The Dallas Wings had more to celebrate than just their 85–70 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday at College Park Center. The game also marked Pride Night. Following the victory, rookie star Paige Bueckers, who recorded a season-best 31 points along with six rebounds and five assists, spoke about the significance of both the WNBA and the Wings recognizing Pride while diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives continue to face criticism from some government officials.
“I think it’s really important. I feel like this world would be a lot better place if love and inclusivity was just put first, to live in love, to love somebody, regardless of who they like, who they love, and just love them for who they are. I think that’s what life is all about. I live like I want to live a Christ-like life, and to live in love, to live in accepting others, live a judgment-free life. That’s really what you want to do. And so I know it was a really fun night to celebrate Pride. I know the W is huge on inclusivity and activism and being just supportive and loving of everybody, so I think that’s no different than tonight,” said Bueckers.
During halftime, the Wings honored the organizers of Dallas Pride at center court and played a video on the arena’s big screen featuring team dancers, including Mariah Martin and Damian Padilla, as they shared their personal perspectives on the meaning and importance of Pride.
“Pride to me means being your authentic self. It means having the utmost beautifulness that you have with you, and you’re able to share it with the world. It’s being unapologetically you,” said Martin. Padilla said, “This is my third year attending the Pride parade, and my favorite part is seeing all the fans and also dancing in it, but just overall just making that connection outside the arena, because we see them at the games, but now we get to see them here on a more personal level.” Former Dallas County City Council member Omar Narvaez talked about the Wings’ participation in Pride events and what it means to the community. “The Dallas Wings have been to every single one of the Dallas Pride flag raisings, every single year. It really shows how committed they are to the LGBTQ community, but also our great city, Dallas,” said Narvaez. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talked at the beginning of June about why it’s important that the league is focused on celebrating Pride Month. “The WNBA is deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Engelbert. “WNBA Pride highlights our year-round devotion to supporting members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the diverse WNBA family and uniting people through the game of basketball.”
