5 Unforgettable Moments During LGBTQ Pride Month in the WNBA
By EJ Whelan
The WNBA isn’t afraid to stand for issues that other leagues leave alone. Let’s check out some of those June moments.
The WNBA celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month this June in stellar fashion. Stadiums were adorned with rainbows, team logos sported a vibrant new look, and fans and players took to social media to show their support and solidarity for the LGBTQ community. In the WNBA pride and equality are a staple of the brand, so it’s no surprise that June was full of great activities and events to showcase their support. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most unforgettable moments that unfolded during Pride month in the WNBA.
1. Love Birds
Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird and her girlfriend, soccer star Megan Rapinoe, became the first gay couple ever to be featured in ESPN The Body Issue. The response on Twitter and other social media sites was huge. Teammate Breanna Stewart also graced the pages of this years issue, and used the opportunity to speak out for victims of sexual abuse.
2. Liberty in the Streets
The WNBA and the NBA joined forces again for the NYC Pride March on Sunday June 24th, 2018. Unfortunately, the Liberty were on a two game road trip that weekend. Former Liberty center Kym Hampton (1997-1999), and Director of Player & Franchise Development Teresa Weatherspoon represented the Liberty in their absence.
3. Fashion and Compassion
The WNBA partnered up with GLSEN and Fanatics to offer fans an exclusive line of colorful WNBA gear with their favorite team logos celebrating LGBTQ Pride. All proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a champion and protector of LGBTQ rights in K-12 education. Check out the WNBA Store where you can support a great cause while also sporting a great look.
4. Pride-day Night Lights
Each team in the league hosted their own Pride Night for fans to enjoy. There were special prizes for fans, giveaways, LGBTQ musicians and artists, after parties, and lot’s of great basketball. 2018 Olympic Bronze Medalist Figure Skater Adam Rippon (also in this year’s Body Issue) headlined Pride Night for the Phoenix Mercury when they hosted the Connecticut Suns on Sunday June 16th. The Mercury defeated the Suns 89-72.
5. All the great WNBA basketball
With everything going on this month in the WNBA and in the country, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how good the league has gotten. The Watch Me Work campaign has helped generate interest in new fans. Attendance is up. The WNBA and Fanduel announced a multi-year expansion of their existing partnership. Keep in mind that the NBA was around for nearly 30 years before it became the brand we all know and love today. The league is growing, the game is evolving, fans are excited and its a great time to start following the WNBA if you don’t already!
Don’t forget to vote for this years All-Star Game! Check out my article on the new game format, voting rules, and how to vote.
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What were some of your favorite moments from this years Pride Month in the WNBA? Who is your WNBA crush? Will the West win the All-Star game again? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think! THANKS!