health
"Crying in my arms": People are moved to tears as these dads come to Pride to play catch
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 12, 2026
· 1 min read
LGBTQ Nation will be sharing your pictures of Pride throughout May and June. Submit your own if you want to be included! Over seven years and thousands of tossed balls, "Play Catch With a Dad" has become a ubiquitous part of Pride celebrations everywhere. John Piermatteo started the sessions in 2019
Key takeaway Over seven years and thousands of tossed balls, "Play Catch With a Dad" has become a ubiquitous part of Pride celebrations everywhere.
Why this matters
The "Play Catch With a Dad" initiative, now a staple at Pride celebrations, highlights the profound impact of parental acceptance on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. For many, the simple act of playing catch with a supportive father figure can be a powerful emotional experience, as evidenced by the tears of joy it often elicits. This phenomenon speaks to the deep-seated desire for familial acceptance and validation that many LGBTQ+ people have been denied. By providing a safe and welcoming space for connection, "Play Catch With a Dad" helps to fill this void, promoting a sense of belonging and self-worth. As the National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and support, initiatives like this one demonstrate the critical role that community-based efforts can play in fostering emotional healing and resilience.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: health ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LGBTQ Nation will be sharing your pictures of Pride throughout May and June. Submit your own if you want to be included! Over seven years and thousands of tossed balls, "Play Catch With a Dad" has become a ubiquitous part of Pride celebrations everywhere. John Piermatteo started the sessions in 2019
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more health coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .