Seattle launches Pride campaign ahead of 2026 World Cup

By AI, Created 4:25 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – SeattleFWC26 has launched “Welcome to Seattle. This Is How We Pride,” a statewide campaign featuring more than 50 LGBTQ+ leaders, athletes and allies ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The effort is meant to showcase Washington’s inclusion message to an estimated 750,000 visitors and billions of viewers as Seattle hosts six tournament matches, including one during Pride Weekend.

Why it matters: - Seattle is using the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as a global stage to highlight LGBTQ+ inclusion in Washington. - The campaign is designed to reinforce Seattle’s identity as a city where belonging is part of its sports culture, civic life and public image. - One match during Pride Weekend gives Seattle a rare chance to pair the tournament with a visible Pride message.

What happened: - SeattleFWC26 launched “Welcome to Seattle. This Is How We Pride” on May 19, 2026. - The statewide campaign features more than 50 voices, including athletes, artists, advocates, small business owners and allies. - Contributors include Megan Rapinoe, Detlef Schrempf, Jess Fishlock, Dan Wilson, Jordan Horston, Jordan Eberle, Councilmember Annette Bryan, Bookda Gheisar, Jen Barnes, Justice Mary Yu and Amelia Day. - The campaign centers on short videos built around the prompt “I Pride by…” - All campaign content is live on the How We Pride landing page.

The details: - The campaign includes 12+ fully produced video assets delivered in multiple formats. - A brand toolkit is available for individuals, organizations and partners to download, share and amplify the content. - The campaign is meant to work across neighborhood venues, public gatherings, digital platforms and social feeds. - Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26, said the World Cup gives Seattle a chance to share its values with the world. - Tomozawa said the campaign reflects a community where belonging is a lived experience. - Tomozawa said Seattle wants viewers to see the city as a place where people are seen, celebrated and welcome. - Annette Bryan said she feels honored to be on a council that prioritizes 2SLGBTIA+ voices and advocates for all people in the community. - Bryan said every person matters regardless of sexual orientation and people should lift each other up. - The campaign aligns with Pride Month and the lead-up to the tournament. - Seattle’s professional teams have helped build the city’s national profile on equality and inclusion through Pride Nights, fan culture, athlete advocacy and league initiatives. - Seattle will host six matches at Seattle Stadium. - The tournament is expected to bring about 750,000 visitors and reach more than two billion viewers worldwide.

Between the lines: - The campaign is as much a civic branding effort as a Pride message. - The participation of high-profile athletes, tribal leadership and local businesses signals a broad coalition around inclusion. - The use of music from Pearl Jam and Amelia Day adds local cultural weight to the project. - The launch event at Rough & Tumble Pub in Ballard brought 200 guests together for screenings, performances and a first look at the videos. - Women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned businesses were part of the event, including Orgullo Ajeno and Stoup Brewing. - Stoup Brewing created a Pride Match Day IPA, and a portion of June proceeds will benefit Outright International. - B-roll for the campaign came from Visit Seattle, Seattle Pride, Spokane Pride, Alki Beach Pride, professional sports teams and the Space Needle.

What’s next: - SeattleFWC26 is encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to share the videos and add their own voices using the prompt “I Pride by…”. - The campaign will continue across digital and physical spaces throughout the region using #HowWePride and @SeattleFWC26. - Seattle will continue preparing for six World Cup matches, including the game scheduled during Pride Weekend.

The bottom line: - Seattle is turning World Cup buildup into a public statement about inclusion, using local voices to project that message to a worldwide audience.