2022 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: LGBT
Founder of Pride of Irons – the official West Ham United LGBT supporters’ group, Jim’s passion to eradicate homophobia at football matches was born after witnessing a homophobic incident at a football game. Existing to support LGBT fans, their friends and families, Jim created Pride of Irons with a view to implementing positive change and ensuring LGBTQIA+ West Ham fans had a voice, ultimately creating an environment where football fans within the LGBT community feel safe and comfortable. Jim is pioneering a restorative justice educational programme with anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out! which gives perpetrators of discriminatory acts at football matches the opportunity to meet and talk face-to-face with Jim and representatives of West Ham.Jim has also provided crucial support to many other inclusion initiatives such as West Ham Disabled Supporters Board, and ‘Inclusive Irons’ – an ethnic/cultural/religious minorities supporters’ group.