“I think what it has created is, like, what you’ve heard – a lot of conversation and valuing the different perspectives inside the clubhouse but really appreciating the community that we’re trying to support here.” Womens Gay Prid dresses designed and sold by independent artists. Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash explained: Choose from A-line dresses in sizes XXS-4XL and T-shirt dresses in sizes XS-XXL. Nonetheless, management attempted to keep things light and put a positive spin on these players’ choice to not wear Pride-themed jerseys. Officials for the Tampa Bay Rays expressed that participating in this Pride celebration was not mandatory, making it clear that each player had the choice to opt in or out of it.
But when we put it on our bodies, I think a lot of guys decided that it’s just a lifestyle that maybe – not that they look down on anybody or think differently – it’s just that maybe we don’t want to encourage it if we believe in Jesus, who’s encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would abstain from that behavior, just like encourages me as a heterosexual male to abstain from sex outside of the confines of marriage.
The following year, organizers hosted the first Gay Pride Parade to honor the brave men and women who stood up for equality. Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here. The riots began in 1969 and served as a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. “A lot of it comes down to faith, to like a faith-based decision. Tampa Bay Rays players who refused to wear the rainbow-themed clothing in support of the LGBTQ+ community include Jason Adam, Brooks Raley, Jalen Beeks, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Thompson. However, several players took issue with the move and refused to wear the jerseys and hats that contained the rainbow-colored logo. In a gesture to celebrate Pride Month, the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team held a so-called “Pride Night” where various players wore special-edition jerseys containing a rainbow-colored version of the team’s logo.