We ask all Blades to welcome our Trans Blades to Bramall Lane.

​

Stephanie Bradley, Member of Rainbow Blades, who describes the campaign as “very positive”, was keen to be involved in the project because she is passionate about equality, diversity and freedom of expression in football and believes everyone deserves a fantastic match day experience regardless of their gender or sexuality.

​

James Laley, founder and chair of Rainbow Blades, says: “We decided to make the ‘Welcoming the Trans Community to Bramall Lane’ film to shine a positive light on our Trans Blades. Currently the Trans Community are vilified and discriminated in the media on almost a daily basis and we want them to know they have our support and are always welcome at Bramall Lane."

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie, one of Rainbow Blades’ transgender members, has been attending matches since she was six years old. The standout moment of her sixty-four years supporting the club is the 2003 playoff semi-final v Nottingham Forest.

 

“The match ended 2–2 and went into extra time,” Stephanie recalls. “Paul Peschisolido scored for Sheffield United with eight minutes remaining before Des Walker's own goal made it 4–2. The match ended 4–3 and United progressed to the final with a 5–4 aggregate victory.”

 

Stephanie is keen to promote the importance of calling out transphobia. “The best thing to do is report it to a steward who can take action immediately,” she says, “or alternatively you can report it to the club.” You can also report anonymously via Kick It Out.

 

Finally, what message would Stephanie give other Unitedites?

 

“Rainbow Blades has worked hard along with Sheffield United for everyone to be welcome at football, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We’re all Blades. Let’s support them together.”