Marching Out Together

Marching Out Together is the official LGBTQ+ fans’ group of Leeds United FC. We are proud and very appreciative of the club’s continuing and active support of our values, goals and activities - not just for headline events such as Leeds Pride or Rainbow Laces, but throughout the year, throughout the club, and throughout the city and community.

The group was founded in 2017 by Andrew Tilly and Drew Harrison, with the support of the club, as a means of providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ Supporters, their friends, family and allies to support the club, feel valued and included.

As of 2024, the group now has over 420 members/supporters, and a steadily growing presence on social media. In addition to providing a safe place for our LGBTQ+ fans and allies, we also do regular pre-match meet-ups, hold competitions, and take part in events aimed at raising LGBTQ+ acceptance and tolerance levels in football.

We work regularly with Leeds United Football Club, a regional alliance of LGBTQ+ fans’ groups, and other LUFC fan groups (such as Leeds United Supporters’ Trust and Leeds United Disabled organisation) as well as partner organisations (such as Football v Homophobia and Pride in Football) to improve education, diversity, and inclusivity within our club and its fanbase, as well as working to challenge and remove homophobia from the game of football.

Maz (Vice Chair)

Born and live in Cheshire although very close to the border with Liverpool hence relentless mocking of my accent!!

Worked in events for many years but currently looking for a new direction.

The reason I support Leeds is quite funny and one I enjoy telling, the short version being that my grandad was my absolute hero and the reason I love football but me and him enjoyed winding each other up! He was a massive Liverpool fan and was watching them play one day so I naturally went for the team they were playing, well that day a certain mark Viduka scored four goals and the rest they say is history. I've been Leeds ever since.

I'm passionate about equality and the work Marching out together do and I'm very proud to be vice chair of this fantastic group.

I have a few hobbies including reading and running (not at the same time) and I'm currently training for the London marathon!

Most likely to be found on a dancefloor throwing awful moves to cheesy pop!

Mish

I am originally from Leeds and supported United all my life, and went to my early games with my dad. I recently moved to Leicestershire because of my partner’s work – she is a Leicester City fan – and I also play and coach in a county-level Womens League so you can imagine it’s a very footy-driven household!

I had gone along to Foxes Pride and was made up when Marching Out Together started: it’s such a welcoming group and the sense of belonging and support means a lot to me (especially being away from my roots). I’m really pleased to be able to make a contribution, and me being such a gobby so-and-so means the team always have the benefit of my input, ha ha!

John (Secretary)

I got involved with Marching Out Together after awkwardly stumbling over trying to explain to my daughter what ‘Rainbow Laces’ was all about when we saw it at Elland Road, and why we need those awareness campaigns. Later, I saw the group at Leeds Pride and stepped off the kerb to walk with them instead of just watching from the sidelines and meaning well; and as a straight white male ally I try to be more active as a voice for change. I have helped out with the website, comms and events, and setting up the CIC for the group.