Last year, Eintracht Frankfurt took part in the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade with its own float for the first time, making a powerful statement in terms of visibility and solidarity. How did that come about?
“A wide range of groups within our Eintracht family approached us several times in the past asking to make a visible statement in favour of diversity. At first, we responded to this by supporting the participation of the ‘EFC Regenbogenadler’ (Rainbow Eagles). But recent developments in society have made it clear to us that it’s not enough to simply accompany others. As a club, we have to actively get involved and take a stand. That’s why we – and by that I mean the whole club and the football corporation together – deliberately took this step forward, along with our employees, club members, and members of the EFCs, in order to send out a strong and invaluable message in support of diversity and tolerance.”
We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from our members, EFCs and colleagues.
Board member Philipp Reschke
What was your personal impression of it?
“We had contact with many different people in an open and respectful environment. What stuck with me most was how naturally we, as Eintracht, formed part of this vibrant and solidarity-based community. It really showed how important our presence is, especially on days like these.”
Eintracht will have a float again this year and preparations are already in full swing. How are things progressing?
“Plans are at an advanced stage and the DJ is fine-tuning his playlist. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from our members, EFCs and colleagues. We’ve even been contacted by fans and members from other German cities who are very keen to attend. There is a palpable sense of anticipation building up to this special day.”
As is unfortunately the case in politics and wider society today, diversity in football isn’t always without controversy. How does Eintracht Frankfurt deal with criticism or opposition from within parts of the club’s environment?
“For us, living and breathing diversity and tolerance means tolerating tensions and differing opinions. We’re aware that not all fans and members will follow this path straight away. But that’s exactly why we don’t step back or resort to confrontation or coercion; instead we focus on dialogue, visibility and continuous interaction.”
Plenty of businesses and organisations are accused of merely paying lip-service to Pride Month and CSD in a bid to gain favourable media attention without actually changing business practices. How does Eintracht Frankfurt respond to such criticism?
“Taking a closer look at whether an issue is being taken up out of conviction or just for image reasons is absolutely justified and the right thing to do. Our participation in CSD is consciously done without the support of sponsors or partners; we’re involved under our own steam and are intrinsically motivated to do so. Furthermore, if our main aim was to use fashionable, trendy topics to put ourselves in the spotlight, then we could easily have done so at an easier time and with less opposition from society. But it was and remains important to us to be visible and to send a clear message, especially now.”
