The Los Angeles Clippers held their LGBTQ Pride Night earlier this month and the team went all out, with rainbow-themed T-shirts, giveaways and a panel discussion featuring out athletes and coaches.
One highlight was the Kiss Cam, which showed two gay couples kissing in its montage.
Historically, Kiss Cams have been problematic at sporting events, at times using two men sitting next to each other as a punchline rather than a celebration. That has changed dramatically in recent years, with same-sex couples getting cheers rather than laughs. In Los Angeles, the Clippers, baseball’s Dodgers and NHL’s Kings have featured same-sex couples, as have teams from other leagues nationwide.
Also during the festivities, the Clippers honored openly gay WNBA coach Curt Miller for being a trailblazer for out LGBT people in coaching. Miller is the coach of the Connecticut Sun but at one time coached the L.A. Sparks.
Earlier, Miller was part of a panel discussion with Julie Shaw, head coach of the University of La Verne women’s basketball team; professional wrestler and activist Fred Rosser and Paralympian Angela Madsen. Jason Jaramillo from the Lambda Basketball league was the moderator.
