Los Angeles Valiant Team Up With You Can Play Project
By Zac Cameron ·
The LA Valiant have become the first Esports organization to join the movement to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in gaming.
In a post on their Overwatch League news section, the Los Angeles Valiant have today announced their partnership with the You Can Play Project, an organization designed to ensure the safety and inclusion of everyone participating in sports, including LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and fans. While the You Can Play Project has found its prominence through support from traditional sports organizations like the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer, the Los Angeles Valiant are the first Esports organization to join the social change movement.
“For too long, the Esports industry has been unfairly characterized as a toxic, unwelcoming environment,” said LA Valiant CEO Noah Whinston. “This assumption runs counter to the core values of the Los Angeles Valiant organization and our partnership with the You Can Play Project further cements our dedication to making the LA Valiant an inclusive community. The message is simple: no matter who you are, who you love, or what gender you identify as - if you can play, you can play.”
The You Can Play Project was founded in 2012 by Patrick Burke of the NHL, alongside sports and marketing executive Brian Kitts and Glenn Witman of GForce Sports, in honor of Brendan Burke, brother to Patrick, who died in 2009.
“You Can Play is honored to have the LA Valiant as our first Esports partner,” added Ryan Pettengill, Executive Director of You Can Play. “They are an organization committed to promoting diversity in and around Esports; we are happy to be a part of that effort and so appreciative of their support.”
The You Can Play Project will be providing diversity and inclusion training for the Los Angeles Valiant, and the team will be filming a PSA to promote awareness of the campaign amongst the community. The organization will also have a presence at selected LA Valiant events so that fans can interact and learn more about the organization. Additionally, the LA Valiant will be selling pride themed patches through the month of June. You can find the patches at their store, here.
For more Overwatch League news, check out the match recaps from yesterday’s games, here.