In a remarkable about-face, the Los Angeles Dodgers have taken swift action to rectify their recent misstep. Just days after the team generated controversy by withdrawing an invitation, the Dodgers issued a formal apology to the revered Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and extended a renewed invitation to the group.
In a press release on Monday, the Dodgers not only expressed deep regrets to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence but also offered them a second chance to participate in the upcoming LGBTQ+ Pride Night, scheduled for Friday, June 16.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence found themselves at the center of a media firestorm last week when accusations of mockery by religious organizations and Senator Marco Rubio cast a shadow over their involvement. As a consequence, the Dodgers initially excluded the group from the highly anticipated pride night festivities.
In an official statement, the Dodgers conveyed their sentiments:
“After thoughtful consideration of the valuable feedback we received from our diverse communities, engaging in honest dialogues within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and engaging in meaningful conversations with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, we extend our sincerest apologies to the Sisters, the LGBTQ+ community members, and their families and friends.
We have extended a heartfelt invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to join us on the field during our momentous 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night on June 16th. We are delighted to announce that they have graciously accepted our invitation, recognizing the extraordinary life-saving work they have tirelessly undertaken for decades.
Moving forward, we will continue collaborating with our LGBTQ+ partners to enhance our understanding, foster stronger bonds, and utilize our influential platform to support the diverse range of individuals who comprise the Dodgers family.”
Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, confirmed the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s acceptance of the renewed invitation. In a statement, he expressed:
“The Dodgers’ public apology to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their reversal of the exclusion from next month’s Pride Night is a promising step forward. We wholeheartedly endorse the Sisters’ decision to accept the well-deserved Community Hero Award.
The events of the past week underscore the perilous consequences of political tactics aimed at fueling anti-LGBTQ+ bias, particularly at a time when our rights face severe challenges. It remains paramount for us to stand together as a community, steadfast in safeguarding the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals not just in Los Angeles but across the globe.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Los Angeles community, whose unwavering support rallied behind the Sisters and ultimately prompted the Dodgers to rectify their stance, affirming their backing of LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. We proudly stand alongside the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and eagerly anticipate joining them on Pride Night to celebrate their invaluable contributions to our movement.
The Dodgers’ course correction and the constructive conversations we have had with the team’s leadership since last week exemplify the kind of steadfast allyship we have come to expect from them over the years. The Center remains committed to holding our corporate partners accountable, recognizing that genuine accountability transcends mere symbolic gestures.”
In a truly transformative turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers have not only issued an apology but have also reestablished their commitment to fostering inclusivity. By extending a second invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the team takes significant strides toward creating an environment of acceptance and diversity, both within their organization and within the broader community.
