Team Liquid’s esports teams competing in the 2024 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia this month have been given the green light to wear Pride jerseys.
E-sports team to wear Pride shirts at tournament in Saudi Arabia!
There were questions about whether TL players would be allowed to wear rainbow jerseys at the $60 million, multi-title event, especially after Saudi Arabia's strict measures against rainbow-colored toys and clothing. Those concerns were put to rest today, when online reporter Rod Breslau confirmed that the organization "can and will wear Pride jerseys" at the Boulevard City tournaments.
This Jersey permission is particularly significant given Saudi Arabia’s strict legal and social environment regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and there have been reports of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. The country’s legal framework does not recognize or protect LGBTQ+ rights.
The decision to allow Pride shirts can be seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize and open up its tourism industry. This strategy includes significant investment in sports and entertainment to improve the country’s global image through the government-backed sports organization Riyadh Season.
