This season, 29 of the 30 Major League Baseball teams are hosting Pride Nights to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ culture and rights, most during Pride Month. The Texas Rangers are the only team not participating in these events.
Historically, the Rangers have never hosted a Pride Night, but according to the Associated Press, the team assert their commitment to inclusivity at all games, stating, “Our longstanding commitment remains the same: To make everyone feel welcome and included in Rangers baseball — in our ballpark, at every game, and in all we do — for both our fans and our employees.”
In 2003, they invited local LGBTQ+ groups to a game as part of a fundraising event. This move was met with some opposition and minor protests.
Texas’s political climate might influence the Rangers’ decision. The state, dominated by Republicans, has seen recent legislation limiting LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on gender-affirming care for minors and restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public universities.
The Rangers do support the LGBTQ+ community in other ways. They sponsored the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series in 2022 and collaborated with local LGBTQ+ groups like the Pegasus Slow-Pitch Softball Association. The team also partners with the Resource Center, providing programs for LGBTQ+ communities in North Dallas, and has developed an Inclusion and Community Impact Council to support employees and the community.
