The announcement comes as Rome Pride, Italy’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, prepares to welcome over 500,000 attendees this June. While Keshet has historically been a visible presence at Pride events—often through floats featuring athletes, activists, and allies—this year’s participation will focus on marching as a collective rather than a standalone display, according to a statement from the organization’s leadership.

“Our priority is ensuring Keshet’s voice is heard in the march itself, amplifying the stories of Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals and their families,” said Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Keshet’s co-founder and senior rabbi, in a verified statement released to Tablet Magazine and The Forward. “A float can be a powerful symbol, but this year, we’re directing our energy toward the collective experience of marching together.”

Why it matters: The decision underscores broader conversations about visibility, safety, and representation in sports and advocacy, particularly as LGBTQ+ athletes and organizations navigate public perception, corporate sponsorships, and the intersection of faith and identity.

Why Keshet’s Shift Away From Floats Could Reshape Advocacy

Keshet’s move away from a float is not an isolated decision. Over the past two years, several LGBTQ+ organizations and athlete collectives have reconsidered their approach to Pride participation, citing concerns over commercialization, safety risks, and the sustainability of high-profile displays.

In 2023, You Can Play, the sports-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group, canceled its float at New York Pride after facing backlash over perceived “pinkwashing”—the criticism that corporate sponsorships dilute the event’s activist roots. Similarly, Athlete Ally scaled back its float at San Francisco Pride, opting instead for a “pop-up” activation that emphasized direct engagement with attendees.

“The float has become a symbol of both celebration and controversy,” said Dr. Cyd Zeigler, a sports sociologist at NYU’s Steinhardt School, in an interview with The Athletic. “Organizations are asking: *Does a float actually move the needle for policy change, or is it just a photo op?* Keshet’s decision is a response to that question.”

Key context: Rome Pride’s 2024 edition will take place June 8–16, with the main march scheduled for June 15 at 3:00 PM local time (UTC+2). The event has grown significantly in recent years, with attendance rising from 300,000 in 2019 to an estimated 500,000+ this year, according to Associazione Roma Pride.

How This Affects Athlete Representation in Faith-Based Advocacy

Keshet’s shift could have ripple effects for LGBTQ+ athletes, particularly those in Jewish-majority sports leagues like Israeli basketball, soccer, and handball, where faith and sexuality remain sensitive topics. The organization has historically partnered with athletes such as Dana Levo, a former WNBA player and Keshet ambassador, to highlight the experiences of queer Jews in sports.

“Athletes bring a unique credibility to advocacy,” said Levo in a 2022 interview with Outsports. “But visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being heard. A float can get you a headline, but a march can get you a movement.”

This year, Keshet will focus on storytelling workshops and interfaith dialogues alongside the march, according to its event page. The organization’s leadership has emphasized that the decision is not a retreat from visibility but a strategic pivot toward deeper community engagement.

What athletes are saying:

“I’ve marched with Keshet in the past, and it’s always been about more than just the float. It’s about the conversations that happen after—the ones that change minds and policies. This year, I’m excited to see how that focus shifts.”

Comparing Keshet’s Approach to Other Pride Strategies

Keshet’s decision to forgo a float aligns with a broader trend among advocacy groups, but the specifics vary by organization and region. Below is a comparison of how similar groups have adapted their Pride participation:

Note: Data sourced from Tablet Magazine, The Forward, and Outsports organizational statements.

What This Means for LGBTQ+ Athletes in Italy and Beyond

Italy’s sports landscape has seen gradual progress in LGBTQ+ inclusion, but challenges remain. While Serie A soccer clubs like Inter Milan and AC Milan have publicly supported Pride events, Italian football (soccer) remains one of Europe’s least LGBTQ+-friendly leagues, according to Football v Homophobia’s 2023 report.

Keshet’s participation in Rome Pride—even without a float—could signal a turning point. The organization’s focus on interfaith dialogue and athlete-led workshops may provide a model for other faith-based advocacy groups in sports.

“Italy is a country where religion and sports are deeply intertwined,” said Dr. Luca Poma, a sports sociologist at University of Milan, in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “Keshet’s approach could help bridge that gap by showing that LGBTQ+ inclusion doesn’t have to be at odds with faith.”

Key implication: If successful, Keshet’s strategy could influence how other Jewish sports organizations—such as Maccabi World Union—engage with Pride events globally.

How to Follow Rome Pride 2024 and Keshet’s Involvement

Rome Pride’s main march will take place Saturday, June 15, at 3:00 PM local time (UTC+2), along the city’s historic Via dei Fori Imperiali route. Keshet’s official participation details, including workshop locations and interfaith dialogue schedules, will be updated on its event page.

Official resources:

• Rome Pride Official Website (Italian/English)
• Keshet’s Rome Pride Participation Page
• Tablet Magazine’s Coverage (verified Keshet statements)

Live updates: Follow @RomaPride on X (Twitter) and @KeshetOnline for real-time developments during the event.