The companies of the Anschutz Entertainment Group have been among the earliest advocates of the movement for equal treatment of LGBT athletes and fans in sports.
During 2012 Stanley Cup celebrations, the Los Angeles Kings’ Dustin Brown and Alec Martinez showed their support for You Can Play with a team-sanctioned parade-cam video. Kings players have subsequently appeared on You Can Play’s behalf and the Kings have featured annual You Can Play events in support of building strong allies and LGBT inclusion.
Major League Soccer, an official partner of You Can Play, was co-founded by Phil Anschutz and currently features the only openly gay man in a major American sport, Robbie Rogers. AEG’s LA Galaxy has actively promoted LGBT equality with Robbie leading the way and former coach Bruce Arena winning awards for his own support.
Two of You Can Play’s most popular videos feature FUN. and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. These wouldn’t have happened without the support of AEG Live and the company’s long history of promoting live music by LGBT artists and advocates.
The AEG companies are part of an important growing coalition supporting social change, diversity and inclusion including that of LGBT athletes, musicians and fans. AEG’s record shows corporate cultures not just of diversity, but of vital vocal advocacy.
Sports and music have always had the power to unite humanity in a shared celebration that doesn’t recognize discrimination. You Can Play is proud to have friends and partners in equality at the Kings, the Galaxy, the Ontario Reign, AXS, AEG Live and other Anschutz properties.
