Surrey CCC hosted its fourth annual Pride T20 fixture at the Kia Oval yesterday, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. On the pitch, the day saw Surrey’s sides secure two comprehensive victories with Bryony Smith’s side winning by 53 runs against Lancashire before Sam Curran’s team picked up victory by 48 runs over Sussex.
The fixture saw the Club flying the LGBTQ+ flag over the famous Micky Stewart Member’s Pavilion, with pride-themed pyrotechnics welcoming the teams onto the field, rainbow stumps, a range of activities for supporters around the ground and even an expanded range of pride merchandise available for fans to show their support for the community available in the Club Shop.
A special panel event saw representatives from Proud Surrey – the Club’s Official Supporter’s Group on stage. Out4Cricket, who champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in cricket also joined, sharing detail of the cricket taster sessions recently run in partnership with Surrey CCC. Sussex CCC also joined as the panel discuss the developments in the game growing inclusion. Discussions included the importance of making public statements of support to demonstrate that cricket can be a welcoming place for those who may not feel comfortable as well as the importance of providing meaningful support to the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year. This built on a staff engagement and education panel the week before for members of staff across the Club as part of an initiative to increase understanding and interaction around the importance of diversity and inclusion.
At the heart of Surrey’s Pride initiative is Proud Surrey, the Club’s LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group, which continues to grow year-on-year and is actively welcoming new members. Proud Surrey is now a year-round presence in the Club’s community, ensuring representation and visibility far beyond a single month of celebration across Pride month in June.
Proud Surrey held a meeting point underneath the SSE Energy Solutions Stand on the matchday and supporters can find out more about Proud Surrey here and arrange to meet up at future matchdays and events.
The Kia Oval is based at the historic heart of the LGBTQ+ community, a stone’s throw from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern – a legendary LGBTQ+ venue – and the event also saw DJ’s from the iconic Fire nightclub entertain supporters around the ground.
Surrey CEO, Steve Elworthy, said “For many years the Vauxhall area provided a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community and Surrey are proud to continue that tradition, showcasing we truly are ‘a Club for All’. Last night’s outstanding performances on the pitch were matched by the atmosphere off it and it is just the latest chapter in our continued commitment to providing an inclusive environment at Surrey and the Kia Oval.”
Proud Surrey member and Head of Sustainability at Surrey, Emily Iveson‑Pritchard, added: “It has been encouraging to see the growth year on year of the Club’s support of the Pride initiative and knowing that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Club’s strategy. Proud Surrey are delighted to be a central part of these plans and keen to welcome any member of the LGBTQ+ community to experience how inviting Surrey is.”
