-- Kings Team Members to Join Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to Participate in Sacramento Pride March on June 11 --
-- Franchise Provides Contribution to Sacramento Lavender Library to Further their Efforts in the Community --
-- Organization to Continue to Amplify Local Businesses and Promote Allyship --
Today, building on the team’s history of creating a more inclusive environment for all, the Sacramento Kings announced activations to celebrate and empower the LGBTQ+ community and allies throughout Pride Month in June. Throughout the month, the team will continue to highlight local LGBTQ+ businesses and promote allyship and will partner with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company to participate in the Sacramento Pride March on June 11.
“We are proud to continue our year-round work with the Sacramento LGBTQ+ community to promote equality and foster an inclusive environment,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “This year, we are especially pleased to support the Lavender Library and their efforts to elevate LGBTQ+ voices and advocate for learning.”
In honor of Pride Month, the Kings will be providing a contribution to Sacramento Lavender Library, a volunteer-run LGBTQ+ library, archive, and community space.
"Lavender Library is a valuable resource to the Sacramento area LGBTQ+ community who may not have anywhere else to turn to for resource material, support groups, activities and more,” said Lavender Library CFO Cindy Lou Baudoin. “The library is a place that benefits everyone, I have had parents come in asking for help understanding their child that they perceive is LGBTQ+ or is leaning that way. I have been able to talk to them from my own experience and to share the library resources with them, that's why the space we provide is so important. I have been a volunteer and on the board of directors since 2012 this is a very special place, and we thank the Sacramento Kings for their desire to help us continue to keep our doors open.”
Also, on June 11, the Sacramento Kings will join with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in marching during the Sacramento Pride Festival.
During the 2022-23 NBA Season, the Kings celebrated the LGBTQ+ community during Equality Night, presented by CGI. Before tip-off, the Kings hosted DJ Lady Char in the DOCO Plaza with appearances by drag kings and queens. The game featured Pride-themed clappers for fans, performances by drag kings and queens, a Kings Pop-Up Kitchen featuring soft-serve ice cream from KREAM and spotlights of LGBTQ+ led and focused businesses. The Kings presented an Equality Award to Vice President at Capitol Impact Robynne Rose-Haymer and a Culture Creator Award to Chief Diversity Officer at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Monae Roberts for their impact in the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, the Kings and CGI provided a contribution to support the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
The Sacramento Kings organization has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting diversity. In addition to the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, the franchise has an LGBTQIA+ employee resource group (ERG), which serves to foster an inclusive, open community and advance equality for and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and allied people. Moreover, Golden 1 Center was the first arena in the world to accommodate transgender guests by offering 23 all-gender restrooms.