When FC Cincinnati host the LA Galaxy on Saturday night, Nippert Stadium will be spruced up to celebrate the club’s annual Equality Night.
On the field, the Orange and Blue will warmup in rainbow training tops, while the captain's armband will resemble a pride flag. Corner flags will be rainbows, similar to the ones that will fly in The Bailey. And if Saturday is anything like last year, there could even be rainbow plumes of smoke before kickoff rising from The Bailey.
June is widely recognized nationally – and internationally – as LGBTQ Pride Month, and this year should be especially poignant with June 28 and 29 marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. As a result, MLS and fans alike have created initiatives to spread awareness for equality.
Players have, too.
In fact, three FC Cincinnati players – Spencer Richey, Tommy McCabe and Jimmy McLaughlin – are currently participating in Playing for Pride, which embraces support for the LGBTQ community in addition to providing financial donations to Athletes Ally.
“I got into Playing for Pride because it was a social topic that I was invested in,” said Richey, who’s in his second season with the charity. “From growing up in Seattle, it’s probably a city that’s furthest along than most in the U.S. in terms of accepting the gay community and letting people love who they want to love and marry the people they want to marry.
“I’m a big believer that it’s not something that has to do with politics or your opinion. It comes down to people love who they want to love and we should let them be.”
Playing for Pride is in its third year and is simplistic. Essentially, players who participate will list amounts they’ll donate if certain things happen in matches. For example, Richey donates $25 for each win, $20 per start, $15 per clean sheet and $3 a save.
“It’s cool that people can do as much or as little as they want, and it can be customized, too,” Richey said. “It’s all going back to Playing for Pride and to Athlete Ally. Hopefully we can raise a bunch of money throughout the month.”
The organization was started by North Carolina FC’s Austin da Luz – who was McCabe’s teammate. While the rookie midfielder was on loan with the USL Championship side, he spoke with da Luz about the cause and wanted to contribute
“You can definitely tell it’s more than just a showcase on social media,” McCabe said. “It’s something he preaches year-round and this is just a platform and opportunity for him and other people to be able to express their interests and beliefs.”
More than 100 players around the world participate in Playing for Pride. Richey said “a ton” of players across MLS and the USL are participating this season.
Jimmy McLaughlin, who’s in his second season participating, said it’s an amazing cause and a platform he supports.
“I thought it was a great idea and a wonderful way to support soccer for all,” McLaughlin said. “It’s important to me because I believe everyone should have the same rights and ability to experience everything in life.
Playing for Pride’s goal is to reach $20,000 this season. Currently, the total is at $3,000. You can donate here, or also by texting “PLAY4PRIDE19” to 71777.
