This Sunday’s fixture against Essex will be the second ‘Proud Surrey T20’, showing support for Surrey’s LGBTQ+ supporters group: Proud Surrey.
Coinciding with London Pride weekend the match aims to show that cricket is an inclusive, welcoming game for all. The game is also a crucial match for the Three Feathers as they hunt for a quarter-final spot in this year’s Vitality Blast.
Surrey have also partnered with LGBTHero – the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people – as the official charity partner for the match. The charity is based in Lambeth, close to The Kia Oval, and works to support the physical and mental wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people, empowering them to change their own lives for the better.
There will be drag performers welcoming visitors to the ground, and the iconic Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion will be lit up with rainbow colours throughout the weekend with the Proud Surrey flag flying above the pavilion. As well as pride branded four and six cards, there will be pride stumps featuring the rainbow flag.
Steve Elworthy, Surrey Chief Executive, said “We want everyone who enters the gates at The Kia Oval to feel welcomed. Proud Surrey are a fantastic organisation who have led the way nationally in our sport and we’re delighted to be working with them and with the LGBTHero charity to showcase just how inclusive cricket can be. Last year’s match was a fantastic event and we’re looking forward to making this year’s even bigger and better than before.”
Ewen Macleod, Chair of Proud Surrey added: “At Proud Surrey, we want to make cricket a more welcoming and inclusive sport. Visible allyship is an important part of making LGBTQ+ fans feel welcome at The Kia Oval and elsewhere. That’s why we’re delighted to work with Surrey again to promote this Pride match. Last year was an excellent event and this year’s promises to be bigger and better.”
Ian Howley, CEO of the LGBTHero Charity, said “Sport has a way to connect with people that nobody else can and to be able to have a lasting impact, to make lives better for LGBTQ+ people. When it comes to trying to tackle many of the inequalities that LGBTQ+ people face, sport has a big part to play in how we can change attitudes in society. Being welcomed by Surrey County Cricket Club allows a young [LGBTQ+] person to be valued, to be seen and to be respected.”
Tickets for the Proud Surrey T20 are available to buy from £1 for U16s and £27 for adults are available here.
