MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx will host its annual Pride Night on Thursday, June 22 when the team hosts the Connecticut Sun at Target Center (tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT). Powered by Xcel Energy, the evening will include in-arena entertainment and recognition of individuals and partners who are dedicated to elevating, advocating and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
“We look forward to this night every season,” said Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox. “While our activism and advocacy for all marginalized groups is a year-round commitment, this game is important to recognize impactful LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations, celebrate how far we’ve come, and bring awareness to present-day barriers and discrimination. We are incredibly proud of our long-standing 25 year commitment and partnership with the LGBTQ+ community.”
New this season, the Lynx partnered with artist Terresa Moses (she/her), Creative Director of Blackbird Revolt. Moses designed a special Pride-themed t-shirt that will be worn by players and staff ahead of Thursday’s game on June 22. The limited edition shirt will also be available for purchase at the Lynx Team Store at Target Center. Moses, a proud Black queer woman is dedicated to the liberation of Black and brown people through art and design. Moses is also an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and the Director of Design Justice at the University of Minnesota. As a community engaged scholar, she created Project Naptural and co-created Racism Untaught. She is currently a PhD candidate in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto and serves on the advisory board of the Black Liberation Lab. Lynx and Timberwolves-specific versions of Moses’ shirt will be available at this weekend’s Pride Festival.
Planned Pride programming for the night and at Twin Cities Pride includes:
Pride Night | June 22
Pre-game Pride Party at Fhima’s Minneapolis, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Fans are encouraged to come downtown early for a pre-game party at Fhima’s Minneapolis. Guests can enjoy food and drink specials. The event is open to the public.
Pride-themed cap giveaway: The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a Pride-themed baseball cap.
Pride player warm-ups: Players, coaches, and staff will wear special Pride warm-up shirts.
In-game entertainment: Esera Tuaolo will perform the national anthem, and halftime will feature performances by Flip Phone Events and Mikko Blaze.
“Pride Powered by Xcel Energy”: The special video series features Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve and Lynx players sharing their thoughts on what Pride month means to them and the future ahead. Watch on Lynx social channels.
In-game recognition: a community gift will be presented to Family Tree Clinic, a local nonprofit committed to providing exceptional reproductive and sexual health services to individuals in the Twin Cities area. As part of the Lynx Inspiring Women series, Representative Leigh Finke, current member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota’s first transgender legislator, will be recognized for her activism, advocating for transgender and LGBTQ+ rights. Finke also serves as Executive Director of the Queer Equity Institute. Additionally, QUEERSPACE Collective will be recognized as the Community Champion of the Game. QUEERSPACE Collective creates space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves, while offering youth mentorship.
Twin Cities Pride | June 23-25
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 throughout the weekend at Loring Park at the Pride Festival. Fans can participate in a Sport Court Skills Challenge, and take home special Pride-themed giveaways. All Lynx players and coaches, along with the organization will participate in Sunday’s marquee parade. Look for the Lynx and Timberwolves float!
Lynx single game tickets are available at: www.lynxbasketball.com/tickets.