Brazilian football fans who are members of the LGBT community have launched an observatory aimed at denouncing discrimination and homophobic attacks on football on Friday.
This observatory intends to record and report on attacks, threats or prejudices against LGBT people in the football environment, according to reports.
People who are victims of discrimination can report their case on the observatory’s website, which will bring it before the Supreme Court of Sports Justice and other competent authorities.
In addition, the initiators of this observatory, which brings together 16 supporters’ clubs of first, second and third division teams, will produce an annual report on complaints and the measures taken to resolve them.
“The goal is that one day football will be an island that welcomes us all, all sexualities combined without any difference,” June Elle, member of Coral Pride, an LGBT fan club of the Santa team. Cruz, said.
The web platform was launched on August 29 during a virtual conference that organizers said suffered cyber attacks from homophobic hackers.
Elle believes that homophobia in stadiums in Brazil is very common and spreads through chanting, whistling or even threats. However, at a time when football is played in stadiums behind closed doors, hostility has focused on social networks.
Brazil is among the most dangerous countries in the world for LGBT people, with 445 homicides being recorded to 2017 by watchdog Grupo da Bahia.
The fear of attacks is also there in the stadiums, which are still far from being the most welcoming places for gay and transgender fans.
The young fan, who said to have been threatened if she goes to the stadium where his Santa Cruz team play, and believes the LGBT community “in danger”.
While Bahia and the Gremio fans groups have tried to change the perception, it is clear that Brazil still has a long way to go.
