The Texas Rangers have sparked anger among LGBTQ+ groups by once again refusing to host a Pride Night during the Major League Baseball season.
Texas stands alone among the 30 MLB teams, but they responded to campaigners’ anger by insisting they welcome all baseball fans.
But in September 2003, two years after the Chicago Cubs hosted what is considered the first Pride game, the Rangers invited local LGBTQ+ groups to a game as part of a fundraising event.
Some Rangers fans voiced their opposition and there were even some protests outside the stadium before the match.
DeeJay Johannessen — CEO of the HELP Center, an LGBTQ+ organization based in Tarrant County, where the Rangers play — says it’s a “shame” on the area that Texas doesn’t have Pride Night.
All but one of the 30 Major League Baseball teams will host Pride Nights this season
The Texas Rangers are the exception – much to the frustration of some LGBTQ+ campaigners
“I’d like to meet with Mr. Ray C. (Rangers majority owner Ray C.) Davis and talk about why it’s important. But I don’t think that’s on his priority list right now,” he said.
“I don’t think the issue here is whether they lose every game or whether they are World Series champions… it’s a matter of whether having Pride Night is something that Rangers ownership supports.
“There may be deep-seated beliefs as to why they don’t want to do that,” Johannessen added. “And we have a lot of respect for that, but we also have to advocate for our community. Because it’s kind of a shame for the city of Arlington that their team is the only one not hosting Pride Night.”
The team was consistent in its response when asked: “Our long-standing commitment remains the same: to make everyone feel welcome and included in Rangers baseball,” the team said.
“We deliver on that promise in our many programs to positively impact our entire community.”
During Pride Night, a Pride-themed flag is displayed before the Blue Jays vs. the Guardians
Texas has been dominated by Republicans for a generation, and state lawmakers and Governor Greg Abbott last year joined the push from many conservative states to restrict LBGTQ+ rights.
The legislature has passed new laws expanding the definitions of prohibited sexual content in public performances and in school textbooks. Activists fear these measures will be used to crack down on drag shows and ban LGBTQ+ literature from libraries and classrooms.
Texas is one of at least 25 states with laws limiting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. And Texas public universities have been ordered to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs.
Abbott also signed the Save Women’s Sports Act, which bans transgender college athletes from competing on teams that match their gender identity. Texas already had a similar law for high schools.
In that conservative political landscape, there is less outside resistance in their home market to the Rangers not having Pride Night.
Davis has donated at least $560,000 to Texans for Greg Abbott since 2013.
The Astros hosted their first Pride Night of 2021. Houston, the state’s most populous city with about 2.3 million people in a metropolitan area of about 6.7 million, is one of the biggest strongholds for Democrats in Texas. Another is Dallas, not far from the Rangers’ home ballpark.
Texas Rangers owner Ray Davis has been criticized for the team’s stance on Pride Night
The Rangers sponsored the 2022 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series when the event was held in Dallas and Waxahachie.
The team works on initiatives with local groups, including the Pegasus Slow-Pitch Softball Association, which promotes quality amateur softball at all levels of play, with a special emphasis on the participation of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pegasus has been invited by MLB and the Rangers to participate in an induction training program on July 14 as part of MLB’s All-Star Legacy Program initiatives. The Rangers will host the All-Star Game on July 16.
The Rangers have worked in the past for the Resource Center, which provides programs and assistance to LGBTQ+ communities and anyone affected by HIV/AIDS in North Dallas through advocacy, health care and education. Team employees volunteer and support events in the Resource Center.
“As someone who grew up watching the Rangers, as someone who has been going to games since the 1970s, some of my biggest and best memories are going to games at old Arlington Stadium with my late grandfather and listening to games on the radio in his room. backyard,” said Rafael McDonnell of the Resource Center.
“It hurts me that this is still an issue (after) all these years.”
Pride Nights – usually held during Pride Month – aim to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ culture
Embarrassingly, McDonnell said he considered not going to the parade with his friend when the Rangers celebrated their first World Series championship last fall.
“For a long time I’ve thought it might be someone very high up in the organization who is against this, for some reason that isn’t clearly articulated,” McDonnell added. “To say the Rangers don’t do anything for the community, well, they did. But the hill they want to stake out on is not Pride Night.”
Several years ago, MLB diversity officer Billy Bean, who came out as gay after a six-year playing career, said he believed there would eventually be a Pride Night at Globe Life Field, the retractable-roof home of the Rangers which will host the All-Star Game next month. MLB had no comment when asked last week about the status of the Rangers’ Pride Night.
The team has developed an Inclusion and Community Impact Council to foster conversations, ideas and programs to support employees internally and the community externally. Rangers employees participate in anti-harassment and education programs offered by MLB.
The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation focuses on anti-bullying messages at the club’s youth academy, and the staff works with outside agencies to ensure a welcoming environment for all athletes.