Blues and Proud: Queer and Proud to Support France's Team
Jean-Baptiste Montarnier leads Blues and Proud, France's only LGBT+ supporter club affiliated with the FFF. This summer, he follows France's team in North America with pride and visibility.
Football is for LGBT+ people too. Jean-Baptiste Montarnier is president of Blues and Proud. It is France's only LGBT+ supporter club. This club is officially affiliated with the French Football Federation (FFF).
This summer, Jean-Baptiste follows France's team in North America. He does this with passion and pride. For him, being gay and loving football is completely normal. He wants to show that gay people love sport too.
Blues and Proud has existed for several years now. The club welcomes LGBT+ supporters from across France. These people want to enjoy their football passion freely. They also want to feel safe in stadiums.
The football world can sometimes be hostile to LGBT+ people. Homophobic insults are still heard in some stadiums. Players are afraid to come out publicly. This is why clubs like Blues and Proud matter so much.
Affiliation with the FFF is a major victory. It shows that French football recognizes LGBT+ supporters. This is an important sign of inclusion for the entire community.
Jean-Baptiste hopes to inspire other LGBT+ people. He wants to show them they can love football. They do not have to choose between identity and passion. Sport must be a space open to everyone.
The World Cup is a unique opportunity here. It brings together millions of people worldwide. It is also a moment to discuss inclusion and diversity. Blues and Proud uses this event to become known.
The club continues fighting for more inclusive football. Every match is a chance to show their presence. Being queer and supporting the Blues is possible. Jean-Baptiste is living proof of this.