'Representation really matters': Milwaukee Bucks to highlight LGBTQ+ businesses on Pride Night

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks hope ticketholders come to Saturday night's game willing to learn and ready to celebrate.

On Saturday, Jan. 22, the team will host Pride Night as they take on Sacramento. The spotlight will be on advocates, nonprofits and local businesses that are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

"The Bucks are committed to being one of the most diverse and inclusive organizations in the entire world," said Mallory Steinberg, senior marketing manager for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The team invited two LGBTQ+-owned businesses, Lumpia City + Flour Girl & Flame, to take over concession stands for the night.

"Representation really matters," said Alexa Reyes, co-owner of Lumpia City. "For me growing up, I didn't see a lot of gay people out there."  

Reyes co-owns Lumpia City with her partner. Together, they create fusion lumpia, which is a Filipino egg roll.

"Our brand is all about inclusivity. It's been kind of hard for us to -- throughout the years -- really be open about who we are," she explained.

They were renting out a kitchen at Fiserv Forum when the Bucks asked them if they would take over a concession stand on Pride Night.

"We'll be serving some pizza lumpia, we'll be doing our vegetarian fiesta black bean lumpia, and we'll be having our Korean beef lumpia," Reyes told CBS 58.

The game will have performances and a special halftime show.

The Bucks know they have an incredible platform and want to use it to showcase stories like Reyes'.

"It's important for the visibility -- to see someone that's doing the different roles and knowing that you can do that, too," Steinberg said.

The Bucks also plan to host future celebrations, including Black History Month, Women's History Month and Noche Latina.

"I just think it's so important for not only kids and young people, but everyone, to see that no matter who you are, you can do what it is you want to do and to not hold limitations on yourself because of your sexuality or gender or anything like that," Reyes said.

The team says tickets are available with proceeds benefiting the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation. The dollars will be used for grants earmarked for organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. Pride shirts are available for purchase at the Bucks Pro Shop.