FC Barcelona raises rainbow flags at Camp Nou in recognition of LGTBI Pride

To celebrate June 28, International LGBTI Pride Day, FC Barcelona is expressing its support for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ by raising the rainbow flag on its grounds.

The club has selected the more inclusive Progress Pride flag, which features white, pink and light blue stripes together with brown and black ones in the form of an arrow, which reflects how the movement is in constant progression and how there are still many steps to be taken to achieve full integration and acceptance of different groups within society.

There are 22 flags in total, 19 of them along the lateral terrace of the Camp Nou, where the flags of the different teams in league and continental matches are usually flown, as well as three on the grandstand forecourt. These symbols of sexual diversity will continue to fly from Tuesday 28 June through to Thursday 30 of the same month.

Barça against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia

The FC Barcelona Diversity Area is working for all types of diversity to be incorporated within its organisational culture and to offer them greater visibility.

Last month on occasion of European Diversity Month the club also addressed LGTBIQ+ communities through such actions as a video starring María León and Dani Alves on May 17 to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. León has often spoken out in defence of the cause, and Alves has always been highly supportive of such matters, and the duo teamed up to send out a message of support for people who have suffered, or are still suffering, prejudice because of their sexual orientation or identity.

As part of this commitment do build a more diverse and inclusive blaugrana community, on February, which is the International Day Against LGTBI-phobia in Sport, the club signed a partnership agreement with the Panteres Grogues association to support the campaign against homophobia and discrimination for reasons of sexual orientation in sport and society, which even included a modification to the club statutes. The work with this association included awareness workshops with the coaching staff of the handball, basketball, roller hockey and futsal teams and also with the instructors at La Masia.

In honour of the injustice at Stonewall Inn

LGTBI Pride Day shares the date of the events in New York on 28 June del 1969, when the police charged against the gay community at Stonewall Inn. As the police moved into the venue and arrested its clientele, a crowd of people gathered around to protest against the injustice. It was the first major occasion when the gay community stood up for their rights against the social and institutional abuse that they consistently suffered, and the success of their actions is viewed as the first step in the global campaign towards gay rights.

The first Gay Pride Day happened in New York on 28 June 1970. In 1977, Les Rambles, Barcelona, was the site of Spain’s first ever major demonstration in defence of the rights of the LGTBI community.