The Pride of Loughborough

Following the shocking events that saw a robed man stuffing vile homophobic material through students’ letterboxes a few weeks ago, it seems apt that last week saw the launch of the Students’ Union’s “Play With Pride” campaign, aiming to remove the stigma of homosexuality in sport and support the rights of LGBT athletes.

Speaking at the launch event on November 12, the university’s Vice Chancellor Robert Allison said he was immensely proud to involved in the campaign that has also seen praise from the NUS.

The SU has for years been host to a number of successful campaigns that have pushed the importance of equality and diversity. The increasing influence of the Welfare and Diversity section has seen a great rise in attendance and support for various causes that highlight equality and representation of minorities.

The union enlisted the help of several famous athletes to launch their campaign, including England cricketer Alistair Cook and world record holder Paula Radcliffe. Launched to great fanfare, the campaign’s video was viewed thousands of times within its first 24 hours of being live.

LGBT Officer Charlie Dale spoke to The Epinal;

“Sport is an integral part of university life at Loughborough and I feel that this should be inclusive for all students regardless of their sexuality. I am immensely proud to be helping with this campaign and the response that we have received so far has been all supportive and positive.

“Our main aim with the Play with Pride campaign is to promote a friendly and inclusive atmosphere throughout all parts of the Athletic Union and provide a means of support to any student who does experience any negative homophobic comments.”