Kicking off Playing for Pride

Apr 27, 2023 | By Athlete Ally

We are so excited to announce the launch of Athlete Ally’s 2023 Playing for Pride campaign! As a supporter of Athlete Ally, you already know the importance of standing up for LGBTQI+ inclusion in sports, and this campaign presents a powerful opportunity for all of us – athletes, fans and supporters alike – to come together and make sports a safe place for everyone.

This year, Athlete Ally is championing local organizations that are leading the fight in the harshest environments for LGBTQI+ athletes in America. We will be distributing 50% of Playing for Pride proceeds to organizers on the frontlines in Florida and Texas, two states where young LGBTQI+ athletes are under considerable threat of exclusion and erasure.

Campaign proceeds to Athlete Ally will support our efforts to bring LGBTQI+ education to coaches and athletes at all levels, to champion inclusive sport policies at the collegiate, professional, Olympic and Paralympic levels, and to keep up the fight against what has already been a record-breaking year of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Having your voice in support of LGBTQI+ athletes and their right to play the sport they love is invaluable to us.

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

Pledge to Play for Pride: Make a commitment to play for a more inclusive world by signing up for Playing for Pride as an individual or team. You can set your own fundraising goal and ask your friends and family to support you. Every dollar raised will go towards Athlete Ally’s work to create inclusive sports communities. >

*For instructions on how to create your fundraising page, see this guide

Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about Playing for Pride by sharing the campaign on social media and encouraging your friends and followers to get involved. Choose from one of our sample social media posts, or make your own post and use the hashtag #PlayingForPride to join the conversation and show your support. Don’t forget to tag @PlayingforPride and @AthleteAlly on Instagram and Twitter!
Donate: If you are not able to participate in the campaign, please consider making a one-time donation to support the cause. Your contribution will help Athlete Ally continue its work to end homophobia and transphobia in sports.

This year, we are offering 10% off all merchandise on our online store to anyone who creates a campaign page or donates to a campaign! To learn more and sign up for the Playing for Pride campaign, visit our campaign homepage.

Looking for an idea for your Fundraising Campaign?
On June 15th, Athlete Ally will be teaming up with Tone House®, NYC’s premiere athletic-based Strength & Conditioning training facility, to host a live sports conditioning workout session to raise money for Athlete Ally’s Playing for Pride campaign.

During the live workout session on June 15th, fitness enthusiasts of all levels will be led through a heart-pumping routine by coaches from Tone House. Athlete Ally will be on hand to provide motivation and inspiration, as well as to share personal stories about the challenges LGBTQI+ athletes have faced and overcome.

Participants can join the event from anywhere in the world and are encouraged to fundraise for their efforts and raise money while they’re working out by joining the Tone House Engagement Day Team. When you register, you’ll be asked to set a goal for how many Pride Points you want to achieve during the workout (don’t worry, you’ll be able to change this later!) Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to sweat for a cause and support LGBTQI+ athletes everywhere.