Dodgers backtrack on decision not to invite gay, transgender nuns to Pride Night
The Los Angeles Dodgers reversed course and re-invited groups known to be gay and drag members to their Pride Night event. Last minute exclusion.
The team announced the move on Monday, announcing that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence had agreed to perform at an event against San Francisco on June 16 at Dodger Stadium.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers extend their sincerest apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and their friends and family,” the club said.
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were expected to win the Community Hero Award of the night.
In a statement on its website, the group describes its mission: “We use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of prejudice, complacency and guilt that bind the human mind.” .
On May 17, the Dodgers withdrew the invitation after Senator Marco Rubio (R, Florida) denounced his participation in the group. Rubio criticized the content in a letter to Major League Baseball.
“The Sisters of Eternal Indulgence ridicule Catholicism and encourage the ‘perversion’ of Jesus’ doctrine,” he said.
The team explicitly disagreed, but argued that the group’s presence would be polarizing. The move has seen aggressive right-wing demonstrators target events known as “Drag Queen Story Hour” for threats and protests, while Republican-controlled congresses in several states passed anti-trans legislation. It was done while the decision was being made.
The team may not have expected the reaction.
The next day, LA Pride, which hosts the city’s eponymous annual parade and festival celebrating LGBTQ life and culture, Withdrew from Pride Night.
The Dodgers provided an opportunity for the episode to “better educate ourselves, find ways to strengthen our bond, and use our platform to support all of the fans who make up the diversity of the Dodgers family.” said to do.
LA Pride did not immediately respond to a request for comment and has yet to post an official response on its social media platforms.
Joe Hollendner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, said in a statement Monday that the team’s significant responsibility was “a step in the right direction.”
“Last week’s debacle highlights the dangerous impact of political tactics by those seeking to fan the flames of anti-LGBTQ prejudice at a time when our rights are under attack,” he said. “We must continue to be united.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dodgers-walk-back-decision-uninvite-queer-trans-nuns-pride-night-rcna85710 Dodgers backtrack on decision not to invite gay, transgender nuns to Pride Night