✍️ By: Gay-Chat Editorial
At Citi Field on June 13, over 41,600 fans witnessed something bigger than baseball: the New York Mets’ annual Pride Night. The stadium was awash in rainbow colors, a bold display of inclusion complete with nonbinary Tony Award winner Alex Newell performing the national anthem. But when two male fans shared a kiss on the Jumbotron, conservative commentators on X cried “disrespect” and “anti-American conduct”—prompting a wave of outrage online.
Digging deeper, the videos reveal that the American flag remained prominently displayed, and the anthem was fully performed. The backlash, fueled more by political posturing than factual controversy, reflects a broader culture war targeting LGBTQ+ visibility.
One uplifting moment: Mets star Pete Alonso walked onto the field to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a subtle yet powerful nod to allyship that resonated with many spectators. In the end, the evening demonstrated that Pride celebrations in sports aren’t just symbolic—they’re a form of community building and inclusivity that transcends the game.
⚾ Takeaway: In today’s polarized climate, a moment of LGBTQ+ visibility on a Jumbotron can polarize—but also mobilize. Pride Night wasn’t just a game; it was a platform for inclusion and unity.