
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 02: A view of the US Open logo as seen from the grounds on Day Five of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 02: A view of the US Open logo as seen from the grounds on Day Five of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The upcoming hardcourt major event is about to start in New York, and the tennis realm can’t keep calm. Prior to the commencement of the US Open, there is some delightful news for the fans which might be reducing the stigma and discrimination surrounding the “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender” community. The tennis authorities are leaving no stone unturned in advocating for the equality of LGBTQ+ employees, players, coaches, fans, as well as spectators.
Thus, they have now teamed up with a renowned philanthropic organization in order to launch an initiative that will ensure a safe space for all the people who are part of the marginalized group. Some of the prominent figures in the tennis community are also involved in this project that aims to uplift LGBTQ+ persons.
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US Open shares a delightful update for the LGBTQ+ community
Prior to its commencement, the Stonewall Inn has recently recognized the Grand Slam event in New York City as a safe venue for all the people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The historic place serves as the inception of the group’s rights movement in the country.
In an official announcement, the tennis authorities stated, “The US Open has been certified by New York City’s historic Stonewall Inn—the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the U.S.—as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The US Open has been certified by New York City's historic Stonewall Inn—the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the U.S.—as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 21, 2023
For the same, the USTA has now joined hands with SIGBI as they aim to carry the values of the historical Stonewall Inn. Both the USTA and US Open personnel went through extensive training and completed a 10-step certification process before the major tournament. It will ensure that there will be a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans.
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Some of the prominent figures in the tennis community are also advocating for the philanthropic initiative.
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The legendary Australian coach is also advocating for the project
The USTA’s chief diversity, Marisa Grimes alongside the Australian tennis coach, Rennae Stubbs aims to promote “freedom, equality, and safety” for the LGBTQ+ people. Stubbs and Grimes were there at Manhattan’s West Village landmark where they received a certificate that signified the establishment of a safe and welcoming environment in the Grand Slam event in New York.
A few Stonewall dignitaries joined them as well, amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ persons in the tennis realm. In their recent announcement, the tennis authorities further made it clear that the celebration of Pride will also be a part of the main draw of the tournament.
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What do you think of the US Open’s initiative that will ensure a safe atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community? Let us know in the comments section.
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