LGBT Football Fans

While recent years have seen the emergence of a significant body of research on LGBT inclusion in sport, little is known about LGBT fans. This book provides the first in-depth examination of LGBT football fans' experiences and sense of place in the contemporary English game. Drawing on almost 100 semi-structured interviews with LGBT fans, it explores several important findings, including how these fans represent 'authentic' notions of fandom, the emergence of LGBT Fan Groups, improved stadium environment for LGBT fans, LGBT-themed chanting and the role of governing bodies and professional football clubs. The research presented in this book extends current theorising of under-represented groups of sports fans. This is fascinating and important reading for those with an interest in the sociology of sport, sports fandom, gender and sexuality.

Rory Magrath is Associate Professor of Sociology at Solent University, Southampton, UK.

Part I: Introducing the Research, 1. Introduction, 2. Researching LGBT Football Fans, Part II: Football and Sexuality, 3. Football Fandom in England, 4. Football, Gender and Sexuality I, 5. Football, Gender and Sexuality II, Part III: LGBT Football Fans, 6. Authenticity, 'Hardcore' Fandom and LGBT Fan Groups, 7. Stadium Environment, 8. LGBT-Themed Chanting, 9. Governing Bodies, Professional Football Clubs and Rainbow Laces, 10. Conclusions, Appendices