Pompey showed their backing for Football v Homophobia (FvH) month by hosting a special tour of the stadium arranged by Fratton Fever, the club’s LGBT supporters’ group.
Every February, FvH work with clubs to celebrate the contribution the LGBT community makes to the game.
The Blues have supported the campaign for the past five seasons and this year, more than 30 fans came on the behind-the-scenes tour.
For the first time, this included representatives from the navy’s LGBT network Compass, as well as Hampshire Police, the University of Portsmouth and Victory Hants.
Colin Farmery, Pompey’s head of inclusion, said: “When I first started in my role, one of the early relationships I built was with Linda Webb-Bowman at Fratton Fever.
“She was really keen to set up an LGBT supporters’ group for the club and it has gone from strength to strength.”
Fratton Fever organise social gatherings with members of the LGBT community who share a passion for Pompey, as well as encouraging new fans to try out the Fratton Park experience.
Linda said: “Football is about inclusion for all and it is great that the club have been so supportive.
“Fratton Fever is there for those who want to share their interest in Pompey in a secure environment, but just as important is the recognition that our support is valued and respected.”
"Football is about inclusion for all and it is great that the club have been so supportive."
The Royal Navy and Marines are in Stonewall’s top 100 employers for the LGBT community and they were delighted to be invited on to the tour by Fratton Fever.
Petty Officer Carol Morton from Compass said: “We were thrilled to be invited to Fratton Park to show the Royal Navy’s support for Football v Homophobia.
“In the Royal Navy we welcome all talent regardless of sexual orientation and it was great to see that Portsmouth Football Club shares our values too.”
Click here to find out more about Fratton Fever and click here to learn more about FvH.