The NBA has
done something that the sports world has never seen before. In partnership with
the Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the league has introduced a new line of
apparel that features all 30 team logos in rainbow colors to celebrate the newly designated LGBT Pride Month in June. The
shirts are being sold exclusively on Teespring, and
all proceeds go to GLSEN.
It is the first
time a men’s professional sports league has released official apparel in
support of LGBT pride, according to SB Nation’s Outsports.
“Professional
sports showing up for LGBT people is one of the biggest cultural developments
of the last decade, and really the last five years,” GLSEN executive director
Eliza Byard told Outsports Tuesday. “Having this be a league-wide
initiative, knowing any LGBT fan in the country can choose to celebrate their
team and themselves with one of those shirts, that’s a whole new thing.”
While this is
the first time a men’s professional sports league has unveiled pride T-shirts
for every single team, it is not the first time an individual team has done
so. Both the MLB and NHL previously released official rainbow gear in
support of LGBT pride for a handful of teams in their respective leagues, which
can be purchased from the
clothing brand ‘47.
‘47 started
selling pride products in 2014, a company spokesperson said, adding that the brand also
planned to expand distribution to other retailers.
Until then, the
NBA will stand above all other men’s professional sports leagues with the
greatest level of LGBT inclusion.
This is great news! I'm proud of the NBA and their policy of inclusiveness! Thanks for posting this, my friend!
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