For the very first time, the Phillies will host a official LGBT Pride Night on August 29 against the Washington Nationals.

For how often the Phillies are criticized for being behind the times, they got one right. They will become just the sixth Major League team (the White Sox, A’s, Padres, and Rays hosted one last season, the Mets announced theirs in 2016 first) by my research to conduct or announce a LGBT Pride Night in coordination with the team itself. This is an amazing step in the right direction and could have long-lasting, positive impact in Philadelphia. The Sixers have previously hosted three Pride nights, the only other major professional team in Philadelphia to official do so.

The night has not yet received much publicity yet as it appears to have just been created. In fact, it appears to have been found by accident. T.G.K. over at our friends The Good Phight took to Twitter to ask the Phillies if they would be having an LGBT Pride Night like the Mets had recently scheduled. T.G.K. points out in his article that he had attended unofficial LGBT Pride nights previously at the Phillies but the tickets were sold as group tickets and not recognized within the park as an official celebration like the various heritage, health, and music celebrations held throughout the seasons.

One day later, T.G.K. checked the Phillies’ promotional calendar and an official LGBT Pride Night was listed. Good work, T.G.K.!

From all of us at Phillies Nation, we are very excited for August 29. So many are denied the right to be proud of who they are and we commend the Phillies for taking a step in the right direction. While there is still so much work to be done, we are allies in the continual fight for equality, and we are very happy that the Phillies are recognizing all fans.