Summary of story from The Guardian, July 7, 2011

This week a charity called the Justin Campaign hosted a tournament in Nottingham featuring gay-friendly teams from all over the country – including the Belfast Braves, the UK’s first lesbian football club.

The Belfast Braves were formed by women who took part in the Northern Ireland Ladies’ Football Association league, but felt that a dedicated lesbian club would “create a safer environment”.

“Our experience is that lesbian players on regular teams can be singled out for whispering campaigns,” commented general manager, Lesley Todd.

The Braves have received mostly positive responses but Captain Angie Young said that although attitudes have changed a lot, “discrimination still exists” and that is why clubs like these are so important.

The Braves provide a haven for women who are constantly being singled out because of their sexual orientation.

Their presence, and the tournament itself, draws attention to the difficulties and discriminations that gay sports stars face in order to pursue their goals.

The Justin Campaign is a charity set up in memory of the gay premiership footballer, Justin Fashanu, who took his life as a result of the pressure he faced as an out-of-the-closet footballer.