Blue Jays fans donating to LGBTQ causes in Anthony Bass' name
Toronto Blue Jays fans are trying to turn a negative into a positive after Bass alienated baseball's LGBTQ community on Monday.
Toronto Blue Jays fans are doing everything they can to disassociate from middle reliever Anthony Bass in response to the latest instant of bigotry from the 35-year-old.
Bass shared a video to his Instagram story on Monday, advocating for boycotts of Budweiser and Target, two companies that have offered their support of LGBTQ2S+ rights during a time where violence and hateful rhetoric against trans communities in particular have become more commonplace.
In response, Blue Jays fans are now donating funds to Toronto PFLAG, an organization in support of the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ people and their families, along with donations to the ACLU in the state of Michigan, where Bass played his high school and university baseball.
This is what the video Bass promoted on Monday said, in part:
“Here's the reason biblically why I believe Christians have gotta be boycotting Target, Bud Light, and any other corporation that's pushing the things they're pushing. I think a lot of people make this into a political issue, or they say 'oh what's the big deal?'”
Bass spoke to Blue Jays reporters prior to Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he offered a short statement and took no questions.
"I am truly sorry," Bass said Tuesday. "I just spoke with my teammates, shared with them my actions yesterday, apologized to them, and as of right now I'm accessing Blue Jays resources to better educate myself, to make better decisions going forward.
"The ballpark is for everybody."
Despite making an appearance, Bass appeared to be profusely unapologetic, telling reporters from the outset that he was going to “make this quick” before disappearing for the remainder of the afternoon. Blue Jays fans picked up on Bass’ insincerity and have decided to spend their money actively supporting LGBTQ2S+ communities.
I donated $52 to Toronto PFLAG for Anthony Bass. I encourage you to do similar. 😆🏳️🌈 I chose PFLAG because they really helped some close family members of mine. pic.twitter.com/tfjyB8kIHI
— Kristine (@KJay1122) May 29, 2023
Love seeing the donations coming in today, in recognition of Anthony Bass' anti 2SLGBTQ+ stance. Keep them coming! To our caring community - thank you for reminding us that hate has no space in baseball or in any other sport. #ItGetsBetterCanada #BlueJays https://t.co/uQCmh6ac2u
— It Gets Better Canada (@ItGetsBetterCA) May 30, 2023
I just made a $52 donation in the name of #52 Anthony Bass of the @BlueJays #Bluejays to @PFLAGDurham to counter his anti LGBTQIA+ instagram posting. #LoveOverHate https://t.co/st3tKN2jhw
— Rev. Jeff Doucette (@EnniskillenTyr1) May 29, 2023
Toronto is scheduled to host its fourth annual Pride Weekend festivities on June 9 and 10 during a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins.
Bass revealed himself to be a bigot in one of the most queer-friendly cities in North America, so there’s little surprise that Blue Jays fans want nothing to do with him. The organization can’t stand by Bass or else they’re complicit.