By Sunday 
Pride Night at Citi Field was supposed to be a celebration — an evening of inclusion, baseball, and rainbow flags. But one simple moment has kicked off a whirlwind of controversy.
The Kiss Seen Around the Diamond
During Friday night’s New York Mets game, the stadium’s jumbotron cut to a gay couple kissing — just as it has for countless heterosexual couples before them. For most fans, it was a heartwarming nod to the LGBTQ+ community, especially on Pride Night. The crowd gave a round of applause, and the game went on.
But on social media? That kiss lit a match.
Cue the Outrage Machine
Conservative pundits, commentators, and culture war foot soldiers didn’t miss a beat. The image made its rounds across Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram with cries of “agenda-pushing” and “won’t somebody think of the children?” You’d think they’d shown a political campaign ad or dropped F-bombs over the speakers.
For the LGBTQ+ community and allies, the backlash felt frustratingly familiar.
“It’s always the same story,” one fan tweeted. “Straight kiss: cute. Gay kiss: end of Western civilization.”
Mets Fans Split, But the Team Stands Firm
Not everyone in the Mets fan base was upset — in fact, many praised the team for their visibility and support.
“The Mets did the right thing,” a fan posted. “It’s Pride Night. If you don’t like it, don’t go.”
The team hasn’t issued a new statement yet, but their track record shows a steady embrace of inclusivity. It’s not the first time the Mets have made space for LGBTQ+ visibility, and judging by this year’s Pride Night turnout — it won’t be the last.
Why It Still Matters
In 2025, some may ask: why is a kiss still making headlines? The answer lies in who gets to be seen, who gets to feel safe — and who still feels threatened by both.
That jumbotron moment wasn’t just a kiss. It was a quiet declaration that everyone belongs at the ballpark. And if it rattles a few cages along the way? Well… maybe that’s exactly why it matters.