Jordan Henderson sent a supportive message to non-binary England fan Joe White
(Picture: Getty Images)Jordan Henderson has praised a non-binary England fan who went to the team’s Euro 2020 clash with Germany at Wembley as their “overtly queer” self for the first time.
Lawyer and campaigner Joe White attended the England v Germany match at Wembley Stadium “in full makeup.”
They wore red lipstick, shimmery eyeshadow and mascara along with a rainbow flag and England flag painted on their face to complete the look.
Joe also co-chairs Gay Gooners, Arsenal’s LGBT+ supporters group, described as “the first and largest LGBT+ fans group in England.”
After England’s 2-0 win, Joe tweeted: “This is a really small and personal point but today was my first game at Wembley in full makeup and overtly queer (as opposed to just camp).
“Absolutely no issues from fans and some lovely chats. Despite being absolutely petrified pre-game, really proud of our fans.”
The England midfielder shared Joe’s tweet and replied with a sweet message.
He wrote: “Hi Joe, great to hear you enjoyed the game as you should.
“No one should be afraid to go and support their club or country because football is for everyone no matter what.
“Thanks for your support, enjoy the rest of the Euros.”
Hi Joe great to hear you enjoyed the game as you should. No one should be afraid to go and support their club or country because football is for everyone no matter what. Thanks for your support, enjoy the rest of the Euros. 💪🏻🏳️🌈 https://t.co/xHqXgDj1h7
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) June 30, 2021
The interaction has received over 80,000 likes between both Joe and Jordan’s tweets, with Joe receiving hundreds of supportive messages.
Good on you Joe, I’m so glad you were able to support your country as yourself, and were left in peace to do that. Dare I say we are making progress??
— Arlo White 💙 (@arlowhite) June 30, 2021
Good for you Joe. I’ve always found football fans are up for a chat and want to make it inclusive for their own.
— Freddie Jackson 🏴 (@freddiej528) June 29, 2021
I wouldn't consider this a small point. I'd say it's huge! You're breaking down boundaries Joey and you should be proud of yourself. I'm proud of you. Well done for being your authentic self 👏🧡
— Joe D 💙 (@triscoe) June 29, 2021
Hi Joe I stopped you briefly yesterday to check on the size of your bags (I’m volunteering during the Euros) and you & your friend walked on quickly after we spoke but i wanted to say to you nice one and hope you had a good time! So pleased it was positive yesterday 😀 🌈 #pride
— Melanie Armstrong (@MelArmstrong_6) June 30, 2021
The official England football team’s Twitter also praised Joe for being themselves.
This is great to hear! 👏
— England (@England) June 30, 2021
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, Joe thanked people for their lovely messages, and asked their new followers to donate to two organisations they are fundraising for – Black Trans Alliance and Not a Phase.
Don’t think I’ve ever had so much love and kindness on a tweet before! ❤️ it’s lovely to see 😊 I’m currently raising money for two superb organisations - @BlkTAlliance and @NotAPhaseOrg
— Joe (they/them) #BLM (@joeywh1te) June 30, 2021
If you would like and are able to, you can donate at https://t.co/z4dUa3WK5m 🥳🏳️⚧️
Before their uplifting viral tweet, Joe revealed before the match that they had taken Pride flags with the message “f**k UEFA”, and “UEFA, is this political?”
[insert pithy comment here] 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/lqltikib1K
— Joe (they/them) #BLM (@joeywh1te) June 29, 2021
This is in response to the organisation’s investigation into whether the Pride armband German captain Manuel Neuer wanted to wear was “political.”
Though the investigation was eventually dropped, UEFA then faced backlash for its decision to reject an application to light up the Allianz Stadium in Munich in Pride colours.
The request was made after Hungary passed legislation banning gay people from appearing in school educational materials or programmes for under-18s.
But UEFA rejected it because it believed the gesture had a “political context.”
So these got confiscated. By uefa “official” stewards. And they had to check we were allowed to state solidarity with Hungarian LGBT+ people.
— Joe (they/them) #BLM (@joeywh1te) June 29, 2021
The rainbow is only allowed when it’s without criticism or queerness. #PrideIsAProtest
Once again, and louder for the back, FUCK UEFA. https://t.co/Dz4AS6mtHW
Joe said their Pride flags were confiscated upon arrival at the match by “UEFA ‘official’ stewards.”
UEFA spokesperson told indy100: “We refer you to the Stadium Rules for UEFA EURO 2020, in particular paragraph 6.1.j.”
“The following items shall not be brought into the Stadium, unless authorised (as and when relevant) by UEFA and/or the relevant Host Association:
“j) any insulting, racist, xenophobic, sexist, religious, political or other illegal/prohibited material, including discriminatory propaganda material.”
A spokesperson from Wembley Stadium told indy100: “We welcome the Pride flag at Wembley Stadium and we are committed to ensuring it is an inclusive and safe environment for all supporters.
“We also continue to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities throughout the year with support for the Rainbow Laces campaign and participation in the annual Pride in London parade, and we were very proud to see the England captain wear a rainbow-coloured armband during the UEFA EURO 2020 fixture against Germany.
“However, Wembley Stadium also has a policy which means flags will be confiscated if they carry offensive, discriminatory or inflammatory messaging, as was the case in this instance.”
A Pride flag was also on display on Level 1 within Wembley Stadium throughout the England vs Germany fixture.
