The Dodgers’ fourth annual LGBT night will be held June 3, a Friday night game against the Atlanta Braves.
While the event means little to some it can be a powerful moment for others, like former Dodgers outfielder Billy Bean, now an MLB executive. He explained what LGBT night means to him and others in the community at last year’s event.
Guests at this year’s event include Los Angeles Galaxy player Robbie Rogers (who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch); Michael Sam, a former NFL player; Jason Collins, a former NBA player; Julie Shaw, the head women’s basketball coach at the University of La Verne; Mitch Eby, a former defensive end at Chapman University; E.J. Johnson, a television personality and the son of Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson; “The Real O’Neal’s” actor Noah Galvin; and recording artist Lance Bass.
Here’s more from a team press release:
The national anthem will be performed by former NFL defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo. Tuaolo is the founder of the anti-bullying organization “HATE IN ANY FORM IS WRONG,” whose mission statement is to help address the issues and minimize the negative impact that hate has on our society, especially with bullying as it relates to today’s youth.
“We are proud to work with so many incredible partners for our fourth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium,” said Dodgers’ Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen. “We are committed to providing a friendly environment to all who reflect the great community of which we are a part. The Dodgers, with a proud history of diversity, recognize the value of an inclusive environment.”
The Dodgers will welcome a new partner in The Sports Equality Foundation, focused on empowering LGBT athletes, coaches and sports leaders as they come out and work for inclusion and acceptance across sports at all levels. The Dodgers are proud to welcome back members of VARSITY GAY LEAGUE (V.G.L.). V.G.L. is California’s largest LGBTQ recreational sports league. V.G.L. offers year-round sports leagues, tournaments, outside-the-box competitions and gaming activities. With thousands of members, V.G.L. is committed to connecting players of all ages and skill levels, gay or straight, with new ways to socialize and play. A pre-game kickball game with select members of V.G.L. will occur prior to the baseball game. In addition, the Dodgers will welcome athletes from the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA). GLASA is a gay and lesbian slow-pitch softball league committed to providing an opportunity for both gay and non-gay participants to compete in an environment conducive to the gay community. The Dodgers are also proud to partner with GYM Sportsbar, the first and only gay sports bar in Los Angeles, in promoting LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium and the Sin City Shootout Sports Festival, the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world, with over 8,500 participants and 23 different sports together for competitive fun on and off the field.
June 3 also includes Friday night fireworks with music by George Figares and DJ BLACKLY. Fans are invited on the field immediately following the game for the fireworks show.
For more information, please visit www.dodgers.com/LGBT.
