In recent years, Major League Baseball (MLB) has made strides in creating a more inclusive environment for all fans. However, one team has yet to join in on the celebration: the Texas Rangers. Despite the growing trend of teams hosting Pride Nights, the Rangers have yet to host an event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
The Rangers have been part of MLB since 1972, and have a long history of being a team that values inclusivity. In 2014, the Rangers became the first MLB team to create an LGBT fan group. This group, known as the Rangers LGBT Fan Group, was created to provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ fans to come together and celebrate their love for the team.
Despite this progress, the Rangers have yet to host a Pride Night. This is especially concerning given that other teams in the MLB have hosted Pride Nights since 2014. The Chicago Cubs, for example, hosted their first Pride Night in 2015, and have continued to do so every year since then. Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers have held a Pride Night since 2016.
The lack of a Pride Night for the Texas Rangers is particularly concerning given that Texas is one of only five states that does not have any laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. This means that members of the LGBTQ+ community in Texas are at risk of being discriminated against in the workplace, housing, and other areas of life.
The absence of a Pride Night for the Texas Rangers sends a message to LGBTQ+ fans that they are not welcome or valued by the team. It also sends a message to other teams in MLB that it is acceptable to not host Pride Nights.
It is time for the Texas Rangers to join other teams in MLB and host a Pride Night. This would be an important step in creating an inclusive environment for all fans and sending a message of acceptance and support to the LGBTQ+ community. It would also be an opportunity for the team to show its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all fans.
