Soccer Champs Storm the Canyon of Heroes

Out lesbian co-captain Megan Rapinoe waves to the crowd as the US women's soccer team rides through the Canyon of Heroes on Lower Broadway in 2019 to celebrate their World Cup victory three days before.
DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO|DONNA ACETO
Donna Aceto

The Canyon of Heroes has played host to Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Dwight Eisenhower after leading the Allies to victory in Europe, Queen Elizabeth, the Yankees, and the Mets, among many others.

Megan Rapinoe helps a teammate enjoy a beverage during the ride.
DONNA ACETO

Today, for the second time in four years, the US women’s soccer team traveled through ticker tape from the Battery to City Hall to the acclaim of throngs — three days after winning the FIFA World Cup.

The fact that five members of the team are LGBTQ brought out the pride in the crowd lining the route.
DONNA ACETO

The victory came amidst the spectacle of the president of the United States fighting — on Twitter, of course — with the co-captain of his own nation’s team. After out lesbian Megan Rapinoe said she is “not going to the fucking White House” in the event that her team wins the World Cup,” Donald Trump tweeted back, “Megan should WIN first before she TALKS” and that she “should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear.” The president’s tweets on the matter also noted — because he tied Rapinoe to football and basketball players taking the knee — that “black unemployment is at the lowest level in our country’s history.”

Christina Chapman leads the Dykes on Bikes contingent in the ticker tape parade.
DONNA ACETO

In gaining the victory Trump warned she did not yet have, Rapinoe finished the World Cup competition with six goals and two assists. She is joined on the team by four other out LGBTQ players —Tierna Davidson, Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger. Harris and Krieger are engaged to be married.

The city’s human rights commissioner, out lesbian Carmelyn P. Malalis, takes a break from her work day to give her two kids a chance to cheer for the champs.
DONNA ACETO

The historic number of out athletes on the US team brought out pride among many in the crowd on Lower Broadway. And the Dykes on Bikes were among the lead contingents in the parade.

A youngster holds up as sign speaking to the importance of determination and believing in yourself — along with the affirmation that love is love.
DONNA ACETO

Women generally were enthusiastic about the victory, and some in the crowd noted that 28 members of the team have filed suit against the US Soccer Federation for discrimination based on pay disparities with male players.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who invited the team to the Canyon of Heroes, goes along for the ride.
DONNA ACETO

All this political subtext aside, it was a glorious day for a parade, especially one celebrating so great a victory — the team’s second straight snagging of the World Cup.

Governor Andrew Cuomo also rubbed shoulders with the winners.
DONNA ACETO

One sign made reference to the lawsuit that 28 members of the team have filed against the US Soccer Federation seeking pay equity with male players.
DONNA ACETO

Fans suggest that Megan Rapinoe has made an important political statement with her tough stance on a White House invitation.
DONNA ACETO

Whatever anyone — in Washington or elsewhere — says, this team represents the best of America and of its flag.
DONNA ACETO