Tacoma’s always been a place that dances to its own beat and certainly not on Seattle or Olympia’s schedules. Tacoma celebrates Pride and the LGBTQ communities in July. On July 9 the Pride Flag raised over city hall. We stood below and felt proud to live in a city that embraces love in all its forms.
On July 13 the Tacoma Pride Festival takes over Pacific Avenue between South 9th and South 7th Street. We will be there as well.
Our own Pride of Defiance celebration is July 24 at 7:00 p.m. as we face Las Vegas Lights FC.
Tacoma Defiance Coach Chris Little enjoys that both the First Team and Defiance are celebrating Pride separately. Connecting to the local community is part of what makes the organization stand out in the soccer world.
“Anyone that visits the Sounders or Defiance, the big feedback that we get from people around the world is ‘you guys are really close to your fans and the community and the city.’ Any time we can have these games and represent all facets of society is important. Celebrating Pride Month is fantastic.”
Captain Sam Rogers is looking forward to Cheney Stadium’s Pride of Defiance night.
“It’s about being an accepting community, a warm embracing community. I think it is great for the community to see and for the club to have that occasion. We’re excited for it.”
Jesse Daley came to Tacoma from Australia. He is one of the people Coach Little could be referring to as an outsider who noticed the connection to the locals.
“I think it is a great initiative by the club. I think one of the first things I noticed when I moved over was how diverse the Pacific Northwest is and how accepting it is of different people, different cultures. I think it is an amazing initiative and long may it continue.”
As part of our celebration of Pride a portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased via our Pride of Defiance page will go to support the Rainbow Center.
Defiantly Tacoma
Next match at Real Monarchs SLC on July 12 (7:00 p.m. / ESPN+)
Next home match is our Pride match on July 24 versus Las Vegas Lights FC (7:00 p.m. / Party Deck tickets available)
March 16, 2023