There are few leagues historically better than the NBA and WNBA at including and respecting the LGBTQ community. Both leagues have seen trailblazing players and game officials. About 20% of WNBA rosters are openly LGBTQ, Outsports reported two years ago. Both leagues are extraordinary on this issue.
Which makes something the NBA has done so especially puzzling.
NBA referees must now wear multiple patches on their uniforms supporting Emirates. The NBA and the airline reached a deal in February for Emirates to serve as the official global airline of the NBA and WNBA.
On the surface, it’s a standard deal leagues make all the time. But as Outsports recently reported this one is extremely different. That’s because Emirates is owned by the government of Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai just might be the most anti-LGBTQ place on the face of the planet. Being gay is outlawed in Dubai and the UAE.
Two of the refs who have to wear the patches? One is Bill Kennedy, who came out as gay ten years ago as a way to combat anti-gay sentiment in the league. The other is Che Flores, who is transgender, and publicly told their story recently.
So, to summarize, the NBA has reached this deal with a government whose policies are hostile to large swaths of its membership.
This issue speaks to the complexities of a league, like the NBA, which is trying to expand the game, but in doing so will go to places where…
