FORWARD MADISON RELEASES 2025 PRIDE MERCHANDISE TO BENEFIT OUTREACH LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY CENTER
MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC is excited to launch its annual Pride Merchandise Capsule for the 2025 season. This collection marks the sixth year of Forward Madison’s charitable commitment during Pride Month. The merchandise line will consist of the 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top, t-shirts and sweatshirts. During the month of June, 25% of all proceeds from the collection will be donated to OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center. FMFC is thrilled to be able to support OutReach during Pride Month and continue to help sponsor their MAGIC Pride Festival on August 17th at Warner Park.
This is the second year that Forward Madison has commissioned artistic representation from a queer local artist for the Pride Top. This year’s artist is Bernie Witzack of bernie and zuzu. Bernie Witzack (she/her) is an artist, art educator, and the entrepreneur behind bernie & zuzu. Bernie earned a BA in Studio Art from Beloit College, a MA in Public Service from Marquette University, a MFA in Fine Art from the University of Michigan, and an AA in Graphic Design from Madison College. Bernie has been making art since she could hold a crayon, and showing art and teaching since her undergraduate studies. Bernie launched bernie & zuzu in 2021.
At bernie & zuzu, they design unique, one-of-a-kind goods with bold, bright color and exuberant patterns that inspire playfulness, creativity and joy. bernie & zuzu is named for Bernie Witzack, founder and artist, and her brilliant cat Zuzu. bernie & zuzu is run out of a studio in the Madison Enterprise Center at 100 S. Baldwin Street in Madison, Wisconsin on ancestral Ho-Chunk land.
“As a local, queer artist, it was such an honor to be asked to design the Forward Madison Pride Jersey,” said Witzack. “Now, more than ever, the LGBTQIA+ community needs all the visibility, love and support we can find. As a maker who is committed to handmade screen prints, but also interested in licensing my patterns and designs in the future, I was excited to see how my work would translate into an all-over
pattern printed garment. I also love that the Forward Pride Jersey sales are a fundraiser for the Magic Pride Festival put on by the Madison OutReach LGBT Community Center!”
The 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top will be worn by the players before every match during the month of June, starting on June 7th. Team issued tops will be auctioned off at the end of the month along with exclusive player signed merchandise, one of a kind ticket packages and game experiences.
“The Pride Top design was inspired by the team mascot, the flamingo, in combination with a juicy pumped-up version of the Pride rainbow flag colors,” said Witzack. “I wanted the jersey design to have a lot of movement and energy, much like a soccer field, with a combination of rainbow arches, detailed layers, and more defined shapes. I also wanted the design to feel like the perfect home for a hot pink flamingo – tropical, colorful and dreamy! I hope the bright colors and fun design bring joy to those who wear it.”
The Pride Top is available for purchase here, and the rest of the collection is on sale now. Merchandise pieces can be purchased either online or in the Flamboyance Team Store starting Saturday, June 7th, at Pride Night during the Forward Madison match at 7pm CT. Starting at $28, fans can purchase a ticket to the match and a Pride Scarf with the Pride Night Ticket Package. $5 from each pack sold will be donated to OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center.
About OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center: OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charity. Their mission is a commitment to equity and quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and human services, and economic, social, and racial justice advocacy.
About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
