The League remains one of the leading voices for the LGBTQ community.
In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the WNBA will promote the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion and support the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through league-wide initiatives throughout the month of June.
The League remains one of the leading voices for the LGBTQ community.
The WNBA has numerous publicly out LGBTQ players that are some of the game’s brightest stars including Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, DeWanna Bonner, Elena Delle Donne, Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry and Diana Taurasi.
For years, LGBTQ players have had to suppress their life choices and keep their relationships hidden because of society’s outdated attitudes. It was an unfair burden that kept many players unfulfilled and uncomfortable off the basketball court.
The ESPN Body Issue is out.
Congrats to Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe — the first openly gay couple to be on the cover, and featured in the issue.https://t.co/HDjbOVtAR7 pic.twitter.com/RQVbfxk4F7
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) June 25, 2018
But more gay players are now coming out, supporting each other and evaporating a prejudiced culture with a celebration of freedom.
https://www.facebook.com/3ptcnvrsn/videos/368170180473243/
This month’s celebration includes four nationally televised games and marching in NYC Pride for a fourth-straight year.
“Uniting people through sport is a deeply rooted tradition in our league,” said WNBA COO Christy Hedgpeth. “We are honored to have events and initiatives designed to support LGBTQ+ equality, and encourage players, fans, and employees to share their voices year-round.”
ESPN and ABC will feature a combined four nationally televised games in honor of Pride Month. The action tips off on June 8 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) when the Los Angeles Sparks visit the Minnesota Lynx.
ABC’s coverage of Pride continues on June 16 (3:30 p.m. ET) when the defending champions Seattle Storm visit the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun.
To close out the month, ESPN will highlight two games; a semi-finals rematch of the Washington Mystics at the Atlanta Dream on June 23 (1 p.m. ET) and the Mystics hosting the Sun on June 29 (2 p.m. ET).
The WNBA will once again collaborate with GLSEN and Fanatics on an exclusive line of Pride apparel including Fanatics-branded WNBA T-shirts and New Era Caps featuring WNBA team logos.
PRIDE MONTH
On June 30, for the fourth straight year, the WNBA will participate in the NYC Pride with the NBA, NBA G League, and NBA 2K League, joining the global LGBTQ+ community in commemorating WorldPride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969.
In celebration of Pride Month, the WNBA social channels will promote the importance of taking a stand for equality and inclusion for everyone with #wnba pride. Throughout June, the WNBA social media channels will give an in-depth look at player and fan stories of inspiration.
Team activities will also be showcased on WNBA and NBA social media channels with the hashtag #wnba pride. Teams will offer special ticket packages, in-arena experiences and Pride-themed games and community events during the month.
They will also participate in local Pride marches and festivals and activate with local Pride groups. Additional information on team events and celebrations can be found at WNBA.com/pride.
