The Los Angeles Dodgers have changed course on the controversial decision not to invite a group of self-described queer and trans “nuns” to be honored at the team’s 10th annual Pride Night.
“After many thoughtful comments from our diverse communities, honest conversations within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and generous discussions with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence…the Dodgers would like to offer our most sincere apologies,” the team said in a statement Monday afternoon after meeting with the group’s leaders.
The Dodgers asked the Sisters to join them, once again, on the field on Pride Night to accept the team’s community service award, which they accepted.
“A full apology and explanation has been given to us by Dodgers staff, which we accept,” the sisters said. “We believe the apology is sincere as the Dodgers have worked with our community for 10 years and they have also asked us to pursue an ongoing relationship with them.”
Last week’s decision, which followed complaints from conservatives, was immediately condemned by the LGBTQ community and many politicians.
The Sister of Perpetual Indulgence is a nonprofit organization whose decades of community service have been well documented, and many viewed the Dodgers’ decision as a surrender to right-wing fundamentalists.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center pulled out of Pride Night and called on the Dodgers to invite the group back or cancel the event. The Los Angeles County delegation, which includes 39 members of the California State Senate and Assembly, also condemned the team.
The mayor of Anaheim even invited the sisters to attend the LA Angels Pride Party on June 7, which the group was planning ahead of Monday’s apology.
“This case has been an opportunity to learn with a silver lining. Our group has been strengthened, protected and elevated to a position where we can now deliver our message of hope and joy to many more people than before,” the sisters said, “With much love and respect, we thank each person and organization that spoke up for us. Thank you and may your hearts be blessed with pure joy.