The US Open has been officially certified as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people by the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the US.
Stonewall Inn operates an initiative that seeks to designate places as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ community members. The organisation has now designated the US Open as a SIGBI place, a place that carries the spirit and values of Stonewall Inn in uplifting LGBTQ+ persons.
It's a huge step for the event which always sought to promote equal rights for all. The USTA chief for diversity, Marisa Grimes, spoke about the certification, which she called vital for people to understand that the event is a place for them.
"The USTA believes that tennis thrives when the sport embraces inclusion. For that reason, we strive to create an environment where people of all ages, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities feel welcome and accepted."
"Having the US Open certified as a Safe Space elevates the voices of the LGBTQ+ community on tennis’ grandest stage and is another example of our efforts to spread the message of freedom, equality, and safety for all."
The US Open will continue to celebrate pride at the US Open. On August 31st, the event will host its third consecutive Open Pride event, which will feature various on-site activities as well as other things.
The celebration is an important show of support from a major event in times when the Tour is making questionable moves. The sport contemplating a buy-in from countries where the LGBTQ+ community is severely punished is not a great sign for its athletes that belong to this community.
Daria Kasatkina has been one of the players to speak against such a move, but the news from the Flushing Meadows will certainly make her and fellow players happy, as the last major of the season made another step to make everyone feel welcome.
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