Throughout Pride Month, we’re celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and within the Nashville SC family. As a part of that, we’re spotlighting a few of our supporters and front office staff members who are part of the community.
First up is C.R. Lloyd, a Nashville SC supporter.
What is your name and what are your pronouns?
My name is C.R. and my pronouns are they/them.
How long have you been a Nashville SC fan?
I’ve been a Nashville SC fan since 2019. I won tickets to a scrimmage match at Nissan Stadium and began to become invested in our then, Boys in Blue. Shortly after, a friend from work invited my fiancée and I to a Pride match and from then on we were hooked. We’ve had season tickets since!
Tell us a little bit about the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville, and about the community within the Nashville SC fandom.
The LGBTQIA+ community in Nashville is larger than I expected. I grew up in Alabama and moved to Nashville for Law School in 2019. Prior to that move, I can count on one hand the number of Queer-centered spaces I had been in. It only took a few nights out here (shout out to East Nashville!) to find community and feel not only welcomed, but affirmed. The Assembly, and other Supporter’s Groups, have worked very hard to curate that same feeling of community and continue to strive to affirm all identities.
Why is LGBTQ+ representation important, especially in the context of professional sports?
LGBTQ+ representation in sports is important because it creates visibility and encourages community and inclusion. This is especially important in a time where we are seeing a terrifyingly increasing number of anti-LGBT bills and laws being introduced and passed. LGBTQ+ kids and adults alike should know they are welcome and safe in sports settings.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride month to me means a time to be intentional in remembering those who came before us, our LGBTQ+ elders who paved the way for conversations like this to even occur. It also means a month to gather in community and celebrate our differences, shared experiences, and love for our community.
