The Detroit Pistons will tip off Pistons Pride Week with a series of virtual events held from Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18. The programs are an extension of the Pistons Equality platform and designed to inspire, impact and support the LGBTQ+ community. Pistons Pride Week events are free and open to the first 1,000 participants to register at https://www.pistons.com/pride. The events are sponsored by Delta Dental and Tricho Salon and Spa.
The organization will begin the week with a virtual workout hosted by Chris Mosier on Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m. Mosier, a Northern Michigan University graduate, is the first transgender athlete to represent the United States in international competition, first transgender athlete in the ESPN Body Issue and first transgender athlete to be sponsored by Nike.
On Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m., the Pistons will host an interactive discussion with Free Mom Hugs founder Sara Cunningham and her son Parker. Free Mom Hugs is made up of parents and allies who are working toward full affirmation and equality for all, and Cunningham is known for her offer to serve as a “stand-in mom” at same-sex weddings. The conversation will be moderated by Kevin Heard, who founded the Detroit LGBT Regional Chamber in 2013.
An Athletes for Equality Panel will be hosted by Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally, on Wednesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. Taylor will be joined by Mosier, Pistons’ Bad Boy and current radio analyst Rick Mahorn, Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, and Kenneth Faried, the first NBA player to join Athlete Ally in order to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The panel will discuss homophobia and transphobia in sports and aims to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ+ equality.
The Pistons Entertainment team, including Pistons dancers and mascot Hooper, will close the week of events by hosting a virtual dance class on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. in celebration of Pride.
“Through the Pistons Pride Week events and discussions, we look to recognize and advocate for inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Erika Swilley, Detroit Pistons senior director of community relations. “We stand behind our commitment to equality and we are grateful to our many partners for joining in this important dialogue.”
The Pistons, in partnership with Delta Dental and Tricho Salon and Spa, will also be raising donations for local charities, including Free Mom Hugs, Ruth Ellis Center, The Trevor Project and Athlete Ally.
For more information on the Pistons Equality Pride week, visit www.pistons.com. Register online for each virtual event at https://www.pistons.com/pride.
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