RiverSideBySide is our banner campaign championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Today is our second RiverSideBySide matchday of the season, where we highlight our commitment to EDI – and this afternoon, the specific emphasis is LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Here we introduce Rainbow Reds, our official LGBTQ+ supporters group.
Rainbow Reds was born in 2019 from a meeting between the club and just a handful of Boro supporters. Since then, the group has grown and grown, and continues to welcome new members and support.
The group is not only for fans who identify as LGBTQ+, but also allies and all fans who believe in inclusivity across the football community.
Having been in the works for a while, the start of this season saw Rainbow Reds’ LGBTQ+ flag (pictured) become a permanent fixture at the Riverside, and it now flies proudly in the South Stand.
Matthew, co-chair of Rainbow Reds, said: “Football is a community, one of the biggest in the world, and everyone should feel like they are being accepted. That’s what Rainbow Reds is about.
“We were not established to push an agenda or for any special treatment, the main word is inclusivity.
“If someone identifies as LGBTQ+ or from a smaller group of people that are different, they should feel safe going to match, and feel they are included.
“There’s nothing worse than sitting in a stadium of 30,000 plus people and feeling you don’t belong.
“We want all football fans to feel accepted at the Riverside and football stadiums across the country. We have supported and continue to support supporters in this goal.”
Rainbow Reds are alongside other established fan groups as part of the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum, who meet regularly and advise and engage with the club on a wide range of issues aiming to make the fan experience at the Riverside as valuable and positive as possible.
You can keep up to date with Rainbow Reds via their Twitter/X page (@Rainbow_Reds), which has now close to 1,000 followers, and via their group on Facebook.
You can also get in contact with Rainbow Reds via email at rainbowredsboro@outlook.com.

Hate crime, discrimination and abusive behaviour is NOT tolerated at the Riverside Stadium.
We urge supporters who witness any such incidents to please report them to the club. You can do this on a matchday by speaking to any steward or other member of staff, or by using the EDI text line on 07340 718965, giving full details of the incident and which stand, row and seat it took place if possible.
For more info, please click here.