2019 Western & Southern Open Pride Night 

The Western & Southern Open has and continues to be one of the most exciting and well-attended tournaments leading up to the US Open in New York each August. From the star-studded line up to the many community activities surrounding the tournament, tennis fans from across the world flock to Mason, Ohio each August. 

For many, though, the draw of the tournament comes from the deep-rooted sense of fellowship the tournament provides with the surrounding area. One such event is Pride Night, a night which celebrates the LGBTQ community. Now in its fifth year of operation in Ohio, the 2019 Western & Southern Open Pride Night welcomed 79 participants, the most the tournament has seen to date.

Originally started by the national USTA Diversity and Inclusion Department at a few of the US Open Series tournaments, the event has morphed from a small movie screening about diversity and inclusion to a large reception. Tournament directors at the Western & Southern Open and staff of the USTA alike have enjoyed watching the event grow over the years, hearing the positive remarks each year, and witnessing lifelong friendships form.

"It's done nothing but grow, both in the community and for the tournament staff and supporters," said Yasmine Osborn, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, USTA. "The tournament directors really love it and the connection it brings to the community; it's an opportunity for them to work on those connections for the rest of the year.

"So, for relationship-building, it has been amazing."

Not only have the tournament staff been able to connect more with those in the surrounding area, but the attendees themselves have been able to create lasting connections through the love of tennis, all at no cost to them.

"The attendees only need to pay their admission into the tournament, and we provide them with food and beverages at no cost," said Jim Amick, Director of Sales, Diversity and Industry Relations for the USTA/Midwest Section. "This is an important way to show our support along with saying thank you for playing and helping to grow the sport of tennis.

"We were also thankful that Gordon Smith [USTA CEO] was willing to speak to the group and share the importance of Pride Night to the USTA."

Looking forward, there is nowhere to go but up. The USTA will be hosting its first Open Pride Night at this year's US Open. From there, the hope is to continue to encourage other US Open Series tournaments to host similar Pride Nights and show support for the LGBTQ community.

“Pride Night has turned into a mini reunion each year at the Western and Southern Open,” said Tim Ross, USTA/Midwest Section volunteer.  “It continues to grow;  the LGBTQ community has felt embraced by the Western and Southern Open and the USTA.”

With the many efforts across the USTA, events such as Pride Night at the Western & Southern Open continue to serve as a reminder that tennis has and always will be for everyone.