ABOUT

Welcome to the website for Rainbow Owls, the independent and officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters' group of Sheffield Wednesday.

We were established in June 2023, so we can engage with our LGBTQ+ and ally supporters, as well as our beloved club, in order to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, and where fans are empowered to be their authentic selves and meet like-minded people.

Rainbow Owls has achieved a lot in our first two seasons: we have almost 200 members, with around 30% of them being allies, and worked with the club to establish initiatives for Hate Crime Awareness Week, Rainbow Laces, Football v Homophobia and the first Football v Transphobia matchday in EFL history.

Our LGBTQ+ fan conference, held at Hillsborough Stadium in October 2024, also resulted in a "Tackling Homophobia in Football" podcast with Liverpool FA referee Mikey Connor, Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC goalkeeper Kirsty Tonner, Dulwich Hamlet media officer Kian Ward and Three Lions Pride co-founder Joe White.

These important LGBTQ+ campaigns resulted in Rainbow Owls founder and chair, Chris Ledger, being shortlisted in the FvH Hero category and Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme being nominated in the Community Trust category for the Football v Homophobia 2025 Awards.

We also host matchday socials for every home game. while close links have been established with Sheffield's LGBTQ+ and ally community beyond football, so that our anti-discrimination work and community outreach can reach the broadest possible audience. Our membership of the club's Supporters' Engagement Panel ensures that we will always work actively but thoughtfully with the club on football-related matters, too, while we benefit from advice and funding through being members of the Football Supporters' Association and Fans for Diversity

Our growth - with four ambassadors, a group sponsor, an LGBTQ+ charity partner and a matchday hospitality partner - has provided a great deal of visibility education and community, so that we can develop a safe space and a positive change in attitudes towards our community.

Everybody is welcome at Rainbow Owls: we have hosted a number of away LGBTQ+ and allies supporters' groups at our matchday socials, encouraged new fans to proudly support our club and re-engaged supporters who have previously lost their connection with the Owls. If you are concerned about anything or have any questions, then please don't hesitate to contact us, as we are always happy to help.

Rainbow Owls, after all, gives LGBTQ+ fans a chance to experience new opportunities and develop skills, and provides a non-judgmental environment where allies can engage and learn through our awareness campaigns. Thank you for supporting us - we love and support you.