Annual night recognizes year-round LGBTQIA+ activism
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx will host its annual Pride Night on Sunday, June 12 when the team hosts the Indiana Fever at Target Center (tipoff 6 p.m. CT). Powered by Xcel Energy, the evening will include extensive in-arena entertainment and recognition of individuals and partners who dedicate their time elevating and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Since the inception of the Minnesota Lynx, our franchise has been dedicated to advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating all forms of diversity, and using our platform for activism,” said Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox. “We are excited to honor and highlight the LGBTQIA+ community on Sunday and remain authentically committed to this important work year-round.”
Planned Pride programming for the evening and throughout the month includes:
Pride Night, June 12
Pre-game Pride Party, 4:30-6:00 p.m.: Fans are encouraged to come downtown early for a pre-game party in the Target Center lobby. Guests can enjoy food and drinks and music. The event is free and open to the public.
Pride headband giveaway: All fans in attendance will receive a Pride spandex headband.
Pride player warm-ups: Players, coaches, and staff will wear special Pride warm-up shirts.
Atrium photo opportunity: A Pride-themed balloon display will be in the Target Center atrium for fans to pose for a photo.
In-game entertainment: Mikko Blaze (he/him/they/them) will perform the national anthem. Halftime will feature a drag performance by Flip Phone.
“The Come Up”: The reflective content series continues with Dave Edwards (he/him/his) and his child Hildie (they/them), and Dot Belstler (she/her/hers), Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride.
Dave Edwards (he/him) is the founder and CEO of Gender Inclusive Schools. Over the past year, he has provided workshops and training to folks in over 150 different library systems, school districts and independent schools on celebrating and affirming LGBTQ+ youth, staff and educators. Through his contract work with HRC’s Welcoming Schools, Dave leads sessions on Preventing Bias-Based Bullying, Intersectionality, and Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Students. Dave’s Gender Inclusive Schools online store has provided LGBTQ+ Safe Educator Badges and Safe Space stickers to educators in all 50 states in the US and all 10 provinces in Canada.
Hildie is a transfeminine and nonbinary actor and performer who passionately advocates for trans kids. They have appeared in video PSAs advocating for access to sports for trans youth with the Human Rights Campaign and have been a featured actor in national television and online ads. Hildie was recently crowned the “Grand Marshal of the Future” for the 2022 Twin Cities Pride parade.
Dot has served as the Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride since 2009 and has been avid supporter and ally to the community. At Twin Cities Pride, she has worked in community outreach, sponsorships, and volunteerism, and helped put together 300+ event volunteers to create one of the largest annual free LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations in the country.
Conversations are hosted by Kate Voss, Lynx Senior Account Executive, Sales and Service, and Carley Knox, Lynx President of Business Operations. Look for episodes throughout the month on Lynx social channels.
“Pride Powered by Xcel Energy”: The special video series features Lynx Head Coach and General Manager Cheryl Reeve and players sharing their thoughts on what Pride month means to them and the future ahead. Watch on Lynx social channels.
In-game recognition: Dot will be honored as part of the Lynx Inspiring Women series for her dedication and activism on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community and work as Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride. Dave and Hildie, along with Lu Taylor will also be honored for their contributions within the LGBTQIA+ community. Lu served as an elected Tribal Leader of the Prairie Island Indian Community for 10 terms and was the first LGBTQIA+ person to serve in that role.
QUEERSPACE collective: The Lynx will present QUEERSPACE collective with an in-game community gift. The local organization creates space for LGBTQIA+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves, while offering youth mentorship.
Throughout June
Pride Merchandise: Lynx Pride and Timberwolves & Lynx Pride t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Team Store and the Twin Cities Pride Festival. Additional merchandise includes Lynx pins and key straps.
Pride Education Station: This month, the Education Station will be stocked with books celebrating gender inclusivity and diverse families. The mobile bookstore will visit Elizabeth Hall School on June 21. In support of advancing literacy and fostering a love for reading, the Education Station makes visits throughout the school year at local Twin Cities schools.
Twin Cities Pride Festival and Twin Cities Pride March: Supporters of Twin Cities Pride since the team’s inception, fans can visit Prowl and Crunch at Twin Cities Pride June 25-26. Look for the Lynx in the parade on June 26 during the Pride March.
Tickets are available for Sunday’s game at www.lynxbasketball.com/tickets.