Whether they helped bring down Jose Mourinho, marched against their club owner or stood silent during a game, fan protest stories remind us that fan activism is more than just a fad. Since the Civil Rights Movement, fans have turned their passion for sports into powerful tools of nonviolent activism. They boycotted professional sports teams that segregated seating, and pushed city leaders to integrate housing, schools and businesses. They also used their sports knowledge to help change social norms and policies. Black newspapers kept fans informed about the latest boycotts, while columnists like Jim Hall, Marcel Hopson and Marion Jackson encouraged fans to use their fandom as a force for change.

Protests can be exhausting, and the participants may face real-world responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly parents. To avoid excluding these people from the protest, journalists can promote positive attitudes toward them by framing their stories in ways that make them more appealing to readers.

A story that highlights a person’s personality, hobbies and family helps readers connect with them and can make them want to support their cause. Moreover, a story that emphasizes a person’s philanthropic work further promotes positive attitudes toward them and their cause.

Activism of Care, a model that was first implemented in disability activism to destigmatize mental illness and celebrate neurodivergent participants, could be applied in fandoms, too. By demonstrating some implementations of this strategy, we can create spaces where underrepresented groups are more likely to participate in and be heard by their clubs.