Austin FC, Nashville SC join forces to raise funds in support of Pride Month

Two new clubs across Major League Soccer are joining forces to raise funds in support of Pride Month.

Nashville SC, one of two expansion clubs for 2020, and Austin FC, a 2021 entrant, are participating this Friday at 7 pm ET in 'Pride in Local Music,' a one-night livestream event. It’s being held in partnership with the Austin and Nashville LGBT Chambers of Commerce, and will raise funds for LGBTQ+ artists in Austin and Nashville through the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and the Music Health Alliance.

“To have the ability to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ community with this initiative is extremely special for our organization,” Nashville senior director of community engagement Brandon Hill said in a team release. “Our club and our league believe that Soccer is For All, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to being the most inclusive of all sports leagues in North America and this initiative is a great opportunity to show our support.”

Aside from the live-music event, Nashville have launched a commemorative Pride patch that celebrates the LGBT community. It’ll be available through July 31 on their team site, and all proceeds benefit the LGBT Chamber, an advocacy group that represents 400-plus businesses, community groups and individuals in the Nashville area.

“We are so proud of our member, Nashville SC, on their dedicated and intentional work on incision and diversity,” Joe Woolley, CEO of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. “From the moment they formed, they have been focused on making everyone feel welcome and a part of the team. Soccer and all sports should be for everyone, Nashville SC makes it clear they are.”