The Baltimore Orioles have announced that Heidi N Closet, a drag queen known from "RuPaul's Drag Race," will serve as the Guest Splasher during the team's Pride Night on Friday at Camden Yards. This role will place the drag performer in the Tower Federal Credit Union Bird Bath, a popular water-splash zone located in left field.
The Bird Bath attraction sprays fans with water after extra-base hits and is situated near the Orioles' Under Armour Kids Home Run Porch. While not exclusively for children, the section is marketed towards families and is adjacent to an area specifically designated for kids 12 and under. The team's Pride Night festivities also include giveaways, themed merchandise, and other family-friendly activities.
The decision has sparked debate online, with some critics questioning the appropriateness of featuring a drag performer in a prominent, kid-friendly attraction. Social media users have expressed concerns, with some comparing the situation to previous controversies faced by Major League Baseball teams regarding Pride Night events and player expressions of faith.
This latest development comes as Major League Baseball is still addressing the fallout from an earlier incident involving the San Francisco Giants. In that case, several Giants players faced scrutiny for not wearing Pride-themed caps that featured Bible verses, leading to discussions about uniform policies and religious accommodations within the league. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred later clarified that no players were disciplined and attributed the issue to a lack of clear communication regarding opt-out options for the caps.
The Orioles' Pride Night promotion, which includes a drag queen as the "Guest Splasher," has drawn particular attention due to the nature of the Bird Bath attraction and its proximity to family-oriented areas. The team has been actively promoting the event across its social media accounts, emphasizing an inclusive message of "Baseball is for everyone."