U.S. Soccer changes logo for Pride Month
The US federation stands up for the LGBTQIA community after last years problems
June 18th, 2021
In June, every year since 1970, squares and streets all over the world have been filled with people to take part in initiatives to raise awareness of issues related to the LGBTQIA community. Many federations but also clubs have decided to take a stand and take the side of civil rights, for a world without barriers, where everyone feels free. The latest to promote inclusivity in sport is the US national football team for both women and men. The federation has temporarily changed the logo, numbers and captain's armband to the colours of the LGBTQIA community to mark the memory of the Stonewall Riots. A significant event, justified by the homophobic climate of the time, which shook and changed the entire nation. The men's national team has already worn the Pride Month jersey against Costa Rica, while the women's team has already worn it against Portugal and Jamaica.
A celebration of rights by the American federation, however, does not seem to be consistent with the past, given the problems dating back to about a year ago. In fact, court documents were found that revealed some of the arguments the federation relied on to argue that female players do not deserve the same pay as men. Among the allegations are "biological differences" that are said to prove that the men's team "requires a higher level of skill" and that "the job of a men's team has more responsibility within United States football than the job of a women's team". But the wrangling certainly doesn't end there. Two years ago, Megan Rapinoe, captain of the national team, keeping faith with her stance against all discrimination, refused to sing the anthem following some revisable statements, on this issue, by Trump. Delicate and complex issues, for now Team USA responds on the field by changing numbers and logo.