US: Chicago White Sox LGBT event causes some fans to call for a boycott

A Chicago White Sox event intended to encourage LGBT fans to attend a baseball game next month has lead some fans to say they would boycott the game and the team.

“Out at the Sox,” a fundraiser for LGBT rights group Equality Illinois, takes place 16 August.

Since the pride event was announced on Facebook, there has been a backlash from some White Sox fans on the post.

Comments include:

“Shoving homosexuality on your fans is over the line. This makes me want to turn my back on the White Sox.”

“Burning my tickets for that game…”

“I think a boycott is in order!”

“When is the Straight Pride night going to be? If it’s all about equality then let’s make it across the board.”

One supporter of the event wrote: “I am extremely proud to be a White Sox fan. Glad to see the club standing on the right side of history.”

Another wrote: ”Thank you, White Sox for being inclusive of your entire fanbase and having the courage to do it.”

White Sox spokesman Lou Hernandez said to DNAinfo Chicago that there’s “no appropriate response” to the type of disrespectful and degrading commentary that the event has garnered.

He added: “We do certainly aggressively work to make the experience inviting to all groups. It’s part of creating that inviting atmosphere. From a diversity standpoint, we work hard to be as inviting and diverse as possible.”

The White Sox have held LGBT themed events since 2007.

Earlier this month, Major League Baseball increased its drive to combat homophobia in the sport by appointing gay former pro Billy Bean as its first Ambassador for Inclusion.