As we kick off June’s LGBT Month, the USSSA Pride announced they will host professional softball’s first-ever LGBT Pride Night on June 20 to celebrate diversity and inclusion. 

Following the lead of other men’s and women’s major professional sports leagues such as the MLB, WNBA, and NWSL, the USSSA Pride will become the first team in the NPF to officially recognize a night dedicated to the LGBT community. 

"The evening will be a celebration of equality and inclusion while also recognizing key members of our fan base and building community within. It is important that we take a stand publicly to show every one of our fans that we support and embrace them regardless of gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation."

Jami Lobpries, USSSA Pride’s Director of Marketing and former NPF player

Pre-game festivities will begin prior to the game’s first pitch which is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET at USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, FL. The USSSA Pride are inviting survivors and first responders from the Pulse nightclub tragedy to be a part of the pre-game ceremonies. June 12 marks the two-year mark of the horrific tragedy in Orlando, which is only 50 miles from Space Coast Stadium. Special game-worn jerseys from Boombah will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds benefitting the onePULSE Foundation. The onePulse Foundation was established to create a sanctuary of hope and honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the Pulse shooting.

“It is an honor to play in the league’s first-ever LGBT Pride night and to help promote unity and acceptance in our sport and society," Pride first baseman Hallie Wilson said. "Our home state of Florida has rallied around this cause after the tragedy at Pulse nightclub in Orlando two summers ago. It’s time the NPF joins the effort and speaks up for the LGBT community for basic human rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 

Veteran outfielder Megan Wiggins added that the USSSA Pride players are excited to be a part of this community-building night. 

“I think it is important as a professional league to celebrate equality and the unity of people and to celebrate the differences that make up the world we live in," she said. "Having an LGBTQ night shows how our league and our team, the USSSA Pride, can celebrate the progression of societal equalities. It is an honor to be able to be part of a team who sees this as something to celebrate and give others the opportunity to celebrate as well.” 

LGBT Pride Night will be embraced throughout the stadium from pre-game ceremonies to promotional food and beverage offerings to in-game entertainment to themed merchandise. In addition, there will be community outreach and activation with local and Orlando LGBT groups.