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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls
@rainbowowls.bsky.social
590 followers 600 following 720 posts
The LGBTQ+ and allies supporters' group of Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sheffield Wednesday Ladies FC.

To follow us elsewhere: https://linktr.ee/rainbow.owls
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rainbowowls.bsky.social
Charlie McNeill is Rainbow Owls' latest Player of the Match! 🏆

A brace within the first 15 minutes gave #swfc an early lead yesterday, which earned the young forward 62% of our WhatsApp vote. ⚽⚽

To become a Rainbow Owls member and vote in our polls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The bottom of the graphic states "Player of the Match, Charlie McNeill vs. Preston" in the trans colours of light blue, pink and white. The top of the graphic includes a rainbow ball cartoon icon, the Rainbow Owls logo and a photo of Charlie McNeill celebrating scoring in a home Sheffield Wednesday shirt. This information is all placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 30, 2025 at 7:20 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Nominations for @footballvhomophobia.com #FvH2026 awards are open until Sun 14 Dec! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

You can nominate Rainbow Owls in the LGBTQ+ fan group category - we had #swfc recognition last season via @swfccp.co.uk and our founder @topherchris1987.bsky.social!

To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
The graphic states "Football v Homophobia: Supporters' Group Award, nominations now open" next to photos of last season's three nominees Rainbow Blades, Ibrox Pride and QPR Rainbow Rangers on stage in Glasgow.
November 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
It's always a pleasure to be joined by our members at The Pangolin and provide a safe space before #swfc games! 🙌💙

We've already invited Rainbow Rams and @proudrovers.bsky.social to our matchday socials in December, so we're excited about consolidating our LGBTQ+ supporters' group relations! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
A photo of two Rainbow Owls members at The Pangolin.
November 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We hope that #swfc fans have a safe time at today's match. 💙

If you experience or witness discrimination: text @swfc.co.uk's Stadium Control Room on 07526 166907 in real time with full incident and location details. 📱

Kick It Out and @sayitsheffield.bsky.social also offer reporting services.
The text from this graphic in full: How to report abuse in real time at SWFC’s home games. Stadium Control Room: text the stand, row & seat of where the abuse comes from, as well as descriptions of the abuse & abuser - in real time to 07526 166907. We also recommend reporting such discrimination, either online or in-person on matchdays, to these email addresses: operationsenquiries@swfc.co.uk, hatecrime@sayit.org.uk and report@kickitout.org The top of the graphic includes logos for Rainbow Owls, SAYiT and Kick It Out, which are placed over a background of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 29, 2025 at 10:05 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Congrats to Barry Bannan 🎉

The #swfc hero made his 466th Owls appearance on Wednesday, which puts him sixth in @swfc.co.uk's all-time appearances list after overtaking Tommy Crawshaw. 💙

Bazza's @footballvhomophobia.com support for #FvH and #FvT support also makes him a true Rainbow Owls legend! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Photo of Barry Bannan wearing a Football v Transphobia T-shirt at Hillsborough. Photo of Barry Bannan wearing a Football v Homophobia T-shirt at Hillsborough.
November 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Svante Ingelsson is Rainbow Owls' latest Player of the Match! 🏆

A deeper and robust display in midfield from Svante helped to keep #swfc in the game against Millwall, which won him 57% of our WhatsApp vote. 👏

To join Rainbow Owls and vote in our polls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The bottom of the graphic states "Player of the Match, Svante Ingelsson vs. Millwall" in the trans colours of light blue, pink and white. The top of the graphic includes a rainbow ball cartoon icon, the Rainbow Owls logo and a photo of Svante Ingelsson in an away Sheffield Wednesday shirt. This information is all placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 28, 2025 at 10:11 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving to US-based #swfc fans, including
@pennsylvaniaowls.bsky.social and @jplallen.bsky.social of New York Owls! 🦃

Over 4% of our 217 members are based in the US, so we're sending our thanks for their Rainbow Owls support! 🙏💙

To join Rainbow Owls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
The graphic text states: "Happy Thanksgiving! - 27 November" in the traditional autumnal Thanksgiving colours of red, orange and yellow. The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo and a cartoon image of brown leaves being hung up. All of this information is placed above a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 27, 2025 at 6:41 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We're proud to be named as Safe Space Sheffield's latest member! 🩵🩷

Our pledge involves supporting non-binary and trans football fans, including for @footballvhomophobia.com's #FvT2026 campaign in March. 🏳️‍⚧️

It's an honour to join our #swfc matchday hospitality partner The Pangolin as members! 🙌
The graphic states "Safe Space Sheffield welcome Rainbow Owls" with the text and Rainbow Owls logo placed over a background of the light blue and pink trans colours. The graphic text states: Our Safe Space Sheffield pledge is... Rainbow Owls commits to providing a safe space for non-binary and trans football supporters throughout the year, with our matchday hospitality partner Pangolin Craft Beer already being named as a member of Safe Space Sheffield. We also aim to include Sheffield Wednesday FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme and our Rainbow Owls ambassadors as part of our Football v Transphobia Week of Action outreach in March 2026. We hold a Rainbow Owls stall every year for SAYiT's Trans Day of Remembrance service, too, so that we can pay our respects to lives that have been lost to transphobia."
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Our next #swfc matchday social is on Saturday! 💙

We'll be meeting from 1pm at our matchday hospitality partner The Pangolin, which is based right next to Hillsborough Park tram stop. 🍻🥤

Everybody is welcome to join us, even if you don't have a match ticket! 🙌
The middle of the graphic states: "Owls vs Preston North End, Saturday 29 November, 1pm; The Pangolin - next to Hillsborough Park tram stop" in yellow text. The bottom of the graphic states "Matchday social" in the official trans colours of light blue and pink, with a Pride flag placed in-between the two words. The top of the graphic includes the Rainbow Owls logo, next to a cartoon icon of two LGBTQ+ people holding a Pride flag, which are both placed over a blue backdrop of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 27, 2025 at 9:52 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We hope #swfc fans have a safe time at today's game 💙

If you experience or see issues: please text HATE, followed by full incident & location details, to Millwall's Stadium Control Room on 66777 📱

Kick It Out & our charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social also offer national reporting services.
The text from this graphic in full: How to report abuse at the Millwall vs. SWFC match. Stadium Control Room: Text the word HATE, followed by incident and location details, in real time to 66777. You can also report such discrimination, relating to this specific game, to these email addresses: slo@millwallfc.co.uk, hatecrime@sayit.org.uk and report@kickitout.org The top of the graphic includes logos for Rainbow Owls, SAYiT and Kick It Out, which are placed over a background of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 26, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reposted by Rainbow Owls
footballvhomophobia.com
November 25 is #WhiteRibbonDay and we’re amplifying the call for men and boys to help prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG)

1 in 4 women will be a victim of sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetimes (National Audit Office (UK) report, 2025)

1/3
A graphic of a white ribbon logo on an orange background with the logos of Pride Sports, Football v Homophobia, Pride Sports Cymru and Sports Media LGBT+
November 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We've emailed the monthly Rainbow Owls newsletter to our #swfc members!

It includes a review of our recent support for the trans community in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT colours, plus details of our away day with @proudrovers.bsky.social 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

To join Rainbow Owls ➡️ form.jotform.com/231672198144...
A photo of Rainbow Owls member Sarah Jones pointing to Rainbow Owls founder and chair Chris Ledger's Football v Transphobia T-shirt.
November 25, 2025 at 11:46 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Whether at Hillsborough or in Pennsylvania, Rainbow Owls members will always follow the Wednesday! 💙🦉

Despite yesterday's disappointing result, huge credit goes to #swfc fans for their outstanding vocal support at S6. 👏

Thanks to members Rachel and Erik for the fab pics! 📸
A photo of a rainbow outside of Hillsborough Stadium. A photo of a SWFC flag outside a Rainbow Owls' member's home.
November 24, 2025 at 11:18 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We hope #swfc fans & @rainbowblades.com members have a safe time at today's game.

If you experience or see discrimination: text @swfc.co.uk's Stadium Control Room on 07526 166907 in real time with incident & location details.

Kick It Out & @sayitsheffield.bsky.social also offer reporting services.
The text from this graphic in full: How to report abuse in real time at SWFC’s home games. Stadium Control Room: text the stand, row & seat of where the abuse comes from, as well as descriptions of the abuse & abuser - in real time to 07526 166907. We also recommend reporting such discrimination, either online or in-person on matchdays, to these email addresses: operationsenquiries@swfc.co.uk, hatecrime@sayit.org.uk and report@kickitout.org The top of the graphic includes logos for Rainbow Owls, SAYiT and Kick It Out, which are placed over a background of Hillsborough Stadium.
November 23, 2025 at 9:20 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Less than 24 hours until our biggest match of the season. 😍💙

Let's get those three points and #swfc bragging rights - UTO 🙌🦉
swfc.co.uk Sheffield Wednesday @swfc.co.uk · 10d
Sunday.🦉v⚔️
November 22, 2025 at 12:16 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
If you're using public transport for tomorrow's #swfc Steel City Derby, please be aware that Supertram services will be disrupted. 🚋

This includes blue and yellow routes terminating at Cathedral from 10am until approximately 12pm and from 1pm until approximately 3pm. 💙🦉
The graphic text states: Rainbow Owls would like to inform all fans attending Sunday’s Steel City Derby that the Supertram network will undergo a temporary part-suspension pre- and post-match. From 10am until approximately 12pm, and from 1pm until approximately 3pm, the Blue and Yellow route services will both terminate at the Cathedral stop. The YE1 replacement bus service will depart every 12 minutes at bus stop HS2 on High Street from 10.10am, while these buses will also return from Middlewood until 3.13pm. You can also use a valid tram ticket to travel on the First 8, 52a, 81, 82 and 86 bus services during these times.
November 22, 2025 at 10:38 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
It's great to see that @swfc.co.uk's Christmas Market stall is stocking #swfc Progress Pride keyrings! 👏🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It's open at the top of Fargate from 10am until 8pm until Christmas Eve, so be sure to grab some merchandise for Sunday's Steel City Derby and continue to help our club! 💙🦉
A photo of Sheffield Wednesday's Christmas Market stall that is selling a range of club merchandise. A photo of Sheffield Wednesday's Progress Pride keyrings and other merchandise at their Christmas Market stall.
November 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We attended our charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social's #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR service last night! 🏳️‍⚧️🕯️

It was an honour to show visible unity with Sheffield's trans community & remember lives lost to transphobia, plus discuss our #swfc work in @footballvhomophobia.com #FvT2025 colours. 🙌
A photo of Rainbow Owls founder Chris Ledger wearing a Football v Transphobia T-shirt and manning a stall, with lots of leaflets placed on top of the Rainbow Owls banner, at SAYiT's Trans Day of Remembrance event.
November 21, 2025 at 9:39 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Today is #TransDayOfRemembrance! 🏳️‍⚧️

We'll be paying respects and honouring lives that have been lost to transphobia by attending our LGBTQ+ charity partner @sayitsheffield.bsky.social's #TDoR service tonight. 🕯️

You can visit our #swfc stall in the Winter Gardens from 6pm until 7.30pm. 🙌
The graphic text states: SAYIT - Thursday Nov 20th, Trans Day of Remembrance Sheffield Winter Garden, 6pm-7.30pm.
November 20, 2025 at 9:39 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Nominations for the #FvH2026 @footballvhomophobia.com Awards are open! 🏆

LGBTQ+ Supporters' Group is one of 12 categories, so every vote counts! @swfccp.co.uk won the Community Trust award last year and our #swfc founder Chris was the Hero runner-up 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

To vote ➡️ www.footballvhomophobia.com/awards/
The graphic states: "Nominations open: Football v Homophobia Awards 2026."
November 19, 2025 at 11:22 AM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Check out @footballvhomophobia.com's powerful #TransAwarenessWeek podcast! 🏳️‍⚧️🎙️

@transsomething.bsky.social & @jonhholmes.bsky.social are joined by Goal Diggers FC's Billie Sky Walker & Gaia Laidler to discuss trans-inclusive spaces in football.

To hear the episode ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/1wLl...
The graphic text states: "Trans-inclusive joy of grassroots women's football is 'undeniable' - Goal Diggers FC on FvH Podcast." The graphic also photos of Goal Diggers FC players on the pitch and holding a trans banner.
November 18, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by Rainbow Owls
footballvhomophobia.com
🏆🩷⚫️ Football v Homophobia is thrilled to announce that the nominations window is now OPEN for the FvH Awards 2026!

🏳️‍🌈⚽️🏳️‍⚧️ This is the 7️⃣th edition of the only awards event of its kind that recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion at all levels of the game…

#LGBTQfootball

/1
Nominations Open - Football v Homophobia Awards 2026
November 18, 2025 at 12:45 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Rainbow Owls and many other #swfc supporters' organisations had a meeting with @swfc.co.uk's joint administrator Kris Wigfield and senior club officials on Wednesday. 🦉

It was an honour to ask Kris about the selling process and provide minutes for the club ➡️ www.swfc.co.uk/news/2025/no...
The article text states: Supporters Engagement Panel - The minutes of the latest meeting of the SWFC Supporters Engagement Panel are now available to view. Each meeting is minuted and signed off by all attendees, with a full overview published here at swfc.co.uk The article also includes an image of the iconic Hillsborough Stadium clock.
November 15, 2025 at 1:13 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
We're having our next #swfc away day next month! 🚄🦉

@proudrovers.bsky.social's sixth birthday coincides with our game at Ewood Park, so we can't wait to attend the pre-match celebration of their empowering work as an LGBTQ+ supporters' group. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚽

Please let us know if you'd like to join us! 🙌
The graphic states: Proud Rovers pre-match meet. Before the SWFC match, come and celebrate with us as we mark six years since Proud Rovers was founded and five years since our committee came together. Enjoy some refreshments and great company as we mark this special occasion. Don't miss out, register your interest today and be part of the celebration on Saturday 6 December at 1pm, Bob Crompton Suite, Ewood Park, Blackburn.
November 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
rainbowowls.bsky.social
Our #swfc Rainbow Owls member and Mersey Marauders chair Francis Wight is one of this week's Jack Murley Sports Show guests!

Francis and his trans team-mate Otto were interviewed, following their quarter-final GFSN Cup win at St George's Park. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈⚽

To hear the pod ➡️ open.spotify.com/episode/5KhA...
The graphic includes a photo of Rainbow Owls member and Mersey Marauders FC chair Francis Wright at St George's Park in his MMFC kit, with the following text: "Feeling that sense of belonging being here as a gay football is brilliant. It tells everyone that LGBTQ+ people belong in football - Francis Wight, The Jack Murley Sports Show."
November 14, 2025 at 10:49 AM