The NFL announced “A Night of Pride with GLAAD” during the Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas, partnering with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for the third annual event.
The press release highlighted the league’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusion and support for LGBTQ former and current players.
GLAAD’s President emphasized the partnership’s aim to create safe and inclusive sports environments for the LGBTQ community.
The #NFL will host the third annual “A Night of Pride” during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas on February 7.
“The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL's commitment to LGBTQ former and… pic.twitter.com/lPDqHf2AYT
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 22, 2024
“A Night of Pride with GLAAD is an evening of music, cocktails and interview-style conversations with GLAAD, a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change,” the release stated.
“The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and current players.”
The NFL confirmed its second annual Pride Flag Football Clinic at Super Bowl Experience, collaborating with a local center serving LGBTQ youth.
“GLAAD’s partnership with the NFL is committed to creating spaces where all fans can celebrate and to growing important visibility for LGBTQ fans at the Super Bowl and all season long,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said. “The third annual ‘A Night of Pride’ at Super Bowl LVIII will spotlight LGBTQ leaders in sports as we work to create safe and inclusive sports environments for our community.”
“Our Third Annual A Night of Pride with GLAAD is yet another strong step to accelerating acceptance and demonstrating the NFL’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ community,” NFL Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane said. “We look forward to continuing and strengthening our efforts to ensure football is for everyone.”
The NFL noted that it will “host its second annual Pride Flag Football Clinic at Super Bowl Experience, working with a local center that serves LGBTQ youth. Attendees and their families will be celebrated and welcomed by NFL players and members of the National Gay Flag Football League.”
This move follows GLAAD’s previous criticism of the Los Angeles Dodgers for rescinding an invitation to “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” during its Pride Night celebration, which was later reinstated.
“Let me be clear. This is NOT inclusion,” the Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD Tony Morrison said at the time.
“LGBTQ rights and inclusion are rooted in protest and education,” he said. “If you claim to stand for queer rights and joy yet fear controversy, get out of the way for others to do it right.”
