Equality Night

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Kings Stories: Equality Night 2020

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-- Festivities to Include LGBTQ+ Post-Game Panel Featuring Trailblazing Hall of Fame Triathlete Chris Mosier and Additional Prominent Figures in the Sports World --

On Thursday, March 5, the Sacramento Kings will host the seventh annual Equality Night as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers. British singer-songwriter and DJ Samantha Ronson will headline the night’s entertainment with a halftime performance.

Prior to the game, Ronson will host 20 local youth ages 13-18 from the Sacramento LGBT Community Center for a Studio Session, powered by SMUD and Arden Fair. The youth will receive a tour of the studio and hear from Ronson during the session as she shares her experiences and insight as an advocate in the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are excited to partner with the Sacramento Kings for Equality Night and work together to ensure that Sacramento is a region in which LGBTQ+ people thrive,” said Sacramento LGBT Community Center Director of Programs Koby Rodriguez. “Celebrating events like Equality Night and the Pride March is an impactful way to support the LGBTQ+ community, create an environment where all people feel welcome and highlight the impact that LGBTQ+ people make in the Sacramento area.”

“We are excited to use our platform to celebrate Equality Night and recognize the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “Sacramento is made up of diverse populations who all contribute greatly to this city, and it is a privilege to honor the LGBTQ+ changemakers and advocates who support the region in such a meaningful way.”

Throughout the night, a youth art exhibit from the Sacramento LGBT Community Center will be featured on the concourse, along with banners for fans to write messages of support for equality, which will be included on the team’s float for the Sacramento Pride March in June. In-game videos will be played to honor and recognize members of the LGBTQ+ community within the Kings organization, prominent LGBTQ+ members who have paved the way in the sports world and LGBTQ+ advocates for their contributions to society and the fight for equality.

The Kings will honor Kimmera Smith with the 2020 Equality Award in-game. Kimmera is a high school student who has been accepted to San Francisco State due to their exemplary academics and school leadership. They are involved with the Sacramento Building Healthy Communities Youth Leadership Team, local HER movement iQSquad, Queer Voices at the Sacramento LGBT Center, and work on a youth mental health awareness project in collaboration with the Sacramento Building Healthy Communities Leadership Team.

Following the game, Rodriguez will lead a panel discussion that’s open to fans in attendance on a first-come, first-served basis in the Assembly Lounge featuring prominent LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates, including captain of the 2013 Final Four Cal Women’s Basketball Team Afure Jemerigbe, transgender professional triathlete and six-time member of Team USA Chris Mosier, ESPN MLB Senior Editor and Baseball Prospectus Co-Founder Christina Kahrl and LGBTQ sports writer and Co-Founder of Outsports.com Cyd Zeigler. These panelists will also participate in a luncheon conversation with Kings team members to discuss the intersection of sports, sexuality and gender identity.

The Kings are proud to continue their history of celebrating and embracing the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, the team has supported the rich diversity that makes up the city of Sacramento, participating in the annual Pride celebration, highlighting the impact of LGBTQ+ trailblazers in sport, supporting the Proud to Play campaign and highlighting LGBTQ+ members of the team’s staff who are making an impact in the sports and entertainment industry.

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Sacramento Kings to Host Seventh Annual Equality Night on March 5

Allison Ward

What is your role with the Sacramento Kings and how long have you been with the team?

“I am the Senior Director of Human Resources and I have been with the Sacramento Kings for 19 seasons.”

How would you describe the experience of coming out to your family, friends and teammates?

“After my high school graduation, I enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed several states away from my family. I would visit 2-3 times a year and periodically would bring my partner with me.

I was raised in a conservative family, so coming out to my family in the early 80’s was not a conversation I was eager to have. The conversation started with my mother and has continued with the rest of my family over the years.

While I was enlisted in the Air Force (20 years) coming out to teammates was not an option since being a homosexual in military service was banned. Many of my friends and co-workers ‘knew’ but there was no ‘coming out’ moment.”

How has your personal experience helped you in your profession?

“My profession is in Human Resources so naturally I work with our employees on personal matters. I feel that I am a good listener and my life experiences have made me a more compassionate and understanding person.”

What challenges as an LGBTQ member have you faced working in the sports industry?

“None, I am happy to say! After 20 years hiding my identity in the military it felt as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders when I joined the Kings organization.”

How do you believe the LGBTQ conversation has evolved in sports and in business?

“The LGBTQ conversation has been changing over the years, as public perception changes the conversation changes.

20 years ago, the conversation revolved around Gay, Lesbian and Bi-Sexual issues, public displays of affection, the AIDS epidemic, etc. Today, the conversation has moved toward gender transition, gender expression, gender identity, and state and federal laws protecting the LGBTQ community rights.

We have come a long way in the last 20 years, but still have a long way to go as well.”

How do you think companies can be more inclusive of their LGBTQ team members?

“If a company respects its employees, values diversity and fosters an open, inclusive culture all employees will thrive including LGBTQ team members.

We provide Everyday Inclusion and Respect in the Workplace training to our employees. The trainings encourage discussion regarding LGBTQ community issues and how we as an organization can be an ambassador of change in our community.”

How can fellow team members help advance awareness and equity for their LGBTQ teammates?

“Get involved! The Sacramento Kings organization provides opportunities for its team members to get involved with the LGBTQ community through Equality Night, Sacramento Pride Festival, Vision of Equality Luncheon, etc.”

What advice would you share with members of the LGBTQ community who are looking to get into the sports industry?

“Members of the LGBTQ community are just like anyone else looking to get into the sports industry. Obtain the education and experience required for the position you want as a career, pursue opportunities as they present themselves and then do everything possible to grow in your chosen profession.

This is an industry that is difficult to break into, especially at the pro level. I would recommend that you network a lot. Network to get the know the industry, not just to ask for a job.”

What resources would you recommend for fellow LGBTQ members in the sports business?

“Every community is different, but get involved with your local LGBT Community organization and surround yourself with positive, friendly co-workers or find a mentor in your organization to help you grow professionally.”

What does it mean to you that the Sacramento Kings organization hosts and participates in causes that strive to bring greater awareness and equity to the LGBTQ community?

“I am very proud to be a part of the Sacramento Kings organization. The Sacramento Kings dedication to the Sacramento community is one of the main reasons I have been with the organization for the past 19 years.”

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Equality Night Spotlight: Nancy Mahoney

“I moved across the country from Connecticut six years ago to be part of one of the best leadership teams in sports. I’m currently the VP of Group, Premium Hospitality &amp; Event Sales. I oversee the strategy for Kings and Golden 1 Center group sales, as well as the arena’s nearly 100 premium suites, lofts and balcony boxes. I also had the opportunity to take the lead on building a new team to facilitate the use of the arena for special events.”

“I was afraid of how those closest to me would react, and am fortunate to have had a great experience coming out. I came out in my senior year of high school and the most common response I got was, ‘Yeah duh, if you didn’t tell us soon, we were going to tell YOU.’  I guess that’s not surprising for a tom-boy with a bowl cut, that once wore a tux and bow tie to a wedding as a kid.

For me, it was hardest to come out to those I was the closest with.  My twin sister is my best friend, we have the stereotypical twin bond but for some reason she was one of the last people I told. In the end, she was, and is still, the most supportive of me and my coming out didn’t affect our bond at all.

That said, I feel like I still come out almost every day and at times I have that little thought in the back of my head – ‘What if they don’t accept me?’”

“Being a lesbian, female in a very male dominated sports industry, has made me resilient, progressive, and a dynamic leader. I oversee one of the most diverse staffs in professional sports and entertainment, and have cultivated a culture of growth, family and collaboration. 

My experience has helped shape me into a leader that encourages diverse thought and challenges the status quo.”

“I’m thankful and lucky to say, no experience sticks out to me.  I’ve been intentional in surrounding myself with leaders and peers that support me.  I will admit however, that I am conscious of my interactions in the workplace as a gay female, and recognize not everyone is as fortunate as I have been to be in such an accepting work environment.”

“I think companies can start Employee Resource Groups like the Kings have.  In addition to launching the Career Advancement Program, I serve as a member of the Diversity Council, and just recently launched our Women in Sports Network group. These groups can engage, retain employees, and help be a tool for awareness and change.”

“Be aware and emotionally intelligent.  Do what you can to be inclusive, make everyone feel welcome, and help educate others to become aware if they are doing anything otherwise. Be supportive of pride events, or walk side by side with them and other members of the Kings for the pride parade. 

Don’t tell them you accept them, show them in your actions.”

“Don’t make excuses, you can do it. Surround yourself with people who will support you, challenge you, and grow you – just like my boss, Phil Horn.  Own who you are and be authentic. So many jobs these days are about who you know. Don’t be afraid to use your networking skills in your own community; it could turn into a job!”

“Develop a strong network within your field. Find great mentors, develop meaningful relationships, and don’t forget to pay it forward.”

“It means everything to me. I’ve been brought to tears of joy while seeing the Kings wave a giant rainbow flag and when my peers walked by my side at the annual Sacramento Pride parade.  I’m proud to say the Kings have hosted an Equality Night for a number of consecutive years.

I’m proud to be an out and successful member of the LGBTQ+ community and to also be part of one of the best Executive teams in professional sports and entertainment.  I’m proud to bring my girlfriend to work functions and feel welcome! 

I’m proud to feel like I can be an example for those in the LGBTQ+ community, it does get better.”

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Equality Night Spotlight: Lisa Feigenbaum

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When the Sacramento Kings host the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday, March 7, the team, its foundation and dedicated fans will celebrate the Sacramento Region with their annual Equality Night game. The team has invited several local LGBTQ advocates, community members and partners to the team’s fifth Equality Night.

"Our mission to serve as an agent of change in our community continues as we open our doors with a warm welcome to Sacramento’s LGBTQ leaders and changemakers," said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. "We’re honored to work with the diverse groups that represent the region throughout the season."

Entertainment during game breaks throughout the evening and halftime will shine a light on LGBTQ leaders and important moments in history. Capital Cheer Elite Storm – members of Pride Cheerleading Association – will take the court at halftime for a special performance.

Though the Kings Foundation, the LGBTQ Community Center will serve as the 50/50 beneficiary with an information kiosk at Section 111. The Kings Foundation will also present the Capitol LGBTQ Association and their leadership with the team’s Equality Award honoring their hard work, serving the capitol community and impacting policy that effects the entire state.

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Sacramento Kings Fifth Equality Night to Spotlight  Work of Region’s LGBTQ Advocates and Leaders

Nikki Nicholson

Sacramento, Calif. – On Tuesday, January 10, the Sacramento Kings will welcome local LGBTQ advocates, community members and partners to the team’s fourth Equality Night – the first at Golden 1 Center. Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, will join the organization as they celebrate the Sacramento LGBTQ community accomplishments and salute their ongoing work. Throughout the day, Jason will visit students at a local middle school, as well as, join local advocates for a special tour looking back on his personal story.

“It is incredibly important that we can use the power of the NBA’s platform to reach new audiences and help serve as an agent of social change in our community,’ said Kings President Chris Granger. “I’m thrilled about how we’ve all come together – as a community – to create a great night for everyone.”

Through a partnership between the Sacramento Kings Foundation and The California Endowment, Jason will begin his day at Will C. Wood Middle School, where the “Love for the Win Club” supports LGBTQ students. Students will be able to ask Jason about his journey and experience as an NBA player and his role as an advocate for the LGBTQ community.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to bring young adults, community leaders, advocates, and fans together – all standing for human rights,” said Jason Collins. “I want to thank the Kings and The California Endowment for their tremendous leadership.”

“The California Endowment is proud to partner with the Sacramento Kings and local organizations to celebrate inclusion. Our community is made stronger when we stand together and stay loud for equality,” said Daniel Zingale, Senior Vice President at The California Endowment. “We recognize the extraordinary impact the entire day – including the events leading up to the game and all of the activations – will have on our community. We are honored to stand shoulder to shoulder in support of our LGBTQ family.”

Following the school visit, Jason and Kings Foundation Executive Director Scott Moak will head to the Sacramento LGBT Center for a tour to highlight the resources the Center provides to the local community.

Later in the evening as the Sacramento Kings host the Detroit Pistons, the entire arena will be programmed throughout the night with special salutes, concourse activations, giveaways, and a unique halftime entertainment selection that looks back at Sacramento’s 2016 Pride Parade. To open the night, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus will perform for Kings fans for the third consecutive year by singing the National Anthem for the first time at Golden 1 Center. On VSP SKEYE Vision during game breaks, the organization will share special videos honoring key dates and important figures in LGBTQ history.

The Sacramento Kings have a continued history of serving the region’s diverse organizations and groups, enhancing the lives of the people we engage and making the world a better place. Every year, they join forces with The California Endowment for the Sacramento Pride Parade to support Sacramento’s LGBT community and the advocates who strive for a more inclusive society.

The team’s new home, Golden 1 Center, became the first arena in the world to fully accommodate Transgender guests by installing 23 all-gender restrooms. The Kings will continue to use their platform to stand with the LGBTQ community by profiling LGBTQ athletes and leaders, supporting local causes and welcoming entertainers and organizations to use the team’s NBA stage.

Equality Night

Kings Stories: Equality Night 2020

Sacramento Kings to Host Seventh Annual Equality Night on March 5

Equality Night Spotlight: Nancy Mahoney

Equality Night Spotlight: Lisa Feigenbaum

Sacramento Kings Fifth Equality Night to Spotlight Work of Region’s LGBTQ Advocates and Leaders

Kings Host Equality Night at Golden 1 Center, Unite Local LGBTQ Advocates and Community Leaders on NBA Stage