Just over two months before the start of the European Football Championship in Austria and Switzerland, a group of gays and lesbians based in Vienna is increasing campaigns to draw attention to the homophobic side of the sport.
“Football is the last bastion where clichés about 'real men' still exist, both on the pitch and among fans” – says an official note from Qwien (Center for Gay and Lesbian History and Culture) – Austrian NGO organizing the protest.
“Bad play is classified as 'feminine', and bad players are called 'little women' or 'sissies', and opponents are insulted as 'sissies'”, the statement adds.
Qwien's intention is to draw attention to homophobia in football, launching a poster competition across Europe, which can be sent out by May.
The winner will be announced on June 4th, while the 50 best posters will be displayed in "public places" during the championship that takes place between June 7th and 29th.
