Pride+ Match Impact Council Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Pride + Match Impact Council (P+MIC) leads the charge in ensuring Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026 creates lasting impact for the LGTBQ+ community well beyond the World Cup. Bringing together community leaders, athletes, businesses, and advocates, P+MIC champions inclusion, cultural visibility, and equity — building a legacy that inspires long after the final whistle.

Pride Match Day Strategy

To celebrate and center LGBTQ+ inclusion on the world stage while showcasing Washington’s LGBTQ+ community - and promoting LGBTQ+-owned businesses and allies so that they benefit economically from FWC26 activities.

Committee Members

Jen Barnes

Co-Chair | Founder and CEO • Rough&Tumble

Louise Chernin

Co-Chair • Past President & CEO of GSBA

Amy Burdick

VP Partner Relations • GSBA

Arielle Orsuto

Sports Reporter/Anchor • KING5

Charlie Hunts

Owner and bookseller • Charlie’s Queer Books

Eric Wahl

Leader, Writer, Speaker, & Public Health Advocate • The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health

J. Manny Santiago

Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships • Washington Health Benefit Exchange

Joey Chapman

Director of Membership • GSBA- Washington State's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce

Lauren Barnes

Former Defender • Seattle Reign FC

Li Nowlin-Sohl

Attorney • Volunteering in Personal Capacity

Madi McNamara

Director of Team Business Operations • PWHL Seattle

Michi Suzuki

Founder / Owner • Michi M Suzuki PR / PR+ Collective

Nat Stratton-Clarke

restaurateur • Cafe Flora, Floret, and the Flora Bakehouse

Talisa Rhea

General Manager • Seattle Storm

Actions

Actions Taken to Support and Elevate Washington’s LGBTQ+ Community During FIFA World Cup 2026™

Increase Economic Benefit

SeattleFWC26 has implemented multiple initiatives designed to increase foot traffic, visibility, and economic opportunity for LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses through placemaking, digital discovery, and community-centered retail partnerships.

SEA&WIN Inclusion

Launched SEA&WIN, a statewide mobile gaming and discovery app that directs fans to LGBTQ+-owned businesses, cultural destinations, and neighborhood tours, including Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square. A dedicated Pride Loop launches May 11 to further elevate LGBTQ+ businesses and experiences during Pride Month and FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Unity Loop Integration

Integrated LGBTQ+-owned businesses and neighborhood destinations into the Unity Loop fan experience, helping connect visitors to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ communities through curated tours, neighborhood activations, and partnerships including the Capitol Hill Selfless Station nonprofit initiative.

Pride Beacons & Placemaking

Developed Pride-themed SEA Beacons and visual placemaking elements to increase visibility for LGBTQ+-owned businesses and Pride-centered destinations throughout Seattle neighborhoods, encouraging exploration and strengthening neighborhood identity during tournament season.

Small Business Social Media Promotion

Produced and amplified short-form social media videos highlighting LGBTQ+-owned businesses to increase digital visibility, storytelling reach, and visitor engagement leading into Pride Month and FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Merchandise Opportunities for Small Businesses

Created opportunities for small businesses to carry limited-run Pride Match Day merchandise, generating additional visibility, customer engagement, and local economic impact tied to World Cup season and Pride Month celebrations.

Community Partnerships Benefiting LGBTQ+ Nonprofits

Expanded opportunities for fans and visitors to engage with Pride Match Day through locally produced merchandise, food, and beverage collaborations that celebrate Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and creative culture. Partnerships include Stoup Brewing’s Pride Match Day IPA and Bite Society’s “Happy Pride” Tin, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations.

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Elevate Washington’s LGBTQ+ Community

SeattleFWC26 has advanced a coordinated set of initiatives focused on visibility, inclusion, and direct support for LGBTQ+ communities and Pride organizations across Washington State.

“Welcome to Seattle: This Is How We Pride” Campaign

“Welcome to Seattle: This Is How We Pride,” a statewide storytelling and visibility campaign celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, businesses, artists, athletes, and allies as Washington prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™. The campaign includes short-form videos, community spotlights, watch party content, and digital toolkits designed to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and highlight the diversity and culture of Washington State. Through coordinated storytelling, public activations, and community participation, the campaign encourages businesses, residents, and visitors to engage with Pride Match Day and share their own stories using #HowWePride.

Support for Pride Organizations

Provided in-kind support and partnership opportunities for Pride organizations impacted by June tournament activity, including support connected to the Seattle Pride Parade and Trans Pride Seattle, helping sustain visible, accessible, and community-centered Pride celebrations throughout World Cup season.

Visibility & Belonging Activations

Developed Pride Match Day visibility initiatives including street marketing and Pride-themed Pride Match Day Watch Party Kits to ensure LGBTQ+ communities are visibly represented across watch parties.

Resource Kits & Community Marketing Support

Produced Pride Match Day toolkit featuring window clings, posters, and social media graphics for businesses, community organizations, and watch party hosts. Partnered with organizations including GSBA to support outreach and participation opportunities through events such as the May 20 Economic Development Conference.

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