Latest news with #PrideNight
San Francisco Chronicle
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Expansion Valkyries' bond with LGBTQ+ community was forged immediately
Gigi Jackson, of Hayward, left, and her partner Lety Calzada take photos of Chicago Sky player Ariel Atkins, who Jackson attended Duncanvile High School in Dallas, TX, prior to the matchup against the Golden State Valkyries for their Pride Celebration at Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, June 27, 2025. Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle Epiphany Kali, a drag performer with Ronnie Reddick Presents I'm Every Woman, receives help with her dress from Ronnie Reddick before their halftime performance at Chase Center as the Golden State Valkyries celebrate Pride Night at Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, June 27, 2025. Ronnie Reddick Presents comprises of drag and trans performers. Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle A drag queen strutted across center court, rainbow lights pulsed through the Chase Center and Megan Doherty-Baker stood watching on the 200 level, wearing a Pride Golden State Valkyries T-shirt. The Valkyries were narrowly up at the half of a tense game with the Chicago Sky, but the vibe was loose; it was the team's first Pride game. 'This is, and has been, such a joyous experience,' Doherty-Baker said. 'Coming into this arena and seeing a lot of visible queers, not to mention those that I can't visibly recognize. I see community here. I think there's been a lot of us for a long time who have been WNBA fans and sports fans, and so the fact that there are so many of us here, and a place for us here, is exciting.' Pride nights have become politically divisive across sports, with some teams and leagues dropping them entirely. The WNBA and women's sports as a whole have historically been a more welcoming experience for LGBTQ+ fans, especially queer women. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'I think the reason we have, or I have at least, been a WNBA fan has been exactly because it's not like the NBA or men's sports,' Doherty-Baker said. The Valkyries became the first WNBA team to sell 10,000 season tickets. They've sold out all nine games this season. Courtside seats have cost up to $3,900. Sportico reported that they are the first pro women's sports team to reach a $500 million valuation, making the league's newest team its most valuable. Expansion teams in any sport, but especially in younger leagues, take longer to build a fan base without a rich history. But the Valkyries had a built-in audience ready before any players were on the roster. 'I'm all about inclusivity and I'm all about acceptance and all about allowing people to be themselves,' said Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase on Friday. 'I'm really big on that, and I could feel that when I walk into the arena, when I'm here at the Bay, I feel so much culture mixed together. And to me, it almost feels like I was accepted the minute I landed here. I think that's special. I think that's unique, because I don't think it's like that in every other city that I've visited or lived in. We're just a great community that kind of opens our arms to everyone and anyone.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad Approximately 27% of WNBA players identify as openly queer, according to AutoStraddle. A Morning Consult survey found that 73% of LGBTQ+ sports fans feel more welcome at leagues and teams that have Pride nights. The league's early renditions catered to the desirability of different audiences, centering on traditional sports fans that advertising surveys would find to be straight men. Still, the league didn't grow on that alone. The WNBA became the first sports league in the United States to create an annual Pride platform every June in 2014. Since then, the WNBA's attendance has increased by 52%, and ESPN's average viewership has risen by 170% year-over-year, reaching 1.19 million in 2024. Much of that has been attributed to the Caitlin Clark effect, as well as her appeal as a straight, white superstar; however, WNBA ratings had been increasing since 2021. The growth of women's sports, and especially the WNBA, into the mainstream has made some queer fans feel pushed to the side after their fandom sparked initial growth. After being the loyal audience for more than a decade while others scoffed, it's felt like being replaced as soon as the league had the option. 'I still have my own question marks around, like, how inclusive both the league and even this franchise wants to be,' Doherty-Baker said. 'That's an issue around, there's a lot more excitement about women's sports from people who haven't been here or are new to it. I worry about some of the transphobia that we definitely see, and just what the limits are of, there's a Pride night, we feel included. But I think we pretty quickly end up bumping up against how far corporations are actually willing to understand where we're coming from.' Against that backdrop, the Valkyries haven't hesitated to not only be inclusive of their queer fanbase, but also to center it. Intentionally or not, the Valkyries brand has tons of imagery queer fans connect with. Their colors, 'Valkyrie Violet,' are closer to a shade of lavender, which was used to represent queer empowerment during the civil rights movement. The team name is the same as a queer Marvel superhero, 'Valkyrie,' played by openly queer actress Tessa Thompson. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oakland native and lesbian singer Kehlaini voiced the team's first promotional video, 'I think their marketing definitely is what drew me in,' said Holly Schultz, a San Francisco resident who wasn't a sports fan before the Valkyries started. 'From the very first post that they did, the video that they did, I was like, 'Oh, this is cool, I could be a part of this.'' While there have always been queer women's basketball fans and players, the sport — and WNBA — haven't always been as explicitly welcoming. Several queer players were closeted or not marketed in the early 2000s, but the league chose to lean into its LGBTQ+ audience later on. 'I'd never had a real desire to go to a game for like the Giants or Warriors much,' Schultz said. 'But then I saw there were queer players and how many queer fans there were for the Valkyries and now I feel very passionate about them.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first Valkyries season has felt pretty queer to its fans. While the WNBA confronts its growing mainstream audience, the inaugural Valkyries fandom hopes they will always feel secure in their space. 'When there's a lot of money and power, these kinds of institutions might think they can do just enough, and that'll be enough,' Doherty-Baker said. 'But who we are as a community is that we're always pushing for more, and we'll do that here as well.'
Axios
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Tampa Bay's new People's Pride rejects corporate, police ties
Concerned that St. Pete Pride has grown too corporate, a group of activist organizations say they want to return the celebration to its roots. Why it matters: The People's Pride Coalition will hold its inaugural Pride Night on Friday at a time of increasing skepticism of corporate-backed Pride events and marketing campaigns. The big picture: That's especially true this year, as major companies retreat from Pride sponsorships and participation amid President Trump's attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. "They're outing themselves as not truly supporting queer people," coalition member V Garcia told Axios. The wishy-washy approach also shows that relying on corporate support isn't sustainable, added coalition member Gabby Aguilera. Zoom in: The coalition — made up of local grassroots organizations including Tampa Democratic Socialists of America and the Justice Advocacy Network — formed in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks and the ensuing war that has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians. Organizers were troubled by the big-business sponsors underpinning St. Pete Pride, such as defense contractor GE Aerospace and phosphate mining firm Mosaic, which has a troubling environmental history in Tampa Bay. They've also taken issue with the festival's police presence, a wariness that's only grown as more law enforcement agencies, including St. Pete police, sign partnerships with federal immigration authorities. What they're saying:"It just goes directly against the roots and history of Pride," which began as an uprising, Aguilera said. The other side: St. Pete Pride leaders have heard the coalition's concerns "and recognize that the origins of Pride are rooted in protest and the ongoing fight for liberation and equity for all," president Byron Green-Calisch said in a statement to Axios. Police officers are there to "ensure the safety of the more than half a million attendees expected at our Pride events." "This is a necessity, not an endorsement," he said, adding that leaders "understand that it raises valid concerns for some." Between the lines: Coalition organizers recognize the need for security and that police are typically involved with closing off city streets for parades and similar events. Cutting ties is "not going to be a quick fix," Aguilera said. The nonprofit St. Pete Pride is also working on broadening its individual donor base, new executive director Bior Guigni told Axios in a previous interview. When it comes to corporate partnerships, her goal is to ensure that "it's not just a monetary exchange, but it's also a mission alignment," she said. The latest: While GE Aerospace and Mosaic are not listed among this year's sponsors, coalition members plan to continue putting pressure on the organization to meet their demands. And while they'll march in Saturday's Pride parade, coalition members organized Pride Night for folks who identify with their mission. If you go: The event is 6-10pm Friday at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Pete. The lineup includes live music, drag performances, crafts, free food and a free store. A $5-15 donation is suggested but not required.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Commentator Chip Caray learns his fate after accidental homophobic slur live on air during Pride Night promo
St Louis Cardinals commentator Chip Caray will not be suspended after his unfortunate slip of the tongue during a Pride Night commercial on Saturday night. The 60-year-old broadcaster hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he inadvertently used a homophobic slur at the worst possible moment live on air. Speaking on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest's broadcast of the Cardinals-Reds game, he said: 'Disability Pride Night is Thursday, July 10. With a themed ticket, fans take home a Cardinals cap featuring the disability pride fa**... flag.' What followed was an uncomfortable 31 seconds of silence, before analyst Brad Thompson chimed in to continue the pair's narration of the game. While no official statement has yet been made, Front Office Sports report that Caray will not face any punishment for the accidental slur. Instead, the network understands it to be an 'honest mistake', per sources, and that Caray meant to insult to any of the viewers. Fans backed Caray, and it is understood he will not be punished for the accidental slur on air A VERY painful 31 seconds of silence after Chip Caray accidentally says slur while reading Disability Pride promo... — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 21, 2025 The decision is set to go down well with fans, who quickly insisted that the viral moment should not result in any punishment for Caray - the grandson of legendary announcer Harry. 'It was an obvious slip of the tongue, just a simple apology and move on,' one wrote, while another added: 'The silence after is the apology, he's obviously mortified and probably has a thousand thoughts running in his head. 'He should not be reprimanded. It was literally a slip of the tongue. I highly doubt Caray is running around using that word. People need to focus on real outrage.' The on-air Freudian slip led to some making the comparison with announcer Thom Brennaman's homophobic slur back in 2020, while results in him being exiled from broadcasting for nearly four years. The difference in that case, though, is that Brennaman thought he was off-air when he referred to Kansas City as 'one of the f*g capitals of the world'. 'Within seven hours, I was basically fired for everything,' Brennaman said in an interview with The Athletic last year. He now has a new job with the CW calling college football and said of his current role: 'There are no words to describe how grateful I am that they're rolling the dice. They don't have to do this.'
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLB Announcer Makes Unfortunate Mistake Reading 'Pride Night' Ad
MLB Announcer Makes Unfortunate Mistake Reading 'Pride Night' Ad originally appeared on The Spun. The silence was deafening during Saturday's broadcast of Reds-Cardinals when St. Louis announcer Chip Caray made an awful slip while reading an ad for the team's upcoming Disability Pride Night. Advertisement While the veteran play-by-play voice quickly corrected the unfortunate mistake where he read the word "flag" with the "l," the half a minute or so to follow made for some of the most awkward television you'll ever see. The dead air was eventually broken by partner Brad Thompson who swooped in to note Sonny Gray's pitch being called a ball. There didn't seem to be anything intentional about Caray's comment, but that didn't change how tough of a listen it was. Ironically, Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman was caught using a much more pointed use of the homophobic slur a handful of years ago when calling the team's doubleheader vs. the Kansas City Royals. Advertisement "One of the [expletive] capitals of the world. 'Reds Live,' the pregame show, presented by Ray St. Clair Roofing…" Brennaman said, before apologizing later that night. I made a comment earlier tonight that I guess went out over the air that I am deeply ashamed of. If I have hurt anyone out there, I can't tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart that I am so very, very sorry. I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith... I don't know if I'm going to be putting on this headset again, I don't know if it's going to be for the Reds, I don't know if it's going to be for my bosses at FOX. Mar 30, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Bally Sports Midwest announcer Chip Caray and Brad Thompson wave to the fans during the second inning of an opening day game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images© Jeff Curry-Imagn Images I want to apologize to the people who sign my paycheck, for the Reds, for FOX Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody I've offended here tonight. I can't begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am. That is not who I am, it never has been, and I'd like to think I could have some people, maybe, that could back that up. I am very, very sorry, and I beg for your forgiveness. Brennaman had been exiled from broadcasting for nearly four years following the incident before returning to the booth with The CW last summer. Related: 5 Teenage Girls In 'Awful' Deadly Car Accident MLB Announcer Makes Unfortunate Mistake Reading 'Pride Night' Ad first appeared on The Spun on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Toronto Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Blue Jays no match for lowly Chicago White Sox in series opener
Blue Jays' Spencer Turnbull delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on Friday, June 20, 2025. Photo by MARK BLINCH / GETTY IMAGES In his first start for the Blue Jays, veteran right-hander Spencer Turnbull didn't exactly leave a stirring first impression. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In fact, he left a lot to be desired. Turnbull's outing took a turn for the worse two batters into the evening when he served up a home run to Andrew Benintendi. The visiting Chicago White Sox were off and running, while the Jays continued to play from their heels. On Pride Night at Rogers Centre, not many prideful moments could be mustered as the Pale Hose took the series opener, 7-1. A day earlier in the series finale against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, the Jays, who were looking for a sweep, trailed 9-1 before saving some face in an eventual 9-5 loss. As for Turnbull, he faced 12 White Sox hitters and allowed seven to reach base. His 45-pitch outing was one to forget, a regrettable night featuring five hits and two walks. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A four-run fourth inning by the ChiSox would extend the lead to 7-0. The Jays didn't get their first man on base until Bo Bichette's leadoff single in the fourth, only to be erased on an inning-ending double play. The Jays finally mounted some kind of threat in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with one out only to see Tyler Heineman hit into a double play. Read More It was that kind of night. At least the evening did usher in the return of Nathan Lukes and Nick Sandlin, each activated off the injured list. Lukes started in left field and would make a nice catch at the wall, while also recording one hit in the loss. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sandlin pitched a clean inning in the sixth when he gave up one hit, while recording one strikeout. Bichette added a double in the home half of the frame, but was left stranded, and drove in the Jays' lone run in the eighth to complete his three-hit evening. Chad Green became the fifth pitcher the Jays used when he started the seventh inning. Through six innings, the Jays' offence had recorded a total of five hits. On any given day or night, any team, even the lowly White Sox, who brought a 23-52 record into the evening, can topple an opponent who boasts a better record. What made Friday's loss so alarming was how meekly the Blue Jays succumbed, how quickly they dug themselves a hole and how emphatic they would lose as their record dropped to 40-35. RECOMMENDED VIDEO World Toronto & GTA Columnists Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays
