The NFL is gearing up for its third annual “A Night of Pride” event as part of the Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas.
The event, presented by Smirnoff, aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports and will feature a special performance by singer-songwriter VINCINT.
Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, emphasised the event’s role in fostering safe and inclusive sports environments for the LGBTQ+ community. Similarly, Jonathan Beane, NFL’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, highlighted the league’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ fans.
While the event’s announcement has sparked some negative reactions, with critics labelling it as ‘woke’, the event has also received support from LGBTQ+ fans and allies. Social media responses range from boycott threats to expressions of gratitude from queer football enthusiasts.
The NFL’s initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusion into sports, a move that has previously sparked controversy. For instance, the LA Dodgers faced protests last summer for hosting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at their Pride event. The decision, which was initially reversed due to criticism from religious groups, was later reinstated following backlash from LGBTQ+ supporters.
An estimated 150,000 people are expected to travel to Nevada for the Super Bowl, and last year’s game drew over 115 million viewers in the U.S.
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