Features

Birmingham arenas claim first with anti-homophobia campaign

Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena have claimed a first for UK arenas with the launch of ‘Ask For Clive’, a campaign that encourages venues to show solidarity against discrimination in the fight against homophobia and transphobia.

As part of the campaign, posters will let guests know that if they any see LGBTQ being abused or discriminated they can discreetly report it to staff by “asking for Clive”.

Guests will then be taken to a safe space while the incident is investigated and the appropriate action is taken. The initiative was first piloted in Hertfordshire pubs and clubs.

Ask For Clive founder Danny Clare said: “Ask for Clive’s message will now be seen by millions of live-event fans, which will play a big part towards the ultimate goal of eradicating unacceptable behaviour and building a visible support network for everyone in the wider community.”

Guy Dunstan, director of arenas at NEC Group, added: “At our arenas we host audiences from all genres and interests, and it’s important to us that everyone feels safe and welcome in our venues. Ask For Clive is such an important initiative in the stand against homophobia and transphobia, and we hope that we can encourage both other venues in Birmingham and other arenas across the UK to follow suit and take a stand too.”

Ask For Clive was named after Clive Duffey, organiser of Herts Pride and a Terrence Higgins Trust campaigner.

Resorts World Arena used to be known as Genting Arena before undergoing a rebrand last year. The arena has a capacity of 15,700, while Arena Birmingham seats 15,800 people.

Both arenas are owned and operated by NEC Group and welcome over 1.7 million live-event fans to Birmingham every year.

Image: NEC Group