NFL Dei efforts at a full show during the 4th annual Night of Duma from Glaad – Essence

Among the recent efforts in favor of questioning or in some cases, the erasure of the importance of diversity, justice and integration (DEI), the National Football League (NFL) stays unwavering in his involvement in embracing and celebrating people. Two days before the biggest football match in the NFL yr, she hosted the fourth annual Pride night, in cooperation with Glaad and presenting the sponsor Smirnoff.

“We are strange and we are here,” says Sarah Kate Ellis, president and director of Glaad. “[Tonight] Reminder that we belong everywhere – including on the pitch, stands and under every aspect of this sport. “

Together with this yr’s Night of Duma, Glaad celebrates the fortieth anniversary, and Ellis says to see their logo, and NFL together 4 many years later is “serious progress”. “We went a long way,” he continues – and I bet our founders would really like to see us here tonight. I do not even know if they may imagine it. “

By happening at the Joy Theater in Nowy Orleans, NFL and Glaad, some of the most administered and various Crescent City acts, including Recent awarded Grammy Tank and Bangas and headliner big freedia. Duma night opened with Bejorettes-inspired Beyoncé Dance and Parade Krewe based in Nowy Orleans.

“I am here to represent not only for my city, but for the LGBTQ+community,” says Big Freedia. “I am here to reveal my presence and talk about great causes and things that affect our community. It is important that we can all help all communities and it is great to see NFL behind us. “

Freedia also wonders how difficult it’s growing up and differs from all others. “As a child, I was definitely nervous. I was chosen. I was intimidated. [But] In the end I started to build confidence and I had my city here in Nowy Orlean behind me. [Now] I am loud and proud and I am not sorry for anything I want to do and who I am. “

Big Freedia believes that taking a position of just one member of the LGBTQ+ community can have a huge difference. “Use your voice. Be an ally for someone and support [them] in any way you can. “

The former host of CNN, Don Lemon, praises the NFL for sacrificing the diversity, justice and integration. “I don’t even know if I can express what it means to be here tonight … Being here is an amazing honor.” Lemon also wonders how far skilled sports took place. “When I came and before I left, there were no such events. I am satisfied with the progress made, although we must make more progress. The goal should be to show that it is normally to be a member of the community and be proud and gay, and be able to play professional sports. “

Although NFL refuses to follow the trend of rejecting Dei initiatives, like other predominant corporations, there remains to be a stigma that surrounds those that play football. In June 2021, the defensive end and Linebacker, Carl Nassib from Las Vegas Raiders became the first gay player of the NFL. After retiring from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, In the NFL 2024 season there was no opening of gays or bisexual NFL players; However, there’s one trainer – Kevin Maxen, Associated Trainer of Strength from Jacksonville Jaguars.

“The continuous involvement of NFL in the inclusion of LGBTQ is more important than ever”, divides Ellis. “LGBTQ+fans, players and employees deserve to see themselves in the sport they love. Trusted and beloved American brand, such as NFL [should] Inspire all fans, parents, teachers, trainers and athletes to be allies of LGBTQ+ and treat themselves with honesty on the pitch and outside. Thank you to the Commissioner [Roger] Goodell, [Chief Marketing Officer] Tim Ellis [Senior Vice President and Chief DEI Officer] Jonathan Beane, [Senior Director of DEI] Josephine Martinez and the entire NFL team for your partnership and work to make it possible for our community. Together we will move forward, making sure that sport and our culture are really for everyone. “