Updated on June 9, 2024, with more fabulous feedback from adorable allies!
The Complimentary Spouse and I spent this afternoon at the Trop, America’s best OKest worst godawfulest ballpark, and saw our beloved but bumbling Tampa Bay Rays lose to the Orioles. We had a gay ol’ time, despite the loss, because it was this year’s Pride game.
This is part of my Gayskool project:
A new LGBTQ-themed post every day for Pride month.
I’ve written about Pride games before (cf. Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Up High!), but I’ve never asked straight allies what they think about them. I reached out to a few friends to get their thoughts. Here’s what they said:
I feel proud to be part of a celebration of humanity.
It’s always great to celebrate humanity. It’s even better with hot dogs and beer.
I think of Pride games the same way I think of all such games. Whether it’s Jackie Robinson Day, Roberto Clemente Day, Jewish Heritage Day, or any similar day, it’s all about recognition. They demonstrate that baseball is for anyone and everyone. All people should be comfortable at the ballpark, whether playing or in the stands.
When I’m at a Pride game, or any similar type game for the matter, for whatever reason, I find myself looking around to see if there are any assholes who have a problem with anything that is happening. But I love seeing the people celebrating the day.
I wish we were at a point where such days weren’t necessary. But those who have a problem with it are the ones who get ostracized. That’s progress.
Yup, I see my fair share of sneers, whispered asides, and disdainful looks. But I know the assholes have to be on their best behavior at these events, so I feel more amused than endangered.
Their discomfort tickles and sustains me.
I think it’s fabulous! It opens the eyes of straight white heterosexual men in an environment they’re comfortable in.
Yup, I see this too! A lot of people in the stands aren’t used to being around so many out and proud LGBTQ folks. They see real human beings, not stereotypes from teevee or the bogeymen our enemies portray us as. Sometimes, I catch them waving rainbow flags, mouthing the words when the DJ plays a gay anthem, and applauding the same-sex couples featured on the KissCam.
Their comfort tickles and sustains me.
What is this thing you call “sporting events”?!
It’s that stuff that happens before and after the Super Bowl halftime show. No, not the commercials. The other stuff.
I remember one time I wore a red shirt to Disney. This was before the internet, and I had no idea it was Gay Day. People kept coming up to me to celebrate. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I didn’t mind. I liked being part of something like that.
I think it’s the same thing with Pride games. People are celebrating something important to them. What’s the problem with that?
By the way, you guys need more than a month. Pride should be all year long.
“By the way, do you still wear red shirts?” he asked.
“No, we’re doing hot pink T-shirts covered with Swarovski crystals now,” I replied.
Fun for the whole family.
Not only that, but you’re guaranteed to hear Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.”
It’s pretty much the only time I go. My straight friends never invite me to baseball games.
I’m biased, but I certainly think events are more fun with LGBTQ people. Especially baseball, because every term related to the game is a gay double entendre.
I know you’re dying to learn what those sporty yet naughty terms are. Well, I’m not going to tell you here. You’ll just have to join Britt and me at an upcoming Pride game.