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       #Post#: 59168--------------------------------------------------
       New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: SiB
       Date: February 15, 2021, 8:57 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
  HTML https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12218507/how-harlequins-made-lgbt-history-with-professional-rugby-unions-first-pride-game
       #Post#: 59170--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: Nico Wilson
       Date: February 15, 2021, 9:31 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Here is the piece on the Quins website:
  HTML https://www.quins.co.uk/news/quins-launch-professional-rugbys-first-lgbtq-supporters-association/
       --- Quote ---
       >
       > QUINS LAUNCH PROFESSIONAL RUGBY’S FIRST LGBTQ+ SUPPORTERS
       ASSOCIATION
       > Monday, 15th February 2021 @ 12:00
       >
       > HARLEQUINS BECOME THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL RUGBY CLUB TO LAUNCH
       AN LGBTQ+ SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION
       >
       >
       > One year on from the Club’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Game on
       February 15th 2020 Harlequins has today launched an LGBTQ+
       Supporters’ Association; following research across rugby and the
       media, the Club believe it is a global first for professional
       rugby. In doing so, the Club continues its mission to champion
       diversity within rugby, use its platform to positively influence
       the experience of LGBTQ+ community in sport, and continue its
       work to make the matchday environment a safe and inclusive space
       for supporters from all sexual and gender identities.
       >
       > Supported by the Club, the newly established Supporters’
       Association will act as a representative voice for LGBTQ+
       Harlequins supporters, their families and friends, as well as
       allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This group will provide a social
       network for the Club’s diverse fanbase, be a point of contact
       for all supporters on matchdays, and assist Harlequins’ ongoing
       inclusion initiatives.
       >
       > Positioned proudly alongside the Club’s official Supporters’
       Association, QUINSSA, the group’s development will be driven and
       run by Club Members and supporters. They will promote the
       visibility of Harlequin’s LGBTQ+ supporter community and
       celebrate its pride in the Club on matchdays at The Stoop, and
       throughout the season. Over the coming months, the Club will
       help promote the recruitment of a committee for this
       association, but are delighted to already welcome Harlequins
       Members Abby Barletta, Emily Hamilton, Jack Duncan, and Nick
       Hackett-Peacock to the association, who will assist the Club in
       building the group’s framework, promoting its purposes, and
       selecting its official name. The Club will provide official
       details on how Harlequins supporters can join the association
       later this month but encourages anyone who is already interested
       to contact the Club at customerservice@quins.co.uk.
       >
       > Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple said: “We are delighted to
       launch the LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Association. It was a natural next
       step for the Club to ensure that LGBTQ+ inclusion is further
       woven into the fabric of Harlequins’ identify.
       >
       > “When COVID-19 guidelines permit, we eagerly anticipate
       welcoming the LGBTQ+ Supporters Association at our next Pride
       Game.”
       >
       > Henry Cox, Head of Supporter and Club Engagement, said: “Last
       season’s hugely successful LGBTQ+ Pride Game showed the
       importance of celebrating diversity within a sport known for
       acceptance, and it was crucial this was not just a one-off
       event.
       >
       > “Through the creation of this group, we continue to solidify
       Harlequins’ position as the globally leading rugby club in
       matters relating to LGBTQ+ visibility and working with our
       supporters, will continue to use the Club’s platform to
       positively impact the experience of the LGBTQ+ people.
       >
       > “We wait to confirm the date of our next LGBTQ+ Pride Game,
       which we hope to be able to host in June, at which we will be
       proud to welcome and showcase the LGBTQ+ Supporter’s
       Association.”
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       #Post#: 59172--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: Nico Wilson
       Date: February 15, 2021, 9:33 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       --- Quote from: SiB link ---
       >
       >
  HTML https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12218507/how-harlequins-made-lgbt-history-with-professional-rugby-unions-first-pride-game
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       The Pride Game was apparently the biggest food and drink spend
       all season for a Saturday kick-off, and a crowd size that ranked
       in the top three Quins attendances of 2019/20.
       #Post#: 59174--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: RocQuin
       Date: February 15, 2021, 9:42 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Why do we need this? Surely Quinssa is doing a grand job for all
       fans, and has done so for many years. This move risks splitting
       the fan base into two sections, agree, some may enlist to both,
       but if it ain’t broke.....
       #Post#: 59183--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: Bucksquin
       Date: February 15, 2021, 10:30 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Seems a bit OTT to me, and somewhat divisive — there would also
       be an outcry if someone tried to set up a "non-LGBTQ+"
       supporters' association!
       #Post#: 59184--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: Kermitpower
       Date: February 15, 2021, 10:37 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       --- Quote from: Bucksquin link ---
       >
       > Seems a bit OTT to me, and somewhat divisive — there would
       also be an outcry if someone tried to set up a "non-LGBTQ+"
       supporters' association!
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       That's true, but then I can't imagine anyone has ever felt as
       though they might not be welcome at a game because they're
       straight, whereas it's perfectly clear that people have felt -
       and no doubt continue to feel - as though they might not be
       welcome because they're not straight.
       Personally, I couldn't care less one way or the other who is
       sitting next to me in the stands.  The blokes in the
       neighbouring seats at the moment are nice to chat to, but I've
       no idea whether they're gay, straight or anything else, as it
       just doesn't come up in conversation.
       I would, however, happily swap the grumbling old couple two rows
       back who seem for some reason to spend a packet every season
       just to sit there moaning at the players and telling them how
       rubbish they are for literally anybody!  They could be taken by
       the campest stereotypical queens on the face of the planet
       spending the whole time blowing kisses at Marcus and I'd be
       overjoyed to have them there because they'd be a massive bloody
       improvement!  ;D
       The only thing I find sad or disturbing about this is the fact
       that in 2021, people still feel it's necessary.
       #Post#: 59188--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: SiB
       Date: February 15, 2021, 12:32 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       I asked a question earlier asking if anyone had ever felt
       excluded at Quins due to their sexuality and was shot down in
       flames as “ I wouldn’t understand “
       Well I won’t if you can’t ask a question
       I would confront anyone who tried to make someone not welcome at
       the Stoop for whatever reason, but don’t understand why we can’t
       all just be “Quins supporters “
       #Post#: 59189--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: Mayor West
       Date: February 15, 2021, 12:35 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Unless you are from that particular community how do you know
       how some may feel. If this new supporters group encourages
       people in because they feel more comfortable then great.
       To give a comparison, how many straight people would feel
       comfortable going into a LGBTQ bar on their own? How many would
       go into an “ordinary “ bar on their own?
       #Post#: 59190--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: MaidstoneQuin
       Date: February 15, 2021, 12:47 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The question is, is it really needed?
       Everything these days needs some society or support group. Why
       can’t we just be rugby supporters? Is your sexuality attending
       the Stoop or supporting Quins a barrier? Also the very notion
       these days of challenging it would automatically make me a
       homophobic bigot in the world of social media.
       Whilst I’m not a gay man, I’ve never seen or heard anything
       watching rugby that would make me feel it would be uncomfortable
       for someone’s sexuality. Rugby is miles ahead of Football for
       things like they anyway.
       If it helps then I guess great, but In my experience those who
       sit around in boardrooms thinking these up are probably not the
       target market for it, but think it sounds brave and innovative
       and makes them feel better they are championing change.
       #Post#: 59196--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New supporters group set up for Harlequins 
   DIR By: DazzaS
       Date: February 15, 2021, 1:35 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       An LGBTQ+ SA is a great idea. Also a BAME one would be good as
       well.
       It's all very well saying Quins SA is for all but they have
       raised awareness or issues regarding LGBTQ+ or BAME supporters.
       Clearly Quins saw a gap here for lack of information and took
       the lead in creating one.
       These associations are not to the detriment of white, straight
       people. They are associations people can go to specifically to
       bring up situations that need addressing and promote
       inclusiveness.
       There is no reason for anyone to object to this.
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