# New York Mets Show Solidarity with LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Night Celebration
A Night of Inclusion and Celebration
The New York Mets made a powerful statement of support for the LGBTQ+ community during their 9th annual Pride Night celebration on Friday, June 13. The event featured several meaningful displays of inclusion that sparked both celebration and controversy.
The Pride Flag Moment That Went Viral
During the national anthem, while most screens in Citi Field displayed the American flag, one jumbotron briefly showed the pride flag. This simple yet powerful gesture quickly went viral on social media, with many fans praising the team’s commitment to inclusivity.
you guys I’m converting to Mets fandom bc they showed the pride flag instead of the american flag during the anthem 😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/lA1RylWZaP
— lev (@lisco_2000) June 13, 2025
Mixed Reactions and Controversy
The display generated strong reactions across social media. While many celebrated the gesture, some conservative voices criticized the team. Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker tweeted his disapproval, writing “MLB needs to stop the gay s–t. Baseball fans want a show, not a lecture.”
MLB needs to stop the gay shit.
Baseball fans want a show, not a lecture.
— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) June 15, 2025
Other Pride Night Highlights
The celebration included several special moments:
- Francisco Lindor wore a rainbow “New York is Love” cutoff shirt
- Pete Alonso changed his walk-up song to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- Two male fans shared a kiss on the jumbotron during Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club”
- The night concluded with rainbow-colored fireworks set to “Defying Gravity” from Wicked
The Mets’ Commitment to Inclusion
Despite the backlash, the Mets stood firm in their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The team tweeted “Baseball is for everyone,” reinforcing their commitment to making the sport welcoming to all fans.
On-Field Success
The Pride Night celebration came as the Mets continue their strong season, currently leading the National League East division with 45 wins. The team’s on-field performance and off-field values demonstrate their commitment to excellence in all aspects of the game.
Final Thoughts
The New York Mets’ Pride Night celebration was a powerful demonstration of how sports can bring people together and promote inclusion. While some may argue that politics and sports should remain separate, the reality is that baseball has always reflected the broader society in which it exists. By embracing diversity and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Mets are helping to create a more welcoming environment for all fans. In a time when inclusion is more important than ever, it’s heartening to see a major sports franchise take such a clear stand for equality. The brief display of the pride flag during the anthem was a small but meaningful gesture that will likely inspire other teams to follow suit.
