CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s annual Pride Night carries special importance for Galaxy fan Pete Pereira.
A longtime follower of the Galaxy, Pereira’s fandom became solidified when Robbie Rogers made his historic debut for the club in 2013 to become the first openly gay professional athlete in the top four American professional sports. Once the Galaxy began holding Pride Night, Pereira immediately decided to make the trip from his hometown of Chicago to the annual event.
“There's always talk of inclusion and battling homophobia, but the Galaxy were the first to truly put their money where their mouth was-- and for taking that risk, they will always have a special place in my heart. I remember rushing home after work that Sunday night in May of 2013 when Rogers first played in a Galaxy uniform and being so emotionally overwhelmed and proud of him, the team, AND the fans. The ovation he got from those in attendance at the StubHub Center when he took the field was nothing short of inspiring and truly heartwarming.
“Witnessing that level of acceptance made me realize that the Galaxy and their fans were an organization I really felt connected with. I fly in from Chicago every year for the Pride Night because it's my chance to celebrate the LGBTQ community with the greatest team and fans in the world. If I'm going to celebrate Pride with any sports team, it's a no brainer that it's the LA Galaxy after the continued support they've shown my community.”
A lifetime soccer fan, the Galaxy’s willingness to be inclusive and Rogers’ success only made Pereira more interested in the sport.
“Having a night devoted to the acceptance of all fans for who they are has made me more invested in the Galaxy. Being gay, it's very common and easy to feel like you don't fit in--ESPECIALLY in a sports environment--but Pride Nights at the StubHub over the past few years have always made me feel very welcome. At the end of the day, we're all just soccer fans.
When the Galaxy hold their fourth annual Pride Night on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City, Pereira will once again be in attendance. Flying in from Chicago and spending the weekend to celebrate the LGBT Community with the Galaxy and their message of inclusiveness.
And he couldn’t be more excited.
"On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd probably say about a 14. I can't stop smiling when I look around the StubHub at the sea of rainbows in the crowd. Every year has been an incredible time and somehow surpassed the previous one. I am stunned how you guys seem to build on and continually improve this annual event. I'm particularly excited for the added meet and greet this year and of course looking forward to scoring yet another Galaxy Pride Night scarf for my growing collection! So far I've managed to get them all signed by Robbie, and I hope to keep my streak intact this Pride weekend.
