Adedokun Waliyu 
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass is slated to be part of the club’s pre-game Pride Weekend festivities one day after he admitted regret to sharing an anti-2SLGBTQ+ video on social media while defending the move citing his religious beliefs.
The Instagram video Bass shared promotes boycotting companies, like Target and Bud Light, that support gay and trans rights in the name of the Christian faith.
He followed comments from general manager Ross Atkins before Thursday’s game. He elaborated on his decision to share the video, delete it, share it again and then permanently remove it from his Instagram account.
“The video itself, I took it down,” Bass said. “I felt like it was too much of a distraction. I stand by my personal beliefs, and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? But I also mean no harm to any groups of people.”
The video, which referred to Target and Bud Light’s support of the trans community as “demonic” and “evil,” was not hateful, Bass said.
“I do not. That’s why I posted it originally,” Bass said. “When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way, and that’s why I was apologetic.”
Bass spoke to the media after a meeting with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste.
That conversation highlighted Modeste’s story, and touched on the work Pride Toronto does around the city, why it’s necessary, and the impact someone with Bass’ profile can have by platforming such a video.
Atkins said he was personally affected by Bass’ actions on social media but acknowledged that the reliever’s apology felt sincere.
“His emotion was very strong, as was mine,” Atkins said. “I was personally hurt, myself. He felt my disappointment and anger. It was a very charged exchange.”
The Blue Jays’ fourth annual Pride Weekend begins Friday against the Minnesota Twins. The event features involvement from various 2SLGBTQ+ organizations across the community, pre-game festivities, live performances and themed activities.
Bass offered to catch Friday’s ceremonial first pitch from leZlie Lee Kam, a long-time community activist, “like a symbol of acceptance and unity.”
“I just want to let people know that there is unity there, there’s acceptance there,” Bass said.
Bass, who no longer uses Twitter and has deleted the Instagram app from his phone, said he had taken some learnings from this experience.
“I have my personal beliefs in my faith, and that’s what initially drew me to re-post the video that I did,” he said.
“Through this process, speaking with Sherwin, getting the backlash from the majority of people here in Toronto, I just need to be more sensitive in understanding people are free to think and feel the way they want and not to cause any type of burden or strain on someone that may be trying to make a decision with their life that some people might not be accepting of.
“I think I’ve learned that being accepting of everyone’s views and values and beliefs is important.”
Asked about the reception he’s expecting from the home crowd on the weekend, Bass said he wouldn’t be surprised if fans are vocal.
“I would expect more boos,” he said. “It’s still fresh, it’s still pretty new, and I think it’s going to take some more time than just a week and a half to get the fans hopefully changing those boos into cheers. But I get it.”
