June is LGBTQ Pride Month across the United States and Seattle Mariners All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez wasted no time in expressing his support for the LGBTQ+ community, even while some players on other teams were speaking out against a planned LGBTQ+ promotion.
On Thursday night – the first night of Pride Month throughout the country – took batting practice and signed autographs in a custom shirt that says “LOVE WINS” in rainbow writing, utilizing a rainbow version of the Seattle Mariners logo as the “S” in the shirt.
Rodriguez shared photos of himself in the shirt on social media with a caption that read “June” with a red heart and rainbow flag emoji.
June ❤️🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/ShVxVltgv0
— Julio Rodriguez🇩🇴🦁 (@JRODshow44) June 1, 2023
It was a simple gesture of support for the LGBTQ+ community at the beginning of Pride Month, but it based on the viral response he got on social media, it was clear that it was meaningful, especially considering the recent headlines from Los Angeles Dodgers players speaking out against the LGBTQ+ group The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
The good ones are showing out as much as the bad ones. Let's celebrate those who are allies. https://t.co/STGT0zCV0X
— eugenefreedman.bsky.social (@EugeneFreedman) June 2, 2023
THAT'S MY CENTER FIELDER https://t.co/6ABqzBz8Ir pic.twitter.com/qPvZiH2t2j
— Ella Hansen (@bagelpowered) June 1, 2023
Kershaw organized a Christian Faith and Family Day in response to Pride Night.
Trevor Williams told Catholics to boycott the Dodgers.
Anthony Bass went even further.
Julio did this. Refreshing. https://t.co/e921gtftjq
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) June 1, 2023
This dude is so awesome. What's it like to have an incredible young player guaranteed to be on your team for the rest of the decade (at a minimum)?
Couldn't tell you, I'm an Orioles fan https://t.co/GVgeEJkkd6
— Denigrating Tweet Summoner (@FoxForceFlacco) June 2, 2023
The people who would imprison or even kill Julio for signing an autograph for a kid in a pride hat while wearing a pride shirt? It's long past time to meekly ask for acceptance. It's time for RAGE https://t.co/G6UXChwRE4
— Stephanie Nicole's Garden 🏳️⚧️ (@StephanieN924) June 2, 2023
We love to see it, Julio! 🌈 💜
— Vaughn Wolff • SEA (@The_VaughnWolff) June 2, 2023
🙌🙌🙌
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) June 2, 2023
this means so much to me to see my favorite player supporting my rights thank you julio 🥹
— ash 🔱 warren 🎶 (@ashspritewarren) June 2, 2023
The Seattle Mariners will have two Pride Month promotions this month, holding one on June 13 where they will be giving away special Pride T-shirts as well as another promotional game on June 16 where they will be handing out special Pride fanny packs to fans in attendance.
