What Pride Month means to Dash fans and Houston's queer community

More than 50 years after the Stonewall Uprising, June has become universally known as Pride Month — an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. With many soccer players and fans identifying as queer or as ardent allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, the sport has closely aligned itself with the monthly festivities over the past two decades.

Each season, every NWSL team hosts a special Pride match, and the Houston Dash's June 12 clash against the Portland Thorns was a colorful extravaganza that saw local band Joilux play a buoyant halftime show, the LGBT Commerce of Houston hold a panel on the pitch before the match and there were free Dash pride caps with a rainbow-colored brim given away to fans.

It was refreshing to be able to bump into not one but almost half a dozen drag queens as you wandered through PNC Stadium before kick-off. The atmosphere was palpably joyous. 

For many queer Dash fans, this can be the most eagerly anticipated match of the NWSL season — an occasion where they feel seen and not only welcome but triumphant. 

"This means a lot to most of us as LGBT-identifying fans," Melissa Maza told The Striker at PNC Stadium on Pride night. "We can be ourselves. We don't have to worry about who is looking at us or who is around us. It's a safe feeling environment."

Beyond the rainbow balloons, Pride photo booths, and drum lines, the Dash also added a more informative statement to its Pride night at PNC Stadium. As one walked around the concourse, numerous banners were hung up overhead that bore the names of famous LGBTQIA+ activists and the dates of their respective landmark accomplishments.

Even a gesture as small as hanging a banner with a person and date on it can be a hugely meaningful act.

In Maza's opinion, Pride month can often feel performative at times. The banners were a sign that there is more meaning behind the Dash's Pride celebrations. 

"When I saw that, I thought it was really cool," said Maza. "At the end of the day, it can be marketing, they want to make money. The banners symbolize they understand what the rainbow flag really means and what we as a community stand for.

"There can always be more done. I would love to see it more often, not just in June. More states, more stadiums, and more of the time. But history can be forgotten. It’s important to look back on that history and keep making progress."

In the Bayou City Republic supporter's section, Corina Avila tells me that she wishes she had the Houston women's soccer community when she was a closeted 16-year-old woman growing up in Texas.

"I needed a community like this. Honestly, I never had found a community like this until I found the Houston Dash," Avila said on Pride night. 

Avila never misses a Dash home match, despite having to drive 214 miles from Corpus Christi to Houston every time.

Behind section 137, you can hear Avila's drumming spurring the home fans to back the Dash constantly throughout the 90 minutes. Avila learned to drum in the military and feels that the Pride flag holds the same importance to her as the Stars and Stripes. 

"I see the rainbow flag in the same way that I see the USA flag, and I served in the military. When I look at the rainbow flag I feel the same sense of pride. When I see that flag, I always think of the faces that came before me. They sacrificed everything. That’s the way I look at it," said Avila.

Beyond the festivities at PNC Stadium on Pride night, the Dash has been branching out into Houston and engaging more with the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Thursday before the Pride night match, the Dash hosted a bingo night at Pearl Bar in the Heights neighborhood. Pearl Bar, which opened in 2013, is one of just 21 lesbian bars in the United States. 

Unsurprisingly, Avila made the long drive up to Pearl Bar from Corpus Christi on Thursday afternoon. That night, instead of having the usual bartenders pour the drinks, Dash players Lindsey Harris and Makamae Gomera-Stevens took turns behind the taps.

Whilst that was going on, Dash captain Jane Campbell and fellow goalkeeper Ella Dederick, along with teammate Cali Farquharson, helped lead the number-calling festivities on stage. 

"They went all out. It was the best night," said Avila about the Dash's Pride bingo night. 

The next morning, queer Dash fan Gia Quilap took to social media and said that the Pride bingo night made her feel like her "two worlds were colliding... my heart is full."

Quilap said that while she had wondered why it took the Dash so long to get out and collaborate with a local lesbian bar, she was thrilled to see the community event now taking place.

"Thanks to the new President Jessica O'Neill, staff, players, and new and long-time fans for continuing to build up this club. The work doesn't stop here," said Quilap.