'The stereotype isn't there' – Inside the LGBTQ+ team rewriting Millwall's image

Millwall FC's partnership with LGBTQ+ team Millwall Romans is challenging perceptions as highlighted in a new documentary

The name Millwall often conjures up images of hooliganism and fear for many football fans, a reputation rooted in the violent incidents of the 70s and 80s. Even today, the mere mention of 'Millwall' is often met with a grimace.

However, the reality is that Millwall has become one of the most prominent advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in football.

It may seem paradoxical. How can a club traditionally seen as conservative and working-class transform into a symbol of inclusivity?

The answer lies with the Millwall Romans, an LGBTQ+ team that has found its home in South Bermondsey.

A number of Millwall supporters feature in an exclusive All Out Football documentary by SkyBet, which highlights the progressive work being done at the club. Lifelong Lions fan Daniel Jenkins, who has been attending matches at The Den since he was eight years old, shares his personal connection to the club, reports the Mirror.

"The reputation of it being a loud, intimidating place is fair, but I think that's a good thing," says Daniel, reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere of match days.

However, like many others, Daniel felt compelled to conceal a part of his identity for a long time. Playing for conventional straight teams often means "playing a character of yourself" because you aren't comfortable revealing your true self.

That all shifted in December 2019 when Millwall Community Trust took the significant step of forming a partnership with an LGBTQ+ football team. Understandably, there were initial concerns among the players.

"We were a little bit apprehensive at the time, especially with Millwall's reputation... a bit of a rough team," one representative acknowledged.

However, the experience quickly dispelled any preconceptions. Becoming part of the "Millwall family" demonstrated that the club's media portrayal bears little resemblance to its current identity.

The collaboration created a "safe space" where participants of all identities – gay, straight, non-binary or trans – could simply enjoy playing football without anxiety.

The journey hasn't been without its challenges. When the club initially announced the scheme, there was the inevitable online backlash, with social media critics complaining, "What are you doing in our club?" and dismissing it as "woke nonsense".

Unfortunately, this mirrors a troubling nationwide pattern. Homophobic incidents in grassroots football are increasing, with confirmed discrimination cases rising by almost 12% compared to the previous campaign.

It serves as a sobering reminder that whilst top-flight clubs display rainbow colours, the barrier preventing a professional male footballer from publicly coming out remains unbroken.

This is precisely why developments in South London carry such significance.

Millwall Romans aren't simply participating in casual matches; they're training at St George's Park, England's national football centre, reaching cup quarter-finals and proudly representing the club's colours. The club has recognised that communities evolve, and football must adapt accordingly.

By welcoming the Romans, Millwall has delivered a statement that resonates more powerfully than any chant at The Den: if the club with the toughest reputation in the country can extend its welcome, then any club can.

As Daniel explains in the exclusive documentary, becoming part of the team provided him with the confidence he needed to be more open in his personal life. "The stereotype of Millwall isn't there with them," he says.

It appears the club's former slogan was mistaken. Some people do like them, and they care a great deal indeed.

Watch: Millwall: From Hooliganism To The Biggest Champions LGBTQ+ Football

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