Forever Proud

The Forever Proud Project reinforces the USL’s commitment to social impact and to providing a safe, inclusive space for all fans, players, coaches and employees.

The goal of this national initiative is to prioritize education, community development programs, authentic and intentional fan experiences, relationship building opportunities, and LGBTQ+ storytelling for teams, players, and fans – all designed to support the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing creation of a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ fans, employees, and partners in USL communities across the country.

PROJECT PILLARS

1.

VISIBILITY & AWARENESS: Harnessing the USL’s national reach to highlight core areas of importance specific to the LGBTQ+ community including historical context, ongoing issues facing the community, allyship, policy impact, and opportunities to drive impact and change. In support of these objectives, an emphasis will be placed on providing cultural understanding of the LGBTQ+ community to elevate visibility and awareness.

2.

TRAINING & EDUCATION: Coming together as a collective - including collaborating with industry leaders, partners, and members of the LGBTQ+ community - to empower USL stakeholders with the education, tools, and information to be more understanding, inclusive, and supportive forces in their communities.

3.

OPPORTUNITY & INCLUSIVITY: Intentional focus on creating a bridge between the USL and the LGBTQ+ community to foster an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment – inside and outside the stadium – for all Clubs, employees, fans, allies, and communities.

PROUD TO BE

For Pride Month, the USL is honoring the promise of the Forever Proud Project with a new 2022 campaign designed to enroll the entire USL ecosystem in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The "Proud to Be" campaign, developed in collaboration with Seattle-based designer Fio Bazo, activates on the three pillars of the Forever Proud Project and allows space for all of us to be involved.

The "Proud to Be" campaign comes to life most emphatically through the energetic patterns of the design architecture and its curated phrases that provide clear supportive messages for LGBTQ+ community members and allies alike.

We are Proud to Be…
…united.
…an ally.
…free.
…educating others.
…different.
…a safe space.
…creating change.
…a supporter.
…seen.

STORIES

Peruvian native Fio Bazo’s “Proud to Be” designs combine a passion for sport, desire for culture change

Playing for Pride – Meet the players and supporters groups you can support

By USLChampionship.com Staff 06/01/2022, 3:30pm EDT

SD Loyal’s Collin Martin, Legion FC’s Mikey Lopez among numerous players, supporters groups taking part

Creating a Culture of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

By USLSoccer.com Staff 06/01/2022, 11:00am EDT

Watch the online panel from the USL’s Impact Series focused on the importance of inclusion

United Soccer League Announces Impact Award Winners at Winter Summit

By USLSoccer.com Staff 12/15/2021, 12:00pm EST

San Diego Loyal SC, Collin Martin recipients of Impact Club, Player of the Year awards

United Soccer League to Host DE&I Workshops at Winter Summit

By USLSoccer.com Staff 12/07/2021, 3:00pm EST

Anti-Racist Soccer Club, You Can Play Project to offer programming for over 700 attendees

United Soccer League Introduces “Pronouns Numbers Pack” for 2022 Season

By USLSoccer.com Staff 10/20/2021, 4:45pm EDT

First-of-its-kind program will provide gender affirming environments for USL players from Youth to Pro

USL Announces LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Training for Academy and Super Y League

By USL-Academy.com Staff 09/09/2021, 2:00pm EDT

Over 100 clubs to receive resources and training to create greater inclusivity

Forever Proud Partnership Profiles – Common Goal

By USLSoccer.com Staff 06/29/2021, 4:30pm EDT

As part of our month-long series, we spoke with Common Goal’s Lilli Barrett-O’Keefe

View All |

How the soccer community can support the LGBTQIA+ community

United Soccer League Launches Partnership with You Can Play in Honor of Pride Month

How a Peruvian soccer fan brought USL Pride to life