2025 Pride Cup Guide by CompeteSports

Welcome Letter to The Pride Cup 2025 Athletes and Fans

Dear Champions,

Welcome to The Pride Cup 2025!

We are thrilled to have you join us in Orlando for this celebration of Sports, Unity, and Pride. From May 29 to June 1, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of athletes from around the world, competing in Basketball, Golf, Kickball, Soccer, Volleyball, Pickleball, Cornhole, and the Rainbow Run.

The Pride Cup is more than just a tournament—it's a movement. Together, we celebrate the unifying power of sports. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or trying a sport for the first time, there’s a place for you here!

We also invite you to experience the Magic beyond the games. Stay close to the action at the Offiicial Host Hotel - the Fairfield Inn Lake Buena Vista - and enjoy the Welcome Party and "Chill" pool hangout plus world-class events during One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree. These unforgettable celebrations will create memories that last long after the final whistle.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Let’s compete with pride, uplift one another, and make The Pride Cup 2025 the most inspiring one yet!

In unity and sport,

The Pride Cup Team  www.thepridecup.com

Billy Looper   billy@kindredpride.com

CEO | Sports Advocate

Eric Carlyle, SDLT eric.carlyle@competediversity.com

VP Of Sports | Sports Advocate

Trayer Martinez, SDLT trayer.martinez@competediversity.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITA | Sports Advocate

Connie Wardman, SDLT connie.wardman@competediversty.com

Senior Editor | Sports Advocate

David Smnith, SDLT david.smith@competediversity.com

For information about about The

Get Ready for The Pride Cup 2025 – Where Sports, Pride, and Magic Collide!

An Interview with Pride Cup founders Billy Looper and Tom Christ for Compete

Billy Looper: Our mission is to bring athletes from every corner of the globe to Orlando during the legendary first weekend of June — a time known since 1991 as “Gay Disney.” It’s one of the most iconic queer traditions on the planet. With powerhouses like One Magical Weekend, Bear Jamboree, and Girls in Wonderland producing world-class events, The Pride Cup lets athletes play hard by day and celebrate harder by night.

Compete: Which sports are featured this year?

Tom Christ: We’re going bigger than ever in 2025 with 8 incredible sports: Golf, Kickball, Pickleball, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, the vibrant Rainbow Run, and the crowd-favorite Cornhole. Last year, The Pride Cup – Golf was the largest LGBT+ golf tournament in the country, and this year we’re expecting 144 golfers to tee off at the historic Dubsdread Golf Course.

Compete: What kind of athlete turnout are you expecting?

Billy Looper: We’re anticipating between 1,200 to 1,400 athletes and an additional 500 fans and spectators — that’s a massive 20% growth over last year!

Compete: Tell us about the volunteer effort

Compete: Who are your key sponsors and partners?

Tom Christ: We’re proud to have Orlando Health and Pineapple Healthcare as our Major Presenting Sponsors. Their support makes this event possible

Compete: How can people get involved this year?

Billy Looper: Whether you’re looking to compete, volunteer, or just cheer from the sidelines, you can sign up your team, register as an athlete or volunteer, and get all the latest updates at www.thepridecup.com

Compete: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for Pride Cup?

Tom Christ: The future is incredibly bright. With strong support from the City of Orlando, Orange County, and isit Orlando, we’re building a global destination event that celebrates sport, community, and unity. Orlando is pro

Kicking Out Transphobia: Reclaiming the Field, Changing the Game

By, Anna Unger

Kicking Out Transphobia didn’t begin in a boardroom or a marketing meeting—it was born from personal experience and a shared need within the community. For founder Yunio Martinez, the vision was always rooted in something deeper than sports: creating affirming, joyful spaces where trans and nonbinary athletes are not only welcome but celebrated.

“I had seen too many talented athletes sidelined simply because of their gender identity,” says Martinez. “We needed spaces where trans people could thrive—not just survive—in sports.”

What began as a grassroots charity tournament has grown into a vibrant, multi-city movement. From kickball in Philadelphia to soccer matches in Mexico, Kicking Out Transphobia now uses sports as a tool for education, inclusion, and celebration.

From Grassroots to Global

Martinez explains that the early days were scrappy, fueled by passion and necessity. “We just wanted to play, to feel safe, and to be seen,” they recall. But over time, the mission has expanded far beyond the field. The organization now raises funds for trans-led nonprofits, provides leadership opportunities, and builds community through storytelling and visibility.

“We’re not just playing games anymore—we’re building something powerful,” Martinez says.

Pride Cup: Visibility Where It’s Needed Most

The opportunity to host a tournament during Pride Cup came through aligned values and collaboration. Martinez connected with the event’s leadership, who were authentically committed to supporting inclusive sports programming.

Bringing Kicking Out Transphobia to Florida was no easy decision. “With the rise of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ laws, it didn’t feel safe at first,” Martinez admits. “But I also knew that’s exactly why we needed to be there. Visibility is most critical in the places trying to erase us.”

That first year was challenging—but it also marked a turning point. With support from the Pride Cup team, Kicking Out Transphobia created something unforgettable. “Now we’re returning with more purpose, more players, and even more joy,” Martinez says.

Why soccer? Martinez lights up at the question. “Soccer is like a global language. It connects people, no matter who they are or where they’re from.”

For trans athletes, it’s also about reclaiming space. “We’re not just kicking a ball—we’re showing the world that we belong here,” they explain. “It’s a radical act of joy in a world that often tries to deny us that.”

Soccer also offers allies a way to actively show up. The presence of international teams— including those traveling from Mexico—demonstrates that inclusion transcends borders.

This Year’s Presence: Powerful and Purposeful

While Kicking Out Transphobia won’t be hosting a full tournament at this year’s Pride Cup due to travel restrictions and safety concerns, the message remains loud and clear.

“We’re still showing up,” Martinez affirms. “Our presence is our protest, our celebration, our commitment to every young trans athlete watching.”

Looking ahead, the organization is planning a major activation around the World Cup next year: “La sorpresa viene fuerte,” Martinez teases.

Designing Safe and Joyful Spaces

Creating safe and affirming experiences starts with intention. From inclusive registration forms to all-gender divisions, Martinez ensures every athlete is welcomed with care.

“Our leadership includes trans and nonbinary people because representation matters. We offer scholarships for players who need financial support. And we have zero tolerance for any form of hate,” Martinez explains. “But most of all, we listen. We evolve based on what our community tells us they need.”

Why Trans Programming Belongs at Pride

Martinez is passionate about the importance of integrating trans-specific programming into major Pride events like Pride Cup.

“Even in LGBTQ+ spaces, trans folks are often an afterthought,” they explain. “We deserve to be centered—not just included.”

In January, Kicking Out Transphobia made history by fielding the first all-trans soccer team at the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas. “We were just hoping to participate—but we placed third. That’s the power of showing up.”

The Challenges—and the Community That Overcomes Them

Funding remains a consistent hurdle. As a grassroots organization, Kicking Out Transphobia relies on donations, partnerships, and volunteers. Safety—both physical and emotional—is another major concern in today’s political climate.

“There’s a lot of emotional labor in this work,” Martinez shares. “But the joy we create makes it all worth it.”

They point to allies like David Daly, who traveled from Jalisco to Mexico City to help host back-to-back events. “People like David—and all our volunteers—make this movement possible,” Martinez says. “It’s never just me. It’s all of us.”

The Impact: On the Field and Beyond

What does success look like? For Martinez, it’s not about trophies—it’s about transformation.

“For trans and gender-nonconforming athletes, just being able to show up and play can be life-changing,” they say. “It builds confidence, connection, and joy.”

For the wider LGBTQ+ community, the hope is even broader: “We want people to see trans athletes as leaders, teammates, and trailblazers—not just as headlines.”

How to Support Kicking Out Transphobia

There won’t be a formal event in Orlando this year, but big things are ahead. The next major tournament will take place in San Francisco on August 16, followed by the flagship event in Philadelphia this November.

To support: follow their journey, donate if you can, volunteer, or help bring the program to your city. And above all: “Listen to trans folks,” Martinez says. “Let our voices lead. Support doesn’t have to be loud—but it has to be real.”

The Vision Ahead

Kicking Out Transphobia is building more than events—it’s building a movement. Martinez envisions a future where trans-affirming sports leagues, leadership programs, and inclusive tournaments exist across the world.

“Our goal is to leave a legacy,” they say. “A legacy that tells the next generation of trans kids: You belong. You lead. And this game was always yours.”

“The Pride Cup extends our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Your time, energy, and passion make everything possible. We couldn’t do it without you!”