RANGERS have been nominated for a prestigious gong celebrating their inclusion of the LGBT+ community.
The Light Blues have been shortlisted in the 2020 Proud Scotland Awards for the work done during the last year by the club and its Charity Foundation.
The Gers will be in the running for the Sports Person/Group category and their nomination comes in the week managing director Stewart Robertson was widely praised for hitting out at the racist abuse of players from fans.
READ MORE: Glasgow reacts after Rangers supremo Stewart Robertson slams racist abuse
Rangers Charity Foundation director, Connal Cochrane, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Proud Scotland Awards and would like to congratulate all individuals and groups on their nominations.
“Diversity and inclusion is a key pillar of our work and we are committed to utilising the power of the Rangers badge to help break down barriers and promote anti-bullying.
“We look forward to continuing this important work and collaborating with the club and external groups to ensure that Rangers continues to be a club welcome to all.”
The announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the club's Everyone Anyone campaign, which aims to promote a message of tolerance, respect and understanding for all.
Under the Everyone Anyone umbrella, the Rangers Charity Foundation delivers a range of community programmes, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
One of the key initiatives is Diversity Wins, a scheme for primary school children which aims to promote equality between young people via interactive anti-sectarianism and LGBT+ awareness sessions. Launched with the support of Glasgow City Council’s Employment and Skills Partnership team, Diversity Wins was one of the first of its kind in the UK.
Chair of Ibrox Pride, Carole Anderson, said: “Ibrox Pride, the official LGBT+ Fans Group of Rangers FC, is very pleased to see the club and Charity Foundation nominated for the work they do on promoting inclusion for LGBTQ+ people.
READ MORE: Rangers MD Stewart Robertson slams racist abuse of Alfredo Morelos and backs players "taking the knee"
"Their range of community initiatives, including their partnership with the TIE campaign, are designed to deliver long-term change, and challenge negative attitudes.
"We recognise that changing attitudes in society doesn’t happen overnight, but we are committed to working with Rangers to continue to support inclusion in sport”
Back for its second year, The Proud Scotland Awards are designed to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community by recognising the outstanding work and commitment of individuals and organisations within and supportive of our community in Scotland. They honour and encourage all, north to south, who stand up for diversity and equality.
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges and announced at a special ceremony in Edinburgh on Saturday, October 3.
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