The Pride of Irons supporters’ club will live up to their name when they take part in the Pride in London Parade this weekend.
The group, which represents and supports West Ham United’s LGBT+ fans, will be among the tens of thousands of people proudly marching through the centre of the capital on Saturday afternoon.
Pride of Irons treasurer Al Holmes is delighted not only to be taking part in the event, but also that the 50-strong party will be joined for the first time by the Club’s eye-catching mascot Hammerhead and popular Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs).
“We have got 50 places in Pride, which we have filled easily, and we are pleased to be being joined by Hammerhead and some of our SLOs!” Holmes told whufc.com.
“We will be walking right through the centre of London, down Oxford Street, promoting not only Pride in London but also West Ham United. We want to see and meet as many Hammers fans as we can, so if anyone is out in central London on Saturday, come over and say ‘Hello’!
“This year’s event is going to be the biggest Pride in London March that’s ever been held in London, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, so it is a very significant one.”
We will be walking right through the centre of London, down Oxford Street, promoting not only Pride in London but also West Ham United
Al Holmes
Holmes said Pride of Irons, which was formed in early 2015, continues to grow rapidly, with more and more LGBT fans and their families and friends getting involved.
The supporters’ club has held a number of successful social events, while Holmes also believes its existence has encouraged lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fans to attend matches in person, when they might previously have not.
“We attended a few matches at London Stadium as a group last season and a number of fans have said they wouldn’t have come along if we hadn’t held social events beforehand,” Holmes explained.
“We have also worked with the Club’s supporter services manager Jake Heath and held a session with the SLOs to raise the profile and their awareness of our LGBT supporters. We will look to repeat that session with the stewards in the new season.”
While Pride of Irons are making things easier and more comfortable for supporters in and around London Stadium, Holmes is also hopeful of a positive start to 2017/18 on the pitch.
“Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini promise so much and it will be good to see them back in action when the season gets underway,” he said.
“I’m sure there will be some exciting signings made before the Premier League kicks-off and I’m confident we will have a good year in our second season at London Stadium.
“We have a strong squad and I and my fellow Pride of Irons members are certainly excited about the new season.”
For more information about Pride of Irons, click here or follow the supporters’ club on Twitter here.
For details about Saturday’s 2017 Pride in London Parade, click here.