In celebration of Pride Month, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC are highlighting Ebony Cross, executive director of the Louisville Pride Foundation, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and representation for all people.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to help people,” Cross said. “When I was a kid, I had the innate ability to always be mindful that helping others is what you’re supposed to do. There’s an intersectionality with me being Black, a woman and lesbian. What better way to help people than to start in my community, where I can help people who represent all parts of my identity?”
Through her work with the Pride Foundation, Cross has helped create programs such as support groups and food pantries.
“We don’t always feel safe going to other places to gain resources. I wanted to ensure that I was providing a safe space that feels welcoming, where there’s no judgment. It’s important to me because we belong just as much as anyone else.”
Racing and LouCity are proud allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. The clubs will be hosting their annual Pride matches on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, respectively.
Additionally, proceeds from the clubs’ Pride collection go back to the Louisville Pride Foundation throughout the month of June.
“One thing we all can agree on is sports. No matter the differences, sports bring people of all cultures, races and communities together,” Cross said. “We’re all cheering for a team or against one in the community. You aren’t thinking about the preferences of another. What comes with that are conversations and meeting new people. You get to know someone through the mutual love of sports.”
For Cross, Pride Month is all about seeing the growth of humanity in real time.
“Pride Month allows our community to celebrate living authentically ourselves. We get to be in a community of each other and be celebrated along with allies. I’ve seen many people want to have discussions and understand our community better, when previously they may have thought differently.”
