As a “kick off” to Motor City Pride, Le Rouge will promote the national “You Can Play” project and take to the pitch in special jerseys, raising funds for a Highland Park shelter that serves at-risk LGBTQ youth.
In recognition of sports’ uniting ability in our society, and in our effort to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment,Detroit City FC will partner with the national “You Can Play” project for its June 6th match against the Erie Admirals. You Can Play is a nationwide endeavor founded to ensure that athletes are judged solely on talent, heart, desire and work ethic — and not on the basis of sexual orientation or other discriminatory factors. Players and teams from all levels of athletics – amateur to professional – have created videos in support of You Can Play. Detroit City FC is proud to be a partner in this cause.
For more information on “You Can Play”, log on to: http://youcanplayproject.org
On Friday, June 6th at 7:30pm at Cass Tech High School in downtown Detroit, Detroit City FC will take to the pitch in special commemorative jerseys designed to promote LGBTQ equality and inclusion in sports.
After the match, each participating player’s jersey will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in a silent auction held at the stadium. Additionally, a limited number of jerseys will be sold online at https://www.detcityfc.com. The funds earned in the auction and a portion of the proceeds of the jerseys sold online will go to support the Ruth Ellis Center, in Highland Park, MI.
To our knowledge, this will be the first time an American sports team will take to the field and play a regulation game in a uniform that promotes LGBTQ inclusion in sports.
The Ruth Ellis Center is a youth social services agency that serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. They are one of the nation’s leading experts on vulnerable youth who are experiencing residential instability. The mission of the Center is to “provide short and long-term residential safe space and support services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender, and questioning youth.”
The REC is the only organization in the country that has a Residential program for LGBTQ youth in the foster care and juvenile justice system, and is mission specific to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. While the Center emphasizes serving LGBTQ youth who are often ostracized, shamed, and denied services by other agencies, no youth, regardless of gender identity and/or sexual orientation is turned away or denied services.
For more information about the REC, log on to: http://www.ruthelliscenter.org
Detroit City FC is proud to support the work that the Ruth Ellis Center does to make our community a safer and more inclusive place for some of our most vulnerable residents. A rendering of the commemorative jersey is included in this release.
Le Rouge will be “kicking off” Motor City Pride weekend, which is being held in Hart Plaza on June 7th and 8th. Motor City Pride is a project ofEquality Michigan. Equality Michigan is Michigan’s statewide organization serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and allied communities. It is an important part of building bridges in the larger community and advancing the mission of Equality Michigan to promote equality and to secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for GLBT persons throughout Michigan. Through Motor City Pride and other community events, Equality Michigan continues working toward our vision of a society characterized by a strong commitment to universal civil rights; safe communities, workplaces and schools; stable families and self-reliant LGBT individuals.
If you would like more information, please contact Equality Michigan at:
EQUALITY MICHIGAN, 19641 WEST SEVEN MILE ROAD, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48219-2721
Phone: 313-537-7000
Tickets for all DCFC games are $10 at the gate and $8 online. The most recent home match, held on May 23rd, drew over 3000 people and was the first sellout in team history. A large crowd is once again expected, and it is recommended that tickets be bought in advance.
To order tickets, logon to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/622530
