emirates stadium on Friday. Still buzzing. 💙
As a stadium nerd, I loved this @thefsa.bsky.social #FansForDiversity #FFD tour of the Emirates stadium on Friday. Still buzzing. 💙
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. 🙏
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. 🙏
September 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
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. 🙏
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. 🙏
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. 🩵💛
Really looking forward to being joined by @proudskyblues.co.uk and Proud Yellows at The Pangolin over the next month, too. 🩵💛
September 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
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. 🩵💛
Really looking forward to being joined by @proudskyblues.co.uk and Proud Yellows at The Pangolin over the next month, too. 🩵💛