I shared lots of words in last week's impromptu tribute to Willie Mays and the topic for this post is another one that needs discussion as today is the anniversary of the Stonewall riots which began on June 28, 1969.
The police brutality inflicted upon the gay and lesbian community brought national attention on the desperate need to ensure civil rights in the protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In addition to being an important political moment, one of the cultural effects was those who were marginalized began to openly "come out" regarding their gender identity.
I was born a decade after these events began to unfold and feel fortunate to have gotten to know so many lovely gay and lesbian folks growing up which shaped my inclusive nature early on. I was also inspired by queer icons in entertainment such as Elton John and Freddie Mercury however it was John Waters' 1972 film 'Pink Flamingos' that made the greatest impact on me.
My first of many viewings must have happened when I was about 13 years old and while the crass humor definitely resonated with me, there was also profound moment where I sensed Divine's performance going from an "over-the-top" silliness to a more vulnerable state of unapologetic authenticity that endeared me to them forever.
That approach stays with me until today as I know that I am an oddball but I know who I am. And I encourage others to be who who they are. And when it comes to love, I think as long as you aren't hurting anyone like "Crackers" was with the chickens in 'Pink Flamingos' —you'll have to see the movie to get that reference—then you should be free to love who you love!
While the sight of a pink flamingo automatically brings my mind to John Waters, the baseball world came very to associating them with Miami according to Nathan Larsen (@hallucinathan_ on Instagram) who is the creator of the design featured on this week's Fresh Fitted Friday cap which I purchased from The Clink Room.
Before the Miami Marlins existed, their original owner Wayne Huizenga was calling for the expansion team to be known as the South Florida Flamingos and would wear pink uniforms. He was ultimately convinced by designers that the time was not right for that color and thus came the Florida Marlins in 1993 who were bold in that they were the first ever team to wear teal caps!
Interestingly enough, Huizenga briefly then pushed for the team to be known as the Florida Panthers before he pivoted to the Marlins moniker which was used by many minor league teams that previously played in Miami.
This is noteworthy because Miami was also awarded an NHL expansion team ahead of the 1993 hockey season which also owned and was this name the Florida Panthers. While the Marlins won their first World Series after only four years in 1997, it took the Panthers until 2024 to win their first Stanley Cup.
Back to flamingos though, today’s post also happens to dovetail nicely with National Pink Flamingo Day which occurs every year on June 24. I hope you enjoy the photos and story behind this “what if” team as much as I do!
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| This is the third South Florida Flamingos released and I love how vibrant this colorway is on the final product. |
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| Lime green on the undervisor is bold! |
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| The strawberry outline on the visor really makes this thing pop. |
This week's Fresh Fitted Friday selection is not going on the Trading Block however please don't hesitate to reach out if you want any other cap from that list and you are willing to part with any of the hats on my Wish List.
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