The Kia Oval will host its third LGBTQ+ Pride supporting fixture on Friday 5 July for the fixture which sees Surrey take on Middlesex in the Vitality Blast.
The fixture celebrates ‘Proud Surrey’, the Club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters group and this year will be supporting LGBTHero and Tonic – two charities who support people from the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTHero is the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people and is based in Lambeth. Tonic provides living support for older members of the LGBTQ+ community who often struggle with loneliness and isolation. Funds will be raised inground to be shared between the two organisations as well as information stands for fans to visit and learn more about the work that they do.
Vauxhall is home to one if the largest LGTBQ+ communities in the country and the Club is committed to supporting that community that continues to suffer discrimination. The aim of the fixture is show that the Kia Oval, Surrey CCC and the game in general is open, welcoming and inclusive to all people.
Surrey will be showcasing local LGBTQ+ owned, run, and inclusive businesses as well as offering fans the opportunity to show their support with rainbow flags, face-painting and prize draws.
The game falls in the ECB Rainbow Laces week (Saturday 29 June-Sunday 7 July) and will see players across the country wearing rainbow laces; rainbow stumps and boundary markers being used; and rainbow four and six cards available for fans.
Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, said “Vauxhall has an incredible history of providing a home for the LGBTQ+ community and we want the Kia Oval to be an extension of that. All fans must feel safe to express who they are when come through the gates at the ground and this game is a way to showcase that.
“LGBTHero and Tonic are both doing great work to care for the LGBTQ+ community in our neighbourhood as well as across the country and we’re pleased to be able to support them and lend our platform to celebrate their work.”
Ian Howley Chief Executive of LGBT HERO said, “At LGBT HERO, we are thrilled to be part of the Kia Oval Pride match. This event is a powerful statement of inclusivity and acceptance. The support from Surrey CCC and the Kia Oval demonstrates that sport can tackle homophobia and transphobia.
“Representation matters, and celebrating our community in such a prominent space uplifts LGBTQ+ people and fosters understanding among all fans. Having the Oval as an ally makes a significant difference. It provides a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people to express their true selves. We are grateful for the platform provided by Surrey CCC and the Kia Oval to raise awareness and funds. We look forward to celebrating with fans at the match.”
Bob Green OBE, Head of Operations at Tonic, said “Tonic Housing is so grateful that Surrey have chosen to support us during their Pride fixture in July. Tonic Housing has established the UK’s first LGBT+ Retirement Community, very near the Oval. It is a place where older LGBT+ people do not have to hide their identity, rather they can be safe and celebrate their later life with others in their community.”
“As a small community-led housing association, we rely on the support of others, like Proud Surrey, so that we can continue to develop the housing and support services that our older communities need so ‘we can live their lives out’ after years of harassment and loneliness”.
