Ali Krieger’s message to the LGBTQ+ community

Orlando City and United States women’s national team star Ali Krieger offered words of wisdom to the LGBTQ+ community on the latest episode of The Call Up.

The USWNT defender has long been part of the LGBTQ+ community, constantly advocating while offering support both on and off the pitch. In the past, Krieger and wife, USWNT member and Orlando City goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, have been outspoken in hopes to raise awareness and destroy the stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ in sports.

As Pride Month came to a close, Krieger directed her attention to young athletes in the community. 

"I think this is so important for a lot of our younger athletes and younger kids a part of our LGBTQ community to feel like they're living their authentic life and living life to the fullest and feel appreciated and valued and supported," Krieger said.

"I just want to say that there's such an incredible community out here waiting for you that will love you. I know that it's very difficult to take that next step and really live your truth but I do feel like there's such an incredible world for you to explore because there's so many people who will love you for you and no one can live your life better than you can live it."

During the interview, Krieger spoke about the responsibilities that come with being role models for the community. She added that her and Harris want to continue to remain in the public eye, to make others just as comfortable.

"I really feel like it's so important that we have people who are in this world who are individuals who really live their authentic life and inspire other people to want to do the same.

"And I hope that with Ash and I now with our daughter Sloane that we've helped save some people from thinking they can't have a happy ending and that they possibly don't deserve that and maybe through watching us living our authentic life that they feel like they can have great things too and that they deserve great things because of who they are and just because of who they love and what they love.

"We need to just really start lifting each other up and loving each other for who we are because we can't live our lives better than anyone else other than just being ourselves and so I feel like it's really important that the visibility continues and the authenticity of everyone's individual life really shines because that just inspires everyone to come out as they are and live life and love and be happy."