Homophobia: Let's Tackle It launches in Wales

Show Racism the Red Card Wales launch their newest resource - Homophobia: Let’s Tackle It! at UNISON House, Cardiff on 27th September

You cannot underestimate the influence that these guys [celebrities on the DVD] have on people and that’s why I think this homophobia DVD will do a lot of good work because if learners can recognise people on the DVD then their status will make the message a lot stronger.

Nigel Owens, International Rugby Union Referee

The launch attracted more than 60 representatives that varied from all walks of life: school nurses, head teachers, union representatives, LGBT groups, school pupils, university students and representatives from Sport Wales, all looking to enhance their knowledge of homophobia and how to deal with issues that may arise in their educational setting or workplace.

Introductions to the event were presented by Show Racism the Red Card’s Education Manager, Simon Richards, who said: “Although we primarily deal with racism in our workshops, homophobic issues do arise in many schools and colleges that we visit and they simply cannot be ignored.

"The DVD and education pack that has been created will not only educate the learners, but also help staff members to introduce the topic of homophobia into their classrooms.”

Chairing the event was the Chair of LGBT’s Wales branch, Karl Whitehead-Ross who gave all his support to the campaign and mentioned that even though it wasn’t the first time he had seen the DVD, it still hits home how important dealing with homophobia is in sport and society.

Once the DVD had finished, Karl introduced the two guest speakers to say a few words. First up was Adele Baumgardt, who has a wide knowledge of gender equality having been Director of Policy at the Equal Opportunities Commission for Wales. Adele has recently been appointed Vice Chair of Sport Wales, an organisation that have recently launched their  own research into homophobia and the barriers LGBT individuals face when trying to get involved in sport.

The second speaker of the afternoon was International Referee Nigel Owens who is also a Heineken Cup referee and was the only Welsh referee at the 2007 rugby world cup. He is now a patron of the LGBT Centre of Excellence Wales. As soon as Nigel began speaking the room fell silent and not one person could keep their eyes off him.

His personal experiences and life stories surrounding homophobia in not only his own life but also in his family's, were hard hitting, emotional and encouraged people to not only think about homophobia in their own lives but in many others as well.

Show Racism the Red Card’s Homophobia DVD and Education pack is available online and to order at our Welsh Office. If you would like any more information, please email: clare@theredcardwales.org or contact 02920 351 616.