One Month Into The Campaign

It's hard to believe it's already been a month since I launched Steps Against Homophobia. This is still only the beginning, but I'm really proud of how far the campaign has come in just one month. There are now 245 days to go until I set off on the 339 mile walk.

If I'm honest, the biggest challenge so far has been social media. I've never been someone who enjoys being in front of a camera. Every time I record a video, I end up overthinking how I look or how my voice sounds. I still don't like watching them back, but I've realised this campaign is much bigger than my own insecurities. If putting myself out there helps start conversations and makes even one person feel seen, then it's worth it.

Over the last month, I've completed 22.2 training miles, with plenty more to come. Every walk is helping me prepare for the 339 miles next April, both physically and mentally.

The support has been amazing. We've raised £205, the campaign now has over 200 followers across social media, and we've reached more than 17,000 views, with the very first reel reaching around 7,000 views. I honestly didn't expect that when I uploaded my first video, so thank you to everyone who has followed, shared, liked or donated.

Behind the scenes has been just as busy. I've been contacting sports clubs, arranging visits to training sessions and reaching out to potential sponsors. I'm hoping to meet as many clubs as possible over the coming months, hear their stories, ask them about inclusion in sport and get them involved with the campaign.

I'm also really pleased to have my first official partner on board, AC Moose, my own football club. Having the support of the club where I play means a lot, and I hope it's the first of many partnerships to come.

There has also been plenty of admin. I've been finalising plans, organising campaign resources, designing stickers that will soon be printed, and getting my campaign T shirt ready with the Steps Against Homophobia logo.

Over the next month, you'll see longer training walks, back to back walking days, more behind the scenes content and more educational posts about homophobia in sport and why this campaign matters. I'm also looking forward to visiting sports clubs and sharing the people and communities that are helping make this campaign possible.

This is still only the beginning, but I'm really proud of how far the campaign has come in just one month.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Steps Against Homophobia so far. Whether you've donated, shared a post, followed the journey or simply taken the time to learn about the campaign, it genuinely means a lot.

Here's to another month of walking, learning and showing that sport should be a place where everyone belongs.