As we near LGBTQ Pride Month, Major League Soccer has announced a new special warmup jersey that will be worn in celebration of the LGBTQ community, but not everybody is a fan of the design of the “Pride Top.”
Earlier this month, MLS announced the new uniform on social media, showing off a jersey that has a camouflage-like pattern with subtle hints of rainbow coloring mixed in.
“Without confidence, there is nothing. Introducing the 2024 Pride Top, uniting us all in love. Get yours for June and beyond,” the MLS official account said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Without confidence, there is nothing. 🌈
Introducing the 2024 Pride Top, uniting us all in love.
Get yours for June and beyond: https://t.co/gJacGGxduw pic.twitter.com/i8L3nFQoEn
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 15, 2024
The Pride Top is produced by Adidas and designed by Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar, who said their “aim for the collection was to expand the lens we’re seen through.” Adidas’ United Against Racism said, “the collection is inspired by Brazilian swimwear and Pabllo Vittar’s on-stage signature club style.”
But many people were not fans of the design as the rainbow is barely visible, especially from the stands, and the words on the front — “Love Unites” — are barely legible even up close. Needless to say, people were not happy.
Instead of buying one of these kits, set aside that amount of money, find a local @Prideraiser initiative, donate to their campaign and benefit a local charity that’s actually doing the work. Way more effective use of your hard earned dollars. https://t.co/u9vGC2jXnT
— Dion (@DionDege) May 15, 2024
This gotta be the worst sports jersey I’ve ever seen 💀💀 https://t.co/BcMR1N0EKG
— 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽 (@nothingm4tterz) May 15, 2024
This just isn’t a Pride top for me. I want vibrant loud colours. Not muted ones. At the end of the day Pride is a celebration this top doesn’t scream celebrate. https://t.co/i91ArSPuat
— Elliesb13.bsky.social (@Ellie_Shea13) May 15, 2024
MLS make a Pride product that is clearly Pride-related Challenge https://t.co/DtQkwIdBxS
— Tim Ostlund-Foss, same name on the other sites (@timostlundfoss) May 15, 2024
it looks like an oil spill from the barge that hit the pelican island bridge https://t.co/merzOJEjTg
— Brendan Kearns 🟡 (@Kearns_Brendan) May 15, 2024
Usually, the Pride tops are a W but this is gonna be a hard pass from me. https://t.co/QZ7BFx8Z1V
— Tim Hotze (@sing_electric) May 15, 2024
MLS has also taken criticism for the decision not to share any revenue from the jersey sales with LGBTQ groups.
[MLS]
