The World Cup is always a great reminder that soccer by any name is the one sport in the world that belongs to everyone, and there is a real unity in the love we have for the beautiful game. It brings together strangers and friends, neighbors and classmates, coworkers and families.

And yet, at times we are reminded that it can also be a force for exclusion. Players who feel they have to retire rather than live honestly amongst their fellow players and fans. Slurs hurled from the stands as chants. Hostile hosting cities. This violence keeps some of us out. It prevents everyone from being able to exalt in the joy and the solidarity of heartbreak we have for our club, our crest, and our community.

In that spirit, it is up to all of us to be a constant voice of support not just for our players but equally for each other.

To our lesbian, gay, bi, pan, trans, queer, non-binary, non-conforming, and definition-defying sisters, brothers, and siblings —

You are Sounders. You belong on the pitch. You belong in the stands. You belong here.

*This display consists of 1,195 cards, three crests totaling 5,000 sq. ft of overhead, a 1,000 sq. ft. text banner, and a lot of love. Happy Pride, y’all.

Displays like this aren’t possible without the help of our volunteers, and we would love to have your help. Sign up to receive information on the next opportunity by checking the tifo production box on our volunteer form!

Photo Credit: Max Aquino