Leeds United new season message and big first as club, Marching Out Together and stars unite for Leeds Pride

Leeds United have declared their intent for the new season and beyond as the club, former stars and Marching Out Together unite for this weekend’s 20th anniversary of Leeds Pride.

Leeds Pride is taking place across the city this Saturday and Sunday with Leeds United and Marching Out Together again official sponsors and Leeds United leading the parade for the very first time in the event’s 20th year.

The club are encouraging as many supporters as possible to come along on Sunday to join in the incredible celebrations.

Former Whites stars Tony Dorigo, Noel Whelan and Bridie Hannon will be a part of the Leeds United walking group which will also feature a special appearance from Lucas the Kop Cat - all showing allyship and support to the club’s friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The club say they will be working hard across the upcoming season to challenge and eliminate homophobia in football, whilst continuing to promote inclusion and ensure that everyone feels they belong, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Jade Brown, Leeds United’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead told the YEP: “We're incredibly proud to once again sponsor Leeds Pride and we are honoured to lead the parade as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary.

“This year the club is hosting a pre-parade breakfast for our colleagues and members of Marching Out Together before we all head into the city to take part in the celebrations, which is something we are really excited about.

“For us, Pride is about more than just attending a single event. It's about demonstrating our ongoing commitment to making Leeds United a place where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to be themselves.

“Through our relationship with Marching Out Together, we will be working hard across the upcoming season to challenge and eliminate homophobia in football, whilst continuing to promote inclusion and ensure that everyone feels they belong, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Leeds Pride gives us the opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, our friends at Marching Out Together and the wider LGBTQ+ community, while proudly representing our club and the city of Leeds."