The recent decision by Los Angeles Dodgers to disinvite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from their annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night drew sharp criticism from LA Pride, LGBT Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, among others. The decision was considered a significant setback for the Dodgers, a team that had integrated Major League Baseball back in 1947 by inviting Jackie Robinson. However, the team recently reversed that decision and invited the group back, along with extending an apology for the earlier decision.
LGBTQ+ Pride Night and the Cultural Significance of Inclusion
The LGBTQ+ Pride Night is a high-priority event for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and as champions of inclusion, they consider the event central to their core values. While the decision to disinvite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence may have been due to complaints from politicians and religious groups, it hurt the sentiments of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies who consider Pride Night as a symbol of cultural significance and a celebration of their identities. Therefore, the reinvitation to the event is a much-needed step in the right direction.
The Importance of Allies and Community Support
The reaction of LA Pride, LGBT Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, and other groups refusing to attend the event until the Dodgers reversed their initial decision displayed the importance of allies and community support. Furthermore, the decision to invite Glenn Burke’s family, the first major leaguer to come out as gay, last year to Pride Night was another significant step towards inclusivity. Thus, it is vital to have support from allies and communities while practicing inclusion and standing up against biases and stigma.
Editorial and Advice
The reverse decision to invite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to the Pride Night by the Los Angeles Dodgers is commendable and a significant step towards inclusivity. However, more efforts need to be made to avoid such decisions that have the potential to hurt the sentiments of diverse communities. A better understanding of the community’s needs and effective communication with stakeholders can lead to better decisions that promote a culture of inclusion. Finally, it is essential to recognize that inclusivity should not be a one-time effort, and more work needs to be done to strengthen the ties that bind and support all the fans who make up the diversity of the Dodgers family.
<< photo by Mercedes Mehling >>
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