NFL to Host Pride Night During Super Bowl Week – and Bigots Are Raging
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The National Football League (NFL) has once again announced that it will be hosting A Night of Pride event during Super Bowl week, leaving bigots up in arms. This annual event, presented by Smirnoff and in partnership with GLAAD, will take place on 7 February ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The night will consist of music, cocktails, and interview-style conversations with GLAAD, including a panel discussion on how inclusion in sports advances acceptance for LGBTQ+ people. The event will also feature a special live performance by singer-songwriter VINCINT.
GLAAD president and chief executive, Sarah Kate Ellis, expressed her excitement about the partnership with the NFL in creating spaces where all fans can celebrate and promoting visibility for LGBTQ+ fans at the Super Bowl and throughout the season. She emphasized the importance of creating safe and inclusive sports environments for the LGBTQ+ community.
Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice-president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, echoed these sentiments, stating that A Night of Pride with GLAAD is a strong step towards accelerating acceptance and demonstrating the NFL’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the league’s commitment to ensuring that football is for everyone.
Unsurprisingly, news of the event was met with backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ fans who threatened to boycott the NFL. Some social media users labeled the event as “woke” and criticized the league for embracing inclusivity. However, many LGBTQ+ fans and allies came out in support of the event, praising the NFL’s efforts and mocking those who were outraged by it.
While this event has sparked controversy, it is not the first time that LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports has faced backlash from homophobes and transphobes. Last summer, the LA Dodgers faced protests after inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag collective, to appear at their Pride event. The team initially faced criticism from religious groups and rescinded the invitation, only to reinstate it after receiving backlash from LGBTQ+ fans.
Super Bowl LVIII is expected to attract an estimated 150,000 attendees to Nevada, with last year’s game drawing a TV audience of over 115 million viewers. The NFL’s decision to host A Night of Pride demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and sends a powerful message of support to the LGBTQ+ community.
In conclusion, the NFL’s announcement of hosting A Night of Pride during Super Bowl week has ignited both support and backlash. While some fans have threatened to boycott the league, many LGBTQ+ individuals and allies have praised the event and commended the NFL for its commitment to inclusivity. This event serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports is still met with resistance, but the NFL’s efforts demonstrate progress towards creating safe and inclusive spaces for all fans.
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“NFL Pride Night Super Bowl”
