NEW YORK, NY (May 1, 2016) – TheSeattle Reign FC and members of FC Kansas City Blues of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) released a joint video today in support of Athlete Ally’s EveryFan campaign. EveryFan is a national campaign that engages athletic leagues, teams, athletes a
nd fans in a celebratory dialogue around fan culture and conduct. It was created to highlight the challenges LGBT fans face when attending a sporting event.
Over the past few seasons, the Reign and Blues have built up a competitive rivalry. Seattle Reign FC have claimed back-to-back NWSL Shields, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record. And FC Kansas City is the league’s two-time defending league champions.
The Reign and members of the Blues join other elite athletes and teams who have participated in EveryFan. In just its second month, the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants, several colleges and more than 35 professional athletes have participated in the campaign.
The Blues members who participated are: Yael Averbuch, Caroline Kastor, Mandy Landish, Alexa Newfield, Heather O’Reilly, Frances Silva and Erika Tymrack. Reign participants are: Lauren Barnes, Michelle Cruz, Kim Little, El
li Reed, Merritt Methias, Keelin Winters and Beverly Yanez.
Hudson Taylor, Athlete Ally Founder and Executive Director, said of the joint effort:
It is a great day for sports when fierce rivals can come together to show support for their LGBT fans. The partnership between these teams could also not come at a more important time. As states and cities across the country are denying LGBT people non-discrimination and public accommodation protections, the Reign FC and FC Kansas City are making it clear that every fan, especially their LGBT fans, are safe, supported and respected at their games. As more states and cities introduce anti-LGBT legislation, we can only hope that other teams will make as clear a commitment to supporting their LGBT fans as the
se teams have.
World Cup gold medalist, US Women’s National Team member, Blues midfielder and Athlete Ally Pro Ambassador Heather O’Reilly said:
Given the intensity of our rivalry, teaming up with Reign FC for an EveryFan video was a fun way to address a serious topic. We’re not just Athlete Ally Pro Ambassadors who champion inclusion on the pitch, we also want to ensure that when it comes to our fans, everyone is treated with respect. The Athlete Ally EveryFan campaign is a great way to remind people that equality is a team sport.
Keelin Winters, a midfielder for the Reign and an Athlet
e Ally Pro Ambassador, said:
We love our fans, and want everyone who comes to Reign FC games to have a good time. We want our fans to cheer and treat each other with respect, and our EveryFan video is the perfect way to show our support for LGBT inclusion on the pitch and in the stands.
Athlete Ally Board Member Laura Clise, who championed the Reign and Blues players to create the PSA, said:
These players from Reign FC and FC Kansas City exemplify the tremendous leadership by the women’s football community, promoting greater equality within and beyond sport. Athlete Ally’s EveryFan campaign provides a great platform for the athletic community to further a culture of inclusion and respect for all.
About EveryFan
https://www.athleteally.org/action/join-everyfan/
EveryFan is a national campaign led by Athlete Ally that will engage athletic leagues, teams, athletes, and sports fans in a celebratory dialogue around fan culture.
EveryFan believes that all fans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) fans, should have a great experience cheering on their favorite teams and athletes. EveryFan believes that all fans should be treated fairly and equally, with dignity and respect, inside and outside of the stadium.
EveryFan will empower leagues, teams, athletes, and fans to show support for every fan, because every fan matters. EveryFan aims to increase LGBT fan presence, safety, and participation at sporting events.
About Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a non-profit organization that educates and empowers the athletic community to take a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports. Athlete Ally works with MLB, the NBA, WNBA, and NBPA on player development and LGBT inclusion. It also co-wrote the NCAA’s LGBT policies and resource guides and partners with over a hundred professional athletes and college campuses to promote LGBT equality and respect.
To contact Athlete Ally:
Ashland Johnson
Director of Policy & Campaigns
Athlete Ally
ashland.johnson@athleteally.org
404-723-1675
Also connect with Athlete Ally on
Twitter: www.twitter.com/athleteally,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/athleteally,
or by visiting http://www.athleteally.org