The Buffalo Bills announced last week that they will be sponsoring a gay flag football league, which incited a backlash from conservatives.
The Buffalo Bills revealed in a press release on Tuesday that they are supporting a National Gay Flag Football League chapter. A press release hailed the sponsorship as a “game changer for bringing LGBTQ+ organized football to Buffalo” and said it will help the league become “even more inclusive.”
Aiming to “foster and cultivate the self-respect of all LGBTQ+ people and promote respect, acceptance, and understanding from the larger community,” the league was established in 2002, according to its website. A new club could arrive in Buffalo as a result of the new sponsorship, in addition to the other football teams that now support the league.
LGBTQ+ acceptance is still a contentious cultural war subject, despite the fact that numerous polls indicate that Americans are growing more pro-LGBTQ+ rights. Over the last few years, conservatives have become more vocal in their condemnation of enterprises that work with LGBTQ+ people. This criticism has occasionally resulted in boycotts of these businesses.
Following the Bills’ statement, prominent conservative pundits and media sites unleashed a torrent of criticism.
It seems that you couldn’t avoid the Pride Month indoctrination by watching football. The Buffalo Bills are the most recent NFL team to back the newly formed National Gay Flag Football League. How come?” stated Newsmax host Rob Schmitt, a conservative network.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), journalist Carmine Sabia stated, “This is what the end of the United States looks like.”
“The Buffalo Bills just declared that they will be assisting in the establishment of the National Gay Football League. Yes, this is true. “I also felt it was a ridiculous parody,” wrote journalist Nick Sortor.
“So, does this imply that gay men are permitted to participate in the NGFL? Conservative pundit Sage Steele said, “Kind of like how gay guys are allowed to play in the NFL…and have been for YEARS.”
In response to Steele, co-founder of the league’s national organization Jim Buzinski said, “Anyone is welcome in any league and there is no ‘test’ to prove your orientation.”
The announcement was hailed by many others as a move in the direction of inclusivity.
“This announcement’s responses serve as excellent illustrations of the significance of such an announcement. Proud of the Bills and my hometown,” wrote Tyler Schrodt, the eSports creator of EGF.
“It’s incredible to see another @NFL team stand up and support a local GAY GAY GAY flag football league, especially in light of all the homophobes complaining about #PrideMonth.” I’m very grateful to @BuffaloBills!” wrote Outsports reporter Cyd Zeigler.
In the statement announcing the sponsorship, Buffalo Bills vice president of community impact Michelle Roberts said, “We are thrilled to join the NFL and other Clubs across the league in their support of the NGFFL.” We hope to increase the NGFFL’s influence in our neighborhood with our support.
Newsweek used its contact form to request a statement from the Buffalo Bills.