The Director of Pride Toronto, Olivia Nuamah, recently suggested that the Toronto Blue Jays have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Nuamah’s comments come as the Blue Jays prepare to host their annual Pride Night at Rogers Centre on June 8th.
Pride Night is an event that has become increasingly popular in Major League Baseball over the past few years. It is a night where teams show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by incorporating rainbow-themed merchandise, hosting pregame events, and making donations to LGBTQ+ organizations.
Nuamah believes that the Blue Jays can take their support of the LGBTQ+ community to the next level by using their platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. She suggests that the team could do this by featuring LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches in their promotional materials, hosting educational workshops for players and staff on LGBTQ+ issues, and partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations to create meaningful change in the community.
The Blue Jays have already taken steps towards promoting inclusivity in sports. In 2019, they became the first Canadian team to sign on to the Athlete Ally pledge, which is a commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. They also have a dedicated employee resource group called “Jays Care Allies” that focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization.
However, there is still work to be done. Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, LGBTQ+ athletes still face significant barriers in sports. According to a study by GLAAD, only 1% of all college athletes identify as LGBTQ+. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including fear of discrimination and lack of representation in sports media.
By using their platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance, the Blue Jays have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans. Nuamah’s suggestion is a reminder that sports have the power to bring people together and create positive change in the world.
