The NFL announced it would host “A Night of Pride with GLAAD” during the week of festivities in Las Vegas leading up to Super Bowl LVIII on February 7.
In a press release, the league highlighted its partnership with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to host the third annual event sponsored by Smirnoff. GLAAD has been a vocal supporter of groups like “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,” an LGBTQ-related nonprofit that incorporates religious imagery into its drag performances, where members dress like nuns. Critics say the group mocks the Catholic faith.
“A Night of Pride with GLAAD is an evening of music, cocktails and interview-style conversations with GLAAD, a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change,” the press release read. “The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and current players.”
The #NFL will host the third annual “A Night of Pride” during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas on February 7.
“The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and… pic.twitter.com/lPDqHf2AYT
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 22, 2024
“GLAAD’s partnership with the NFL is committed to creating spaces where all fans can celebrate and to growing important visibility for LGBTQ fans at the Super Bowl and all season long,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said. “The third annual ‘A Night of Pride’ at Super Bowl LVIII will spotlight LGBTQ leaders in sports as we work to create safe and inclusive sports environments for our community.”
“Our Third Annual A Night of Pride with GLAAD is yet another strong step to accelerating acceptance and demonstrating the NFL’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ community,” NFL’s Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane said. “We look forward to continuing and strengthening our efforts to ensure football is for everyone.”
The NFL also confirmed it would “host its second annual Pride Flag Football Clinic at Super Bowl Experience, working with a local center that serves LGBTQ youth. Attendees and their families will be celebrated and welcomed by NFL players and members of the National Gay Flag Football League.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
GLAAD made headlines last year when it slammed the Los Angeles Dodgers after the team rescinded an invitation to “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” to participate in its Pride Night celebration. The Dodgers were responding to a backlash accusing the group of acts of sacrilege and mocking Catholicism.
“Let me be clear. This is NOT inclusion,” Tony Morrison, the Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD, wrote on social media at the time.
“LGBTQ rights and inclusion are rooted in protest and education,” he added. “If you claim to stand for queer rights and joy yet fear controversy, get out of the way for others to do it right.”
In the end, the Dodgers reversed course and did end up honoring the group with a Community Hero Award.