From starting out as a Twitter page in 2014 to becoming a thriving community of over 300 active members a decade later, Proud and Palace – the club’s official LGBTQIA+ supporters group – celebrated its 10th anniversary last week with a drinks reception at Selhurst Park, where they were joined by some very special guests…
The group has grown rapidly since its formation by Stephanie Fuller in 2014, inviting both LGBTQIA+ supporters and allies to share their passion for the Eagles in a safe, welcoming space.
Joining Proud and Palace in their anniversary celebrations were Palace Men’s and Women’s managers Oliver Glasner and Laura Kaminski, as well as Men’s goalkeeper Matt Turner and former Women’s team player and now Player Liaison Officer, Leigh Nicol, with all four toasting a special achievement.
Proud and Palace have created an inclusive, supportive network for LGBTQIA+, and all, supporters. Guests heard from Fuller, who explained how, a decade on from the group’s initial launch event at Selhurst, Proud and Palace – and their allies in the Palace community – are needed now more than ever.
“In the end, it was about finding community and maybe giving it a different voice,” Fuller explained. “We needed to introduce this group to make points for us.
“As a group, we’ve seen lots of things happen in the world that really have reaffirmed that this is a community within a community. It’s been a space where people can just talk about that in the context of our group, and what those things mean to them.
“Our space is for those sorts of conversations as well – to look after each other and support each other, so that we can come to the football and still enjoy it. It’s a brilliant space, and I love it.”
Working closely with the club and the Palace for Life Foundation, the group have shown their pride with rainbow flags at Selhurst Park, across South London and on tour; marched at London Pride and Croydon PrideFest; produced a regular podcast; and even taken part in regular quizzes and football tournaments against other LGBTQIA+ fan groups, winning a ‘Football v Homophobia’ competition in South London just last year.
Joining Proud and Palace for a group photo, Glasner, Kaminski, Turner and Nicol praised the role the group has played in promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and visibility around the club.
Kaminski said: “It’s been a really good environment tonight, with so many fans representing Proud and Palace. It’s a really important piece of the club and it’s positive to hear so many stories.
“They’ve been together for a long time and been on a big journey as a group, so it was good for me and the other staff here to learn, to listen and to get an opportunity to listen to their experiences. Football is for all of us – and we should celebrate that every day.”
Glasner said: “It’s always great celebrating an anniversary, and especially that of Proud and Palace. It’s so important, especially in the times we live in, to have supporters from all parts of our community with us. I’m really pleased to be here.”
Turner said: “To be here to meet the people from Proud and Palace and hear about their mission over the last 10 years has been really great.
“It’s so important that everyone can be themselves, because you don’t want to have to live your life in secret. You want to be able to live it how you want to live it, how you feel you should live it. It’s been a pleasure to be here tonight.”
Proud and Palace co-chair Emma Franklin-Wright added: “Community is vital to every member of the LGTBQIA+ community. There are a lot of political wars over our identities and social media is becoming increasingly toxic.
“To have a little bit of community, and a corner of WhatsApp where you can just speak to people and say: ‘I’ve got something to get off my chest’, whether that’s to do with harassment, to do with legislation, or to do with Palace’s starting XI…. we’re equally open to all those discussions! That innate sense of community is really vital.
“I find it really strange to think that there was a time when I didn’t know these people, because right now they’re my family. “It was incredible that Oliver Glasner and Laura Kaminski both came along tonight. To have both first-team managers here acknowledging and celebrating our group is really quite special.”
Crystal Palace are proud to support Proud and Palace in their fight towards LGBTQIA+ inclusion in football.
There is still more to be done as we continue to work together to support inclusivity in all areas of the game. Football is for everyone, and all should feel welcome.
We will not tolerate racial or homophobic chants or discriminating comments towards a particular individual or group of individuals at Selhurst Park. You can report discrimination on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service: the number is 07507 477 669.
To find out more about Proud and Palace, follow them on Instagram @ProudandPalace or visit the group's website here.
