The fourth annual Open Pride celebration at the US Open is scheduled to be celebrated on Aug. 29, a day in which LGBTQ+ community members will be welcomed, accepted and celebrated on the US Open grounds.
As Progress Pride flags fly around the grounds, the tournament's main-draw Pride event will include activations on the grounds throughout the day, and close with a spectacular LED light show in Arthur Ashe Stadium during the evening matches.
But Open Pride is not just a party; it’s a purpose.
The US Open's goal through centering, uplifting and elevating LGBTQ+ community groups during the year's final Grand Slam is to spread a message of love, unity, freedom, equality and safety for all, and this commitment extends beyond the three weeks when tennis is played in Flushing Meadows. LGBTQ+ fans, players, coaches, staff, volunteers and partners are invited to be their authentic selves every day as the USTA, the national governing body of tennis in the U.S., works to foster a more inclusive environment in the sport.
WATCH: Open Pride at the 2023 US Open
Also taking place on Aug. 29 is a networking event and panel discussion on the impact of “chosen families” in the LGBTQ+ community which will be hosted in the US Open's indoor event space. The fireside chat will feature award-winning actor and activist Wilson Cruz, star of the TV series Star Trek: Discovery; Emmy Award-winning director Luchina Fisher; Odessa Jenkins, CEO of the Women's National Football Conference; and the couple known as @RainbowDads on TikTok. The duo has amassed more than 1 million followers on the app as they document day-to-day life as gay parents to their son, Forge.
During Fan Week, the US Open, which has been certified for the second straight year as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community by the historic Stonewall Inn, will also host performances from LGBTQ+ community groups including Gotham Cheer and Smoke Ring acapella.
Open Pride is one of the tentpole events of Be Open, the US Open's social responsibility campaign that uses the tournament's global stage to amplify and promote messages of progress and equality. Learn more about other events and an initatives at usopen.org/beopen.
