Wanderers will stage their ‘Rainbow Laces’ fixture on Saturday in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The EFL and its clubs are again coming together to support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign with the clear message that football is for everyone.
From this weekend until Monday, 13 December, EFL Clubs will support the campaign with specific match-day activity including rainbow-coloured corner flags, captain armbands and substitution board stickers.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Lace Up and Speak Up’ to encourage fans to speak up on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
The EFL and clubs will also be using Rainbow Laces weekends to re-emphasise their ‘Together Against Discrimination’ match-day messaging which was launched at the start of the season.
And as part of the campaign, the EFL will host its inaugural LGBTQ+ Fans’ Forum on Monday 6 December, providing all 72 Clubs with a platform to discuss how football can become more inclusive.
The event will be hosted by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam and will include a panel of industry representatives.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “I am delighted that we are hosting our first-ever LGBTQ+ Fans’ Forum as part of the EFL’s Rainbow Laces activity this year.
“Both the League and its 72 Clubs are committed to inclusion and this special Fans’ Forum will allow us celebrate the diversity of our fanbase, while simultaneously exploring with fans how we can enhance the EFL experience for the LGBTQ+ community.
“During the Rainbow Laces period, our clubs will once again dedicate their match-days in support of this year’s ‘Lace Up and Speak Up’ theme which seeks to remind fans that every positive conversation helps us reinforce the message that football is everyone’s game.”
Wanderers will show their backing for the Rainbow Laces campaign at Saturday’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town.
And examples of the work being undertaken by Bolton Wanderers in the Community in supporting projects and issues within the LGBTQ+ community will appear on the club’s official website and social media channels during the next couple of weeks.