As Pride Month is celebrated this June, Real Salt Lake proudly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion, respect, and love for all. Being an ally is more than a statement, it's a responsibility to uplift, support, and advocate for those whose voices have been marginalized.
RSL recognizes that allyship means actively creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Pride is not just about celebration; it’s about standing together to ensure equality, dignity, and acceptance for all because we are stronger when we lead with empathy and unity.
At Real Salt Lake, defender Justen Glad and goalkeeper Zac MacMath have emerged as leading voices in the club's commitment to LGBTQ+ allyship. Glad, known for his leadership both on and off the field, has consistently used his platform to advocate for inclusivity and equality. MacMath, a two-time Humanitarian of the Year, has been instrumental in community outreach, promoting acceptance and support for marginalized communities. Together, they embody the values of allyship, using their influence to foster a culture of respect and unity within the RSL community and beyond.
For MacMath, “being an ally is being someone who supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and shows their support by advocating for them publicly, privately and in real life. It’s also about being there for those who go through the struggle that they deal with.”
As allies, both players stressed the importance of being a voice for those who may not be able to speak for themselves, “just not being silent, if you see something going on that doesn’t sit well with you just advocating for their rights and making sure they feel included in every space” said Glad.
The importance of allyship extends beyond individual players and is deeply embedded in the culture of Real Salt Lake as an organization. RSL consistently demonstrates its commitment to supporting marginalized communities, not just during Pride Month in June, but throughout the entire year. The club actively promotes inclusivity, embracing people of all ages, races, sexual orientations and backgrounds. This dedication to diversity and acceptance is a core part of what defines Real Salt Lake both on and off the field.
“They are very outward in supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Pride Month and outside of pride month supporting the different parades and different things around the community to show support and stand up for those who are suffering. They are great advocates for the community” MacMath shared.
In light of recent developments at both the local and national levels of government, showing unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community is more crucial than ever. A wave of legislation is increasingly targeting this historically marginalized group, making it harder for many to feel safe, accepted, and included in everyday life. Now, more than ever, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community sends a powerful message of resilience, unity, and compassion.
“I think it’s a scary time for this community and for me it’s crazy that other people care so much about what people in the LGBTQ+ community are doing when it literally has no effect on them. They’re just living their lives. I feel like everyone should have the right to live their own lives and be happy regardless of their sexual orientation, but unfortunately we’re at a place where legislation harms their rights and makes them feel non included which is very sad to see, it’s a step backwards from where we’ve been” Glad expressed.
Both MacMath and Glad find it important to use their platforms as professional soccer players to do whatever it is they can to stand behind and bring awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. MacMath has friends and family who are a part of this community and has witnessed firsthand the prejudice and discrimination that they have gone through making his reasoning for allyship personal.
“I want everyone in that community to be able to have a family and have that support and be able to live however they want to live without the prejudice and discrimination they deal with” he (MacMath?) said.
For Glad, the negativity towards this group of people in our society runs deep, “I had a cousin who was gay and committed suicide so, I just recognize that a lot of people may be going through things by themselves and by being outspoken publicly I hope that maybe someone who doesn’t feel welcomed or loved can see that post or whatever it is and realize that its a safe space for them.”
His biggest motivation for using his platform is to show people that there is always someone in their corner, and it's important to him to offer support to anyone who may not have it at that moment.
Being educated about the LGBTQ+ community is essential to being an effective ally, as understanding their experiences, history, and challenges fosters empathy, combats ignorance, and empowers meaningful support.
As a father MacMath, emphasized raising his kids to be empathetic, “I teach my kids how to treat everyone with respect and that no matter who they are, what they talk like, what they look like; we treat everyone with kindness and respect.”
Certain phrases, even when said with good intentions, can be harmful or dismissive to the LGBTQ+ community. Being a true ally means recognizing that language matters—and avoiding expressions that reinforce stereotypes, invalidate identities, or minimize lived experiences.
“Sometimes people just say things without really realizing what they are saying. I know as a kid growing up it was pretty common to say things like ‘that’s gay’ and stuff like that. It’s important to get that out of our vocabulary and be cognizant because you never know who may be listening or be offended by that” recognized Glad.
Supporting marginalized communities like the LGBTQ+ community is not just a momentary gesture, it’s an ongoing commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion. Real Salt Lake and its players understand the importance of being visible allies, using their platform to uplift voices that have historically been silenced or overlooked.
While Pride Month in June serves as a powerful reminder of the progress still needed, RSL’s dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for all remains a year-round priority. Through consistent action, education, and advocacy, the club proudly stands with the LGBTQ+ community on and off the field.
