How does a single player’s absence highlight the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights in women’s soccer?
At a Glance
- The U.S. Women’s National Team marks its first Pride Month without Megan Rapinoe.
- Lindsey Horan will lead the team, continuing Rapinoe’s push for LGBTQ solidarity.
- Numbers on jerseys will reflect the Progress Pride flag.
- Pride jerseys to be auctioned for the You Can Play organization.
- Emma Hayes debuts as new head coach, eyes set on Paris Olympics.
Rapinoe’s Departure Marks a New Era
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) begins its first Pride Month without longtime advocate Megan Rapinoe. Known for her bold stance on social issues, Rapinoe leaves behind a legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy within the sport. As the team moves forward, Lindsey Horan takes the helm in upcoming matches against South Korea, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion and diversity remains unbroken.
USWNT will don jerseys with numbers in the colors of the Progress Pride flag, a tribute to inclusivity and visibility. Portions of these jerseys will be auctioned off, benefitting the You Can Play organization, which promotes respect for all athletes, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Further emphasizing the team’s commitment, new head coach Emma Hayes is introduced as the squad gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Rapinoe’s career ended dramatically at the World Cup’s Round of 16 with a loss to Sweden, yet her influence continues. Known for her firm advocacy against racism, sexism, and her unwavering support for equal pay, Rapinoe’s contributions extend beyond the field. She proudly exits the international stage having left an indelible mark on sports and society.
“I wish we were moving on and I could guarantee a championship and all that. But it doesn’t take anything from this experience, or my career in general. I feel so lucky and so grateful to play as long as I have, and to be on the successful teams that I have.” – Megan Rapinoe.
Her efforts in advocating for transgender rights and speaking out against injustices have established her as a critical voice for social change. Rapinoe’s partnership with Sue Bird has illustrated the positive effects a supportive and diverse culture can have on athletic performance and team spirit.
Continued Advocacy on and off the Field
Despite no longer being in action, Rapinoe’s impact is echoed by her teammates. Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan recently reassured LGBTQ fans of their unwavering support amid social media controversies. They wish to carry the torch that Rapinoe lit, underscoring the ongoing issue that diversity and inclusion are integral to the team’s ethos—a sentiment critical to the team’s chemistry and success.
“The inclusivity of this team… and the things that we stand for are just massive and that’s what this team has always been like,” Horan told 9News Denver’s Arielle Orsuto. – Lindsey Horan.
Though Rapinoe is stepping back, her legacy endures. Her strong stand on inclusion has paved the path for future athletes to champion causes larger than sports. While her World Cup career has ended, Rapinoe’s fight for social justice and equality continues, ensuring she remains a venerable figure in sports history.
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