One of the Adelaide Football Club’s newest supporter groups, Rainbow Crows, is going from strength to strength.
The group started in August 2016 to provide a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) people who support football.
Though it started as just a small community online through their Facebook page, the Rainbow Crows have now grown to hold events, have memberships and be involved in a number of activities around the Club.
Rainbow Crows president Brett McAloney said providing that safe space for LGBTQI people is the group’s main goal.
May 17 is also an important day as it’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day and the Rainbow Crows have thrown their full support behind the day.
“There is a lot of history about homophobia in sport and in the grandstands, so a lot of people do find that environment quite daunting and we provide that safe space,” Mr McAloney said.
“We do group ticketing where people can come along and sit together in a group.
“We’ve had people that have never been to the football, that felt a bit daunted about going and have come for the first time and had a really good time.
“Others that went as children, perhaps with their family, and then when they’ve come out as adults, they’ve felt a little bit worried or concerned about that environment and we’ve been able to provide that safe space.
“They’ve been able to come back to the football, something that they’ve always loved.”
Mr McAloney said the Rainbow Crows are really happy with the progression of the group.
“We’ve been getting a large amount of feedback from the committee and they’ve said great things about the really positive impact that has had,” he said.
“To us, that is what it is about.”
Mr McAloney said IDAHOBIT Day is a significant one for the Rainbow Crows.
“It’s a day where everyone can come together and show support out against homophobia and biphobia in the community,” Mr McAloney said.
“Seventy-five per cent of young people do find that they are discriminated at some stage during their growing up years, so it’s really important the whole community shows support for those queer youth and vulnerable people.”
You can purchase a Rainbow Crows membership or merchandise by emailing membership@rainbowcrows.org or at any of the Adelaide pre-game events at The Neon Bar, downstairs at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Follow the Rainbow Crows on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and catch Brett on the Crows Show on Channel 7, at 11.30am on Sunday.
