Compete January/February 2010

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ROUGHNESS

FROM THE EDITOR: BUDDY EARLY

FOUNDERS Publisher/General Manager David Riach • david@competemag.com

2010 is the year you stop talking and get to doing OK, COMPETE READERS — LISTEN UP AND LISTEN GOOD. My job this issue is to inspire each of you to stick to a New Year’s resolution. Specifically, I want to strongly encourage you to commit to becoming (or remaining) a member of your local gay sports community. Now, I am certainly not someone who’s qualified to lecture anybody on diet, nutrition and working out; my beer gut and love for Cool Ranch Doritos pretty much eliminates me on that front. But what I can do is perhaps motivate you to get off you rear end and get involved in that sport you’ve been talking about for so long now.

In this issue of Compete we have an advance look at the year in gay sports. Our 2010 Calendar is inclusive of softball, volleyball, basketball, bowling, tennis, rugby, football, soccer and swimming. There are so many opportunities for weekend athletes, that there’s really no excuse for not picking up that football for the first time in years, for not jumping back in the pool after letting yourself go, or for not heading out to the softball diamond for the first time ever!

Even in the present shape I am in (refer back to the aforementioned beer gut) I stay active by playing volleyball at least once a week. It doesn’t take much to be an athlete … as I am proving. My volleyball league offers me both an outlet for my athletic desires and a social atmosphere where I have made countless friends over the years. In the end, isn’t that what being a member of a gay sports team is all about — establishing friendships and enjoying the camaraderie?

Becoming a part of a gay sports group is so easy, it still leaves you with

Publisher/CEO Eric Carlyle • eric@competemag.com EDITORIAL Editor in Chief Buddy Early • buddy@competemag.com Contributors Kandice Day, Stacey Jay Cavaliere, Luis Garcia, William Henderson, Tania Katan, David Kimble, Jerry King, Lisa Mansfield, Tom McAninch, Heather Robinson, Beau Ryan, Cody Ulm, Patricia Nell Warren Photographers Robbie Chaw, Gregg Edelman, Edward Lannin, Sean Kapera, Annette Callahan, Malcolm Smith PRODUCTION Art Director Dara Fowler • art@competemag.com ADVERTISING Media Sales Executives Don Dvorak, Michelle Mazza • ads@competemag.com PR Manager Alfonzo Chavez • alfonzo@competemag.com

Copyright 2009 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC 4703 S. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3 Tempe, AZ 85282 P: 480.222.4223 • F: 480-889-5513 www.CompeteMag.com Compete is a trademark of Media Out Loud, LLC

plenty of time to focus on those other resolutions. In fact, I’ve got several, which include: to travel (further than the county line this year); to take

Monthly Readership: 25,000

dating seriously (refer yet again to the aforementioned beer gut); and to continue to produce a monthly magazine that I am incredibly proud of.

I am most confident in that last one. Thanks, Compete readers, for helping me achieve my goals.

Mission Statement: Compete provides the most comprehensive global sports information to, and for, the gay community. We promote both the importance of sports to the gay community and the gay community to sports. We connect and inspire our readers to get involved and participate in sports as athletes and fans.

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Are you feeling fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of mental clarity or libido?

Hormonal imbalance in men will cause loss of eagerness and enthusiasm for daily life, decreased mental quickness and sharpness, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, decreased strength and endurance. Call your SottoPelle physician today to set up a consultation and find out how SottoPelle therapy can get YOU back in the game!

Arizona Locations Arrowhead • 623.878.1515 Chandler • 480.732.1515 Paradise Valley • 480.663.1515 Prescott • 928.443.1515 Sedona • 928.204.1515 Tucson • 520.547.2820 California Rancho Mirage • 760.773.2616 Texas Arlington • 817.467.7474 Plano • 972.943.7778 Rockwall • 972.771.8411

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ON SPORTS

FROM THE PUBLISHERS: ERIC CARLYLE AND DAVID RIACH

We are looking for Athletic Supporters!

WOW! IT’S 2010 ALREADY. What a banner year for Compete. This year we went from a bi-monthly to a monthly publication (we publish 10 regular issues and two sports travel guides), we provided media sponsorships for numerous groups and events, and we selected our 2009 Athlete of the Year.

We have many goals ahead for 2010. They include an expanded swimsuit shoot and feature (in Las Vegas this year!) and an exciting new Web site updated with new content daily. In order to continue to bring you Compete and offer new and exciting ways to bring you gay sports coverage, we need your help.

Subscribe to Compete First and foremost; we need to grow our subscriber base. While Compete may be available free at some locations, we need the support of subscribers in order to continue offering the latest and best coverage of gay sports. We are offering a very special subscription deal available through 2/28/2010 — buy one subscription of Compete for $19.95 and receive a free Compete t-shirt, courtesy of Kenny’s Imprintables. (See their ad next to this column and give them a call for your team’s t-shirt needs.)

Here is how to claim your free Compete t-shirt: Log onto www.competemag.com/subscribe and enter the code SHIRTS (for a small shirt), SHIRTM, SHIRTL, SHIRTXL, or SHIRTXXL, when ordering and we will send your free Compete t-shirt. (Only while supplies last.) It’s that simple. Tell a friend too!

Advertise in Compete We want to bring you even more content in 2010 and in order to do that we need the continued support of advertising partners. Ads in Compete start at just $149! What a great way to advertise your business or service while helping to keep Compete viable in today’s competitive market.

Keep reading Compete Our loyal readers are who drive our magazine and staff to continue to offer premium stories and features. By reading Compete (and hopefully loving it) you are validating the hard work of the entire Compete team.

We aren’t just another sports magazine. We are part of a much bigger family — the gay sports community. We invite you to personally contact us to help us make Compete a better magazine.

Sincerely,

Eric Carlyle eric@competemag.com

David Riach david@competemag.com

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 • VOL. 4 ISSUE 1

CONTENTS >

18

>>>

FEATURES 14

Dual-sided Aussie Ian Roberts goes from tough rugby star to working actor

By Buddy Early

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Smells like team spirit Cheer teams work for dual purposes: to boost morale and raise $$$ for the community

By Buddy Early ON THE COVER: Ian Roberts Photo by Eric Schwabel (www.shootingmale.com)

DEPARTMENTS

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ATHLETE

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FITNESS CENTER

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FITNESS CENTER

44

GAME TAPE

ALEX KOSTICH 2010: LET’S MEET THE NEW YOU! ERIC CARLYLE TRANSFORMATION THE BUTCH FACTOR

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

• VOL. 4 ISSUE 1

CONTENTS

CONTINUED

KICK-OFF 10

HEAR IT FROM THE FANS

12

INTANGIBLES

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32

OVERTIME 32

TEAM MVP

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THE YEAR AHEAD

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GYM BAG

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ON DECK

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> HEAR IT FROM THE FANS LETTERS TO COMPETE MAGAZINE

More letters to defend L.A.

Nyad inspired many

I am also a sports fan living in the L.A. area. The letters you have received about the L.A. gay community being a sports black hole are pretty accurate. I know GymBar has opened recently, and I hope it changes some things. But, for me, the problem is that gays here are just way more into things like fashion, celebrities, working out/tanning and other (what I would call) superficial pursuits. I hate to make such stereotypes but I have lived here six years and this is definitely the impression I have.

Loved the interview with Diana Nyad. In the 70s she was indeed an inspiration to women and men alike. I don’t know if any of you were around back then, but I was. To swimmers like me Diana Nyad was THE deal! She did things that not many people thought were possible.

I grew up in the Midwest and she was one of the few professional swimmers that I looked to for inspiration. I never swam competitively past high school, but I still believe she made me realize my full potential. I never expected to see her in your magazine, so I was real glad to find her in this issue.

The great thing is that L.A. as a whole is a great sports town. I have been able to find so many other people here, not gay people, to share my love of sports with. We go to Lakers and Clippers games, and enjoy games of pick-up basketball whenever we can. I’d love to include more gay guys in on my plans, but if it doesn’t happen I am ok with that, too.

My point is: it doesn’t require an organized gay sports community for someone to feel at ease or to be able to enjoy sports. Readers of your magazine, if they feel they have no other place to turn, can venture into any local sports bar, and they will be likely to make good friends who share their interests. If there are no gay softball leagues or rugby teams in the gay community, there are plenty of others in most cities that welcome all players.

I just hate to think that there are sports-minded fans and even athletes who are gay who think that they cannot pursue their love. We have probably more sporting opportunities in this country than any other.

Think outside the box maybe?!

Matt Santa Monica, Calif.

I’ve lived in several cities across the country, including Phoenix and Miami. I also lived on Long Island. As a sports town, L.A. has a lot to offer, although I realize it isn’t the same as some places back east. I think, having lived on both coasts, it has more to do with the entertainment opportunities that exist there and what the mindset is of the people who live there. On the west coast people in general are just not as crazy about sports. That includes all people, not just gay people.

Chris Sanchez Los Angeles

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Keep up the great work!

Paul Long Beach, Calif.

Compete welcomes all comments (good and bad!). Send to: Editor, Compete Magazine, 4703 S. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Tempe, AZ 85282; or e-mail buddy@competemag.com. Please include your name and telephone number. Letters longer than 150-200 words may be edited for space requirements.

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> INTANGIBLES THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Veteran sportswriter Mike Penner dies THE LONGTIME LOS ANGELES TIMES SPORTSWRITER WHO made headlines in 2007 by announcing that he was transsexual and would begin living his life as a woman was found dead Nov. 27. The cause of death is presumed to be suicide.

Mike Penner, also known as Christine Daniels, had worked at the Times for 25 years, covering Olympic Games, World Cup soccer, tennis and sports media. In April 2007, Penner surprised colleagues and readers with an essay in The Times' Sports section announcing that he was “a transsexual sportswriter.”

“It has taken more than 40 years, a million tears and hundreds of hours of soul-searching therapy for me to work up the courage to type those words,” he wrote.

“I gave it as good a fight as I possibly could. I went more than 40 hard rounds with it. Eventually, though, you realize you are only fighting yourself and your happiness and your mental health — a no-win situation any way you look at it.”

Writing as Christine Daniels, Penner started a column for the paper's Web site in May 2007 called “Day in L.A.” and a blog about the transition, then in July began writing for the paper again. He returned to using the Mike Penner byline in October 2008.

“Mike was a first-rate journalist, a valued member of our staff for 25 years, and we will miss him,” Times Editor Russ Stanton said in the paper. “He respected our readers a great deal, enough to share with them his very personal journey.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association responded to the news of Penner’s death with a statement. In it, NLGJA President David Steinberg said: “I had the brief pleasure of knowing this fine-hearted human being. The person I got to know as Christine and many others knew as Mike Penner showed immense courage in attempting to write a new chapter in life. Mike, then Christine, spoke eloquently at the NLGJA convention about the struggles she had endured and the blessings she had experienced being able to transition at work. I wish only that peace had been longer-lived.”

He continued: “I hope that the work of NLGJA and journal-

ists everywhere to ensure fair and accurate coverage of transgender people will help ease the barriers that made life as both Christine and Mike so difficult.”

Others reacted with equally fond memories.

“I knew of Mike Penner by reading his outstanding articles in the Los Angeles Times. But I personally knew Christine and we shared a love of both sports and The Smashing Pumpkins,” said GLAAD's Director of Sports Media Ted Rybka. “Mike was brave enough to publicly share his story at a national level and elevate the discourse of what it means to be transgender. I hope the media continues to tell the story of transgender lives in order to create a safer environment for transgender men and women.”

At the time of his death Penner was writing a column for the Times called “Totally Random” that focused on offbeat, lighthearted and historic moments in sports. His last one appeared in the paper on Nov. 15. He was 52.

From Mike Penner’s 2007 Essay “Old Mike, New Christine” During my 23 years with The Times’ sports department, I have held a wide variety of roles and titles. Tennis writer.

Angels beat reporter. Olympics writer. Essayist. Sports media critic. NFL columnist. Recent keeper of the Morning Briefing flame. Today I leave for a few weeks’ vacation, and when I return, I will come back in yet another incarnation.

As Christine.

I am a transsexual sportswriter. It has taken more than 40 years, a million tears and hundreds of hours of soul-wrenching therapy for me to work up the courage to type those words. I realize many readers and colleagues and friends will be shocked to read them.”

In 2008, Daniels announced she was now going to be using her original name Mike Penner and the byline was changed.

GAY SPORTS QUESTION OF THE MONTH: The 2010 Bingham Cup is scheduled to be played in Minneapolis in June. What other cities have hosted the Cup? A: San Francisco, London, New York City and Dublin have all played host to the championships of gay rugby.

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Did Jim Harbaugh go on an anti-gay rant?

STANFORD HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JIM HARBAUGH was defending himself after an accusation that he used an anti-gay slur while on the sidelines of a recent game. According to Ted Rybka, director of sports media for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, a video of Harbaugh during the Nov. 28 Stanford-Notre Dame game was posted on YouTube, with the poster alleging Harbaugh screamed the word “fa**ot.”

Rybka reached out to Harbaugh, who responded that he “never said the word.”

“It did not come out of my mouth,” he told GLAAD. “It would not come out of my mouth.

It’s not in my heart to ever say that.”

Later, Stanford sent an official release on behalf of Harbaugh that read: “I would like to state unequivocally the alleged anti-gay remark that some have attributed to me did not come from my mouth and any such assertion is hurtful to me, members of my family and the gay community. Those who know me know I never use slurs under any circumstances; the bias reflected by spiteful slurs is simply not in my heart.”

The video, taken from ABC’s broadcast, shows the coach swearing at an official over a penalty. Although the audio is muted, at least one viewer believed Harbaugh screamed the word.

With Harbaugh’s vehement denial — and since the YouTube video’s originator has made the video private — we have to take the coach at his word. The lip-reading bloggers (who may very well be Cal Bears fans) will have to work harder at sullying Harbaugh’s good reputation.

2010 CRYSTAL BALL WHOODA THUNK IT that Terrell would play in Buffalo? Or that the Oklahoma

Sooners would go 7-5? Or that Michael Phelps would lose a race? Well, each of those things happened in the sports world in 2009, proving that anything is possible. So if that’s the case, then it’s also possible that the following predictions for 2010 could come to fruition.

FEBRUARY: When Spring Training kicks off in Arizona and Florida, two teams will make controversial hires. One brings John Rocker on board as a Tolerance Educator and another announces that Mark McGwire is their new Communications Specialist.

MARCH: Prior to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, so-called “experts” will argue that the Big East deserves to get 18 teams into the brackets.

MAY: The 135th Kentucky Derby will be won by a horse with an unusual name, even for horse racing. Its owner will reveal “I took my first dog’s name and the name of the street I grew up on … and that’s how I came up with it.”

JUNE: After the Los Angles Lakers win their second consecutive NBA title, Ron Artest will become spokesperson for Hennessy, whose ad campaign invites people to “Just Drink It.” AUGUST: After failing to make it onto an NFL roster, ex-dog torturer Michael Vick will begin appearing in the Broadway production of a new play about a disgraced former athlete trying to turn his life around. Vick will play that guy’s stoner friend.

SEPTEMBER: Serena Williams will go on another tirade at the U.S. Open when she is not allowed to pick her own court, time of play, officials, opponent and crowd for each round.

NOVEMBER: A YouTube video will show that another sports reporter was secretly taped in a hotel room, this time while showering, plucking eyebrows and doing naked yoga. Unfortunately, it will be Terry Bradshaw.

2009 Athlete of the Year John Deffee was honored at a party Dec. 5 at Roscoes on 7th in Phoenix.

ThumbsUP Thumbsdown THUMBS UP TO: St. Joseph’s women’s basketball player Laren Robinson In the university’s student-run newspaper, The Hawk, Robinson spoke of being gay and Catholic at a Catholic school. Robinson is a positive example for her gay and straight campus coeds, and her coming out in the paper is a small step forward in erasing homophobia and intolerance within the institution.

“When you play on a basketball team it's because you're good at that sport,” Robinson told the paper.

“How sexuality comes into play, I don't even know.”

THUMBS DOWN TO: The Netherlands National Womens Soccer Team Coach Vera Pauw has denied that the ladies’ sexual orientation and relationship had anything to do with their dismissal from the team, but Dyanne Bito and Claudia van den Heiligenberg say it certainly couldn’t have been their performance on the pitch. The two women have been members of the national team for nine and four years, respectively. They have been dating for a year and a half.

Pauw confirmed that their dismissal was not based on performance but on “private affairs.”

In an otherwise progressive and tolerant country like The Netherlands, this episode is a step back for the Dutch people.

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IAN ROBERTS GOES FROM TO

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ately I’ve been thinking a lot about the traditional notions of “what makes a man a man.” In these days when “masculine” and “feminine” are not so easily defined, we have become more open-minded to the idea that what we see on the surface may not be what lies underneath. For example, my zealous love for sports and — ahem — inability/unwillingness to keep up with the latest (or any!) fashions would lead some to suspect I am straight. But my fascination with things like Broadway musicals, pageants and the Academy Awards certainly tip the scales in the other direction.

It occurred to me that Ian Roberts, the former professional rugby player who was one of Australia’s greatest in his day, is one of the best examples of this. On the surface Roberts is a tough and mean-looking dude, someone with the demeanor of a construction worker — as evidenced by his reputation on the rugby pitch, and the number of f-bombs he dropped during our 30-minute telephone conversation. But beyond the rough exterior Roberts is a sensitive man, an actor, and someone who called me “babe” and “hun” several times during our chat.

I caught up with him on a lazy Saturday during which he and his partner had just finished doing yard work at their home in Sydney. Roberts disclosed that he had some free time on his hands because he had just lost an acting job. He wasn’t sweating it, however. He knows the realities of being a working actor, and admits that his situation is unlike most of his peers; “I had a professional career before, so it’s not like I’m begging on the street,” he told me.

After graduating from Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Arts in 2003, Roberts landed a series of small parts in films, both in the U.S. and at home. His first venture to Hollywood proved unsuccessful, as he arrived PHOTO BY ERIC SCHWABEL (WWW.SHOOTINGMALE.COM)

ROM TOUGH RUGBY STAR TO WORKING ACTOR www.CompeteMag.com

By Buddy Early

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just weeks before the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike. He

honest. It was the right decision, and one he wishes he had

calls the experience “a waste of time.”

made years earlier, perhaps way back when he witnessed

Nonetheless, Roberts’ acting resume has continued to grow,

another gay man getting beat up by thugs. Even after getting

even if he is still getting small roles and is mostly typecast. His

the snot beat out of him simply for being gay, the man

celebrity — not just his athletic career, but also his runner-up

addressed his attackers with the phrase: “A life lived in fear

finish on Down Under’s version of Dancing With The Stars —

is a life half-lived.”

has both helped and hindered his career.

“I’m always the thug, the guy with the bad attitude,” Roberts said, suggesting that people in his home country have a difficult

Today that phrase is tattooed on Roberts’ forearm. Although it would be years after witnessing that incident before Roberts came out, that phrase obviously stuck with him.

time seeing him in a role other than the one he played in the

By surviving years in the closet and a high-profile coming

Australian Rugby League. “I’m not suggesting I’m ever going to

out, not to mention years getting smashed, tackled and

play Romeo … but it would be nice to have the opportunity.

slammed by opponents, it would seem logical that Roberts is

“I feel there’s more opportunity in the states than there is in

up for whatever life throws at him. His foray into acting, in

Sydney,” said the huge Science Fiction fan, who will head back

fact, came sort of by luck: his car broke down down the road

to southern California in early 2010.

from an acting school.

His life now is so far removed from the life he led in the 80s and 90s. While spending 13 years getting beat up and beating

“I popped into NIDA hoping that there might be someone who could point me in the right direction.”

up others in rugby, he was known as an amazingly fit and gifted

Well, someone did point him in the right direction, but not

athlete, one who would not give up until the final whistle

just to a repair shop. At 36 he was much older than most of

sounded. In recognition of his excellence, in 2005 he was

his classmates. But his age and experience turned out to be a

named one of the 25 greatest ever New South Wales players.

plus for him.

More than his accomplishments in the arena, though, Roberts made most of his headlines in the mid-90s when he

“It was never life and death for me; I was there because I chose to go there.”

publicly spoke of his sexual orientation, challenging his coun-

The rigors of a school like NIDA can break some people

trymen’s ideas about gays and sports. The fallout was mostly

down, Roberts states. But life and rugby experience helped him

positive, due to the reputation and level of respect he had

survive the physical and mental demands of the curriculum.

already attained by playing at such an elite level. Roberts says such scenarios are either “inspirational or tragic.” For him, he was lucky his story leaned toward the former.

But his life in the closet prior to coming out was anything but inspirational. He wishes he had never been closeted, and admits

“I was much more of a tough guy than most of the other people there.”

In the long run, Roberts doesn’t exactly know where his acting career will take him. The 44-year old is having fun and just wants to keep working.

that he has preconceived notions about what it meant to admit

Regarding his future he told me: “It’d be great to still have

you’re gay and live a life out in the open. Eventually, he decided

that ‘want’ and that ‘need’ to create. If I still have that, then I’ll

he was “over all the bullshit” and that it was time to be open and

still be doing this.”

>

“It’d be great to still have that ‘want’ and that ‘need’ to create. If I still have that, then I’ll still be doing this.”

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Cheer teams work for dual purposes: to boost morale and raise $$$ for the community

By Buddy Early

IN SCHOOL WE HAVE NUMEROUS OUTLETS FOR OUR ATHLETIC and/or creative talents. Many of us go on to explore those talents after high school — in college athletic programs, through intramural sports, and as part of community performance groups. For one such set of individuals, however, there are not many opportunities. Cheerleaders, for the most part, put down their bull horns and hang up their pom poms once high school is over. The days of shouting rhyming couplets, clapping hands loudly and tossing the littlest troupe members into the air usually end after age 18.

No so fast!

In a few large cities around the country cheer squads are not only up and running, but are among the most active and most visible teams in their gay sports community. And they aren’t just in their infancy; one troupe is celebrating its 30th year of cheering in 2010. These squads are proving that the perpetually peppy don’t have to stop cheering just because school is out.

Cheer New York practices their cheerleading for three hours a week, with events, rallies and fundraisers scheduled nearly every weekend. They do it not only for the love of the hobby, but as a means to help their community. The all-volunteer non-profit cheerleading squad is made up of adults from the New York-New Jersey area who are 21 years old and older. Their many performances — which

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combine cheerleading, dance, tumbling and extreme stunts —

Tucker stumbled into cheer during his undergraduate days at

most often serve to raise money and awareness for adults and

Rice, and it became such a huge part of his life he wanted to

children with illnesses like AIDS, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis

continue the hobby once he moved from Houston to New York.

and other life-challenging conditions.

“To me, cheerleading caters to creating close friend-

Felipe Hernandez, one of the co-founders of Cheer NY, told

ships,” said Tucker, who added that the trust factor

me “From Day 1 we train our volunteers to be in the communi-

involved requires you to open up to people in ways you nor-

ty and give back to the community.”

mally wouldn’t.

Hernandez, a former cheerleader at Columbia and Yale,

While juggling his cheer responsibilities with the rigors of

says they look for individuals with personality and a lot to

medical school, he says the sacrifices are definitely worth it. A

give back, not just someone who can tumble and twirl.

member since August 2008, Tucker appreciates the passion

“The skills we look for are rhythm and timing, being able to pick up choreography, and personality! … You can teach someone cheerleading skills; you can’t teach personality.”

According to Hernandez, only about half of the squad’s 45 members have cheer or gymnastics backgrounds.

and commitment that is shared by the other members.

The team goes year-round with performances, appearances and other volunteer tasks. (In December they were busy gift-wrapping presents for charity.) Unlike most sports teams, which take breaks of a few months at a time, Cheer NY

Hernandez met Andrew Jonas, a gymnastics coach, when

is busy 52 weeks out of the year. They cheer for the New York

they both auditioned for the New York Spirit Project in 1999.

Sharks (a women’s professional football team), the NYC

When that group disbanded, the two created Cheer NY, and

Frontrunners, the NYC Marathon, the Pride Run, and any

have since grown it into the in-demand group it is today.

other GLBT sports leagues that request their services.

(Jonas passed away in 2007.)

Members are required to cheer at two events per month.

One of those who did come to Cheer NY with a cheer back-

Luckily for Hernandez and Jonas, they didn’t have to

ground is Diego Tucker, a medical student at Cornell University.

reinvent the wheel. They took their cue from Cheer San Francisco, which had already been hollering and herkie-ing for two decades. Now in their 30th year, they have become the model for other gay-identified cheer groups that have sprouted up across the country.

At 70 members strong, Cheer SF runs like a well-oiled machine. They have to, what with the hundreds of requests they get each year for their cheer services. The types of performances they do, says member Nguyen Pham, run the gamut.

“After Thanksgiving, we were hired to perform at the San Rafael Parade of Lights,” said Pham. “(A week later) we were hired by a casting company that was filming a GE Super Bowl-themed commercial.” <<< Joining Cheer NY helped Diego Tucker meet lifelong friends after his move from the Southwest.

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, e d u it tt a e iv it s o p a e v a h All we ask is that you good time management skills and a willingness to h The San Rafael gig took up a couple hours of their time, whereas the commercial shoot required the cheerleaders to be there for the 14-hour duration. When they do the San Francisco Pride Parade, it’s a 5-6 hour duty.

Their enormous commitment, though, is not without reward.

Over the years Cheer SF has raised over $150,000 for local charities, with most of that being raised over the last decade, Pham points out. Cheer SF’s main beneficiary for the 2009/2010 fiscal year is the Positive Resource Center, which provides legal, housing and employment services to the Bay Area’s HIV-positive population.

Like the majority of Cheer SF members, Pham did not have a background in cheerleading. At 17, he took a shining to the squad at his first San Francisco Pride Festival in 2002. As soon as he was old enough to join — you have to be 18 — Pham tried out. It wasn’t long after that when he was asked to take on additional responsibilities, which eventually led him to the position of Director of Communications.

“By practicing and performing I have been able to master the skills necessary,” Pham says of his cheerleading prowess. It helps, he says, that Cheer SF has coaches who are accredited by the United States All-Star Federation.

While general fitness is important, Pham says Cheer SF can see promise in a beginner with a lot to give “over someone with an elite skill-level and a poor attitude.”

“All we ask is that you have a positive attitude, good time management skills and a willingness to help out those in need.”

With the gay sports landscape growing in large and mid-sized cities across the country, it’s a wonder there aren’t more cheer squads around to support them and support their communities.

Perhaps a few years from now the number of such squads will be double … or triple. Everyone needs someone cheering for them on the sidelines. Everyone needs a little moral boost.

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>

Says Hernandez: “We do that better than any other group.”

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>>> Although most of Cheer SFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members lack a cheerleading background, they have quickly picked up the skills necessary, and make up for lack of experience with personality.

s to help out those in need.

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> ATHLETE:

Page 2

ALEX KOSTICH

BY STACEY JAY CAVALIERE • PHOTOS BY M. OBERMAN, FACE TIME PICTURES

Swimming and Winning Stanford swimmer turned open water champion talks about his evolution as an aquatic athlete

THE DEFINITION OF COMPETITION HAS CHANGED over time for swimmer Alex Kostich. As an accomplished and decorated pool swimmer, Kostich has achieved greatness in his sport and has broken numerous records. As a pool swimmer he viewed competition as a group endeavor, representing his country with a team of other swimmers, seeking out the win in every meet in which he participated. Nowadays, as he participates in open water swims, Kostich views competition as something entirely different.

“The definition has changed over time for me,” said Kostich. “In my prime, as a pool swimmer, beating the other teams was the ultimate goal, but now it is all about exceeding my own limitations and expectations.”

He also said that even though in a challenge he may falter or make a mistake during a race, the outcome is still one of success.

“... now it is all about exceeding my own limitations and expectations.”

“I still succeed because I am out there doing my best,” he stated.

Born in 1969, Kostich grew up in the pool and has been swimming competitively since the age of four.

His parents were National Team swimmers from Yugoslavia, raising him to love the water and the sport of swimming itself. He explained, “Swimming has a lot of resonance in my family, it is in our blood.”

Kostich grew up to become a very talented and sought-after swimmer, eventually being recruited

by Stanford University to swim on their team. He competed on the U.S. National Team for six years and, except for the Olympics, has qualified for every international competition for which he has vied. He is a three-time gold medalist in the Pan American Games and is still the holder of six Masters world records. In his prime, Kostich made a huge dent in the swimming world and speaks very proudly, yet

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somewhat humbly, regarding his accomplishments as a swimmer.

Now Kostich has branched out into another form of swim: open water competition. The sport is a completely different arena than pool swimming. In his 17th year as an open water swimmer, Kostich is in love with the challenges that it brings.

“It is a new and completely different sport,” he said.

“The swims are more aggressive, it is much more of a contact sport, having to elbow your way in front of the competition.” This is largely due to the atmosphere of swimming in the ocean, and the elements of nature sometimes going against the competitors. Kostich explains that “There is more strategy involved in open water swims, you must multi-task and take all of the elements of nature into consideration while competing.”

The passion and determination that Kostich has for swimming continues to remain strong, as he swims his heart out in the rough waters of the ocean. One of his most recent accomplishments as an open water swimmer was a victory in the St. Croix 5-mile Coral Reef Race. He finished with a time of 1 hour, 45 minutes, 33 seconds; for the 5th consecutive year he was the top overall solo finisher.

“Competing in open water has truly extended my career as a swimmer and I love the challenge of the sport.”

Kostich sees his experience as more of an advantage than a deficit as he competes against athletes half his age. They mostly all come from a pool background as he did, yet he attributes his prior experience as a huge plus.

“I view competing against younger athletes as a complete advantage. In open water swim the elements are against you and the conditions are rough but experience also comes hugely into play.”

>>> With a wealth of both swimming and life experience Alex Kostich is able to race with and beat much younger swimmers.

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Kostich also recently took a dive back into the pool, competing in his first pool swim meet in nearly 10 years. His last chance to compete in the 35-39 year-old age group was one of the motivating factors for entering the competition. He once again dominated in the field.

“I ended up breaking the existing world records for that age group in both my events, the 800m and 1500m freestyles.”

For Kostich the wins were completely unexpected yet completely exhilarating at the same time. He says that “It was really nice; everyone was so supportive and loud during the race.”

Kostich continues to set hefty goals for himself as a swimmer, stating: “I want to continue in open water competition, challenging myself to be a better contender.”

He also wants to continue swimming pool meets, now entering the 40 and above category, hoping to dominate in this age bracket as well. He continues to train daily, whether it is spinning, swimming or weight training, while holding a fulltime job and having a partner of 11 years. The desire and love for the sport is what keeps Kostich going, constantly challenging himself to become a better athlete, all the while becoming a better person through the love of his sport.

>>>

>

After being trained as a traditional pool swimmer, Kostich has enjoyed 17 years of success in the open water.

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THE ALEX KOSTICH FILE PROFESSION: Vice President of Creative Advertising, Sony Pictures International SPORT: Open Water Swimming CURRENT ATHLETIC PURSUITS: Waikiki Rough Water Swim (Labor Day 2010) ATHLETIC HEROES: His parents HOBBIES: Watching movies, traveling RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Partner of 11 years AGE: 40 (at time of publication) RESIDES: Los Angeles

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> FITNESS

7:27 AM

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CENTER

TIPS FOR STAYING FIT & HEALTHY • BY TONI FILIPONE

2010: Forget the old resolutions; Let’s meet the new you!

• Not enough time to work out or prepare healthy meals.

• Not enough money to buy a gym membership or nutritious meals.

• Not feeling up to it.

• Fitness is boring.

• Don’t know what to do at the gym when I get there.

• Exercise/Dieting doesn’t work for me.

If the answer is yes, and you have used those excuses before, it’s important to find out where the excuses stem from. Nobody wants to feel unfit and feel low energy. The fear of failing and not succeeding is usually the culprit for why people don’t even start with a fitness regimen. Don’t give in to low self-worth. You are worth the change and it is worth digging deep within yourself to find the answers and finally make it happen. Make 2010 the year!

Weight loss and a healthy lifestyle are priorities.

We have one body and that body needs to last. Our bodies are our machines. We need these machines to last 80, 90 years. It needs attention so stop making excuses to not give back to you.

Keep in mind that attitude is everything. A positive attitude goes a long way. If we put negativity out there and make excuses for why we just can’t fit fitness into our lives, then negativity is what we will get back. We will start feeling even lower about our health and care even less. Then we get further and further every day from our goals. But changing that

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attitude to a positive, excited one will make all the difference. We will then see how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to wake up every day and have the change to make ourselves stronger, leaner and more productive.

This year, before you make your goals, I want you to ask and answer these 6 questions: 1. What are my most common excuses? Not enough time.

Not enough money. Not fit enough to start. Not enough time is the most common excuse, second to not having enough money. FIND THE TIME! All you need is 30 minutes 3 days a week, for an effective fitness plan.

Visit www.trainingwithtoni.com for an affordable and time conscience fitness and meal plan.

2. Is my excuse valid? Is there truth behind it or is it just easier to say than doing the work? Is there really not enough time? Do you really feel fitness plans don’t work? Did you give 100% on making it work?

3. What can I do to change making excuses? Easy. Change “making excuses” to “making it happen.”

4. When I do stop making excuses, how will my life change?

When you rid yourself of excuses, you can reach your goals. You can get fitter and healthier. You can have more energy and a higher self-esteem.

5. What’s stopping me now? What are your true obstacles and how can you work around them?

6. How do I get started? What do you need to do to get going with your new life changes regarding fitness and nutrition? A personal trainer? A gym membership?

Write your own program and weekly schedule?

Be thorough and honest with your answers. Get to the root of your excuses and make the change to live with NO MORE EXCUSES for 2010.

Good Luck, I know you can all do it!

>

WHEN IT COMES TO STAYING ON PACE WITH NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTIONS, it is imperative to ask yourself key questions relating to excuses.

Having a clear understanding of why past resolutions were ineffective will help you follow through to accomplish this year’s goals.

Unfortunately, we all make weight-loss excuses.

More commonly, they sink into our thoughts without us even realizing. Fitness excuses become easier and easier to justify. Do some of these excuses sound familiar to you?

Toni Filipone is Personal Trainer and the creator of 3 Minute Crush, an innovative fitness program. Visit Toni and learn about her and her program at www.training withtoni.com. Follow her on Twitter: Trainertfitness; and on Facebook: Trainingwithtoni.com.

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CENTER

TIPS FOR STAYING FIT & HEALTHY • BY ERIC CARLYLE

Pound for Pound Compete Publisher and CEO Eric Carlyle has embarked on a 12-week program to shed the extra pounds. This is the second in a series of columns that will follow his progress.

ACUPUNCTURE I was skeptical going into my acupuncture session, as it was new to me. Shannon Gomez, my acupuncturist, made me feel right at ease and I actually enjoyed the treatment. Shannon specifically selected pressure points to help control my cravings, and it seemed to work. By week four I had cut back one of my biggest cravings — late night drive-thrus — almost completely.

“We talked about what I could do better, like learning to enjoy my workouts more ... I am now very grateful for the opportunity to do something good for myself.”

TRAINING Auggie tired me out quickly. As my strength trainer, he pushed my muscles to the limit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I was impressed that he always asked how I was doing but still pushed me to a point of progress. During week one I was taking 3-4 two-minute breaks during my 30-minute workout, but by week four we had cut that down to 2-3 oneminute breaks.

Jesse Ochoh and Alex Millan kept my heart rate going on Wednesdays and Fridays as my cardio trainers. They both mixed up my cardio routine

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with running, push-ups, kick boxing, ball tossing and more. I was amazed to learn that petite little Alex lost over 100 lbs herself and is now a fitness dynamo. The more they pushed the better I responded and I now look forward to my cardio days.

YOGA Yoga is now my favorite activity. At first, it was probably the most difficult but now I really look forward to Saturdays with Milissa Danceur. She is very understanding of my weight and helps me adjust positions to get the most out of them. At the end of a rigorous week of training, yoga is the best medicine for a peaceful and relaxing weekend.

FOUR WEEK RECAP At the end of four weeks I met with Denise Mann, the owner of Embodyment, for an evaluation. What surprised me was the evaluation was as much about my program as it was about me. Denise, as does everyone at Embodyment, takes a personal interest in all of her clients — and I was no exception. We talked about what I could do better, like learning to enjoy my workouts more. Especially by relaxing. In fact, I am now very grateful for the opportunity to do something good for myself.

We also talked about what Embodyment could change to make the program better for me. Really, at this point, the program is perfect.

Ah, the end of month one! Now, just a lifetime to go!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY BLOG, ALONG WITH AUGGIE, AT WWW.COMPETEMAG.COM.

>

I WOKE UP TODAY FEELING GREAT! It is hard to believe how quickly the first four weeks of my makeover went by. When I started the Elite Program at Embodyment my strength trainer, Auggie Lozano, warned me it would take a month for my body to begin to feel better. Well, he was right.

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> TEAM COMPETE MVP SPONSORED BY: SottoPelle®

R.J. GUYER AGE: 35 CITY: AUSTIN, TEXAS SPORT: SOFTBALL TEAMS: SHADY LADIES, ROUND-UP SALOON WOOFPACK SINGLE OR TAKEN: SINGLE INTERESTS:

FIREFIGHTING, VOLUNTEER WORK, PLAYING AND WATCHING SPORTS, BARTENDING AT OIL CAN HARRY’S, CAMPING/HIKING, GOING TO THE BEACH

WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR SPORTS? I LOVE THE COMPETITIVE NATURE OF SPORTS AND THE LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS THAT YOU DEVELOP

>>>

BE OUR MVP! Send a high-resolution photo (or a few if you have 'em) of yourself to mvp@competemag.com

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> 2010 IN GAY SPORTS

Balls! Balls! Balls!

A look at the year ahead in gay sports NO MATTER THE SIZE, Compete is following the bouncing balls for 2010, arming you with the most up-todate information on gay sporting events happening this calendar year. Whether it’s softball, tennis, volleyball, bowling, soccer, basketball or rugby … we’ve got your balls covered. (There’s also listings for swimming/diving and rodeo, for those not into balls.)

If you play one of these sports, then now is the time to make plans to attend one or more of these events in 2010. If you don’t play but want to, then now is the time to get off the couch and start practicing with your local gay league or team. There’s just too much going on for anyone to be sitting on the sidelines.

JANUARY 15-17 ACT: Alamo City Tournament (Bowling) San Antonio www.actbowl.com 15-17 IGRA University and International Dance Competition Las Vegas www.igra.com 15-17 CHUZA: Chuzapalooza (Bowling) Tucson www.chuzapalooza.com 15-17 FLIRT: Fort Lauderdale Invitational Regional Tournament (Bowling) Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. www.flirtbowl.com 15-18 Art Deco XV (Tennis) Miami www.mmtchome.com 16 Mardi Gras Classic XXVII (Volleyball) New Orleans www.volleyballneworleans.com 16-17 Orlando Meltdown Charity Softball Tournament Orlando www.OrlandoMeltdown.com 16-17 Sin City Shootout (Softball) Las Vegas www.sincityshootout.com

FEBRUARY 5-7 GAGME: Gasparilla Annual Games Mixed Event (Bowling) Tampa, Fla. www.gagmebowl.com

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12-14 Road Runner Regional Rodeo >>> Phoenix www.agra-phx.com 12-14 Ski & Swim Salt Lake City www.ski-n-swim.org 12-15 Clay Court Classic (Tennis) Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. www.sftc.us 13 NorCal Volleyball Classic XXIII San Jose www.sbvbc.org 13-15 Bluegrass Classic (Bowling) Louisville www.bclou.org 13-15 Gasparilla Softball Classic Tampa, Fla. www.suncoastsoftball.org/gsc 27 Team Saint Louis Invitational (Volleyball) St. Louis www.teamsaintlouis.org

MARCH 5-7 CPI: Chicago Pride Invitational (Bowling) Chicago www.cpi-chicago.org 5-7 Heart Of Texas Classic 8 (Tennis) Austin www.austintennisclub.com

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6 Hotlanta Classic XVIII (Volleyball) Atlanta www.hotlantavolleyball.org 13-14 PS Doubles 2010 (Tennis) Palm Springs www.deserttennis.us 19-21 LIT: Ladies Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Dallas www.igbo.org 19-21 SPIT: St. Patricks Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Memphis www.spitmemphis.com 19-21 VEBC: Vancouvers English Bay Cup (Bowling) Vancouver, BC www.vebc.ca 20 Irvine Splash 5 (Volleyball) Irvine, Calif. www.californiastylevb.webs.com 26-28 New York Indoor Classic (Soccer) New York City www.newyorkramblers.org 26-28 SJIT: San Jose Invitational Tournament (Bowling) San Jose www.sanjosebowl.com 27 Big Apple XXVII (Volleyball) New York City www.bigapplevolleyball.org

APRIL 1-4 DIXIE: Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament Atlanta www.dixiebowl.org 2-3 Lone Star Volleyball Classic XXI Houston www.lsva.org 2-4 Las Vegas Spring Classic II (Tennis) Las Vegas www.lasvegasgaytennisclub.com 2-4 LA Open (Tennis) Los Angeles www.lataweb.com

more >>> www.CompeteMag.com

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> 2010 IN GAY SPORTS CONTINUED

2-4 Orange Blossom Tennis Championships 2010 Orlando www.theorangeblossom.org 2-4 PBI: Paul Bunyan Invitational (Bowling) St. Paul, Minn. www.pbi-minnesota.org 2-4 Southern Shootout (Softball) Birmingham www.newsouthsoftball.net 9-11 Saguaro Cup (Softball) >>> Phoenix www.saguarocup.com 16-18 Coady Roundball Classic (Basketball) Chicago www.ngbaus.com 16-18 Fleur de lis Tennis Tournament New Orleans www.nolatennis.com 16-18 Grass Court Championships: Open and A Divisions (Tennis) Palm Springs www.deserttennis.us 16-18 Sunshine Stampede (Rodeo) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. www.fgra.org 23-25 BLCSP: Bud Light California Spring Classic (Bowling) Fountain Valley, Calif. www.californiaspringclassic.org 23-25 Grass Court Championships: B and C Divisions (Tennis) Palm Springs www.deserttennis.us 23-25 OKClassic XIX Tournament and Scratch Classic (Bowling) Oklahoma City www.okclassic.org 24-25 Charm City Invitational (Volleyball) Baltimore www.volleyballbaltimore.org 30-May 2 GREAT: Greater Rochester Eastern Area Tournament (Bowling) Rochester, NY www.bowlgreat.org

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30-May 2 SIT: Sunshine Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Orlando www.sitorlando.org 30-May 2 Hot Rodeo 2010 Palm Springs www.palmspringsrodeo.org

MAY 1-2 Texas Shootout (Softball) Austin www.TexasShootout.org 8-9 Spring Fling Round Robin Doubles (Tennis) Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. www.sftc.us 8-9 Tsunami de Mayo (Water Polo) Road Moraga, Calif. www.tsunamipolo.org 22-23 Long Beach Pride Doubles 8 (Tennis) Long Beach www.glta.net 22-23 NYC Water Polo Tournament >>> New York City www.igla.org 26-31 IGBO XXX (Bowling) Columbus, Ohio www.igbo2010.org 28-30 Great Plains Rodeo Oklahoma City www.ogra.net 28-31 United States Gay Open (Tennis) San Francisco www.usgotennis.org 29-30 Liberty Bell Classic (Softball) Philadelphia www.libertybellclassic.org 29-30 Lone Star Classic (Softball) Houston www.montrosesoftballleague.com/lonestarclassic.htm 29-30 North Star Classic (Softball) Minneapolis www.northstarclassic.com

more >>>

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29-31 CNKY 2010 (Tennis) Cincinnati www.tenniscincinnati.net

June/TBA Boston Indoor Tennis Classic Boston www.tennis4all.org

JUNE

JULY

4-6 North Country Classic XVII (Tennis) Minneapolis www.glassports.org/tennis.htm 4-6 Rocky Mountain Open (Tennis) Denver www.denverareatennis.net 4-6 Rosebowl Classic (Bowling) Portland, Ore. www.rosebowlclassic.com 11-13 Gateway Regional Rodeo St. Louis www.gwgra.com 11-13 GIFT: Cleveland Gay/Lesbian Invitational Fellowship Tournament (Bowling) Cleveland www.clevelandgift.org 11-13 Sierra Stampede (Rodeo) Sacramento www.capitalcrossroads.org 17-20 Bingham Cup 2010 (Rugby) Minneapolis >>> www.binghamcup.com 18-20 DIGLIT: Denver Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Gay & Lesbian Invitational (Bowling) Denver www.BowlDenver.org 18-20 Golden Gate Classic & Scratch Masters Tournament (Bowling) San Francisco www.sfggc.org 19-20 HUGS Doubles (Bowling) Westminster, Calif. www.hugsdoubles.com 25-26 Pride Bowl (Football) Chicago www.ngffl.com 25-27 Greater Motown Int. Rodeo Detroit www.michiganrodeo.org

2-4 Canadian Rockies International Rodeo Calgary, Alberta www.argra.org 2-4 COPIT: City of Palms Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Ft Myers, Fla. www.copitfm.com 2-4 Houston Invitational (Bowling) Houston www.houstoninvite.com 2-4 Liberty Classic (Softball) Long Beach www.surfandsunsoftball.org 3-4 Cascade Cup (Softball) Portland, Ore. www.cascadecup.org 3-4 Emerald City Classic (Softball) Seattle www.emeraldcitysoftball.org 3-4 Minuteman Classic (Softball) Boston www.minutemanclassic.com 3-5 Beat The Heat Classic (Softball) Dallas www.dallaspssa.org 3-5 Big Peach Softball Tournament Atlanta www.HSLBigPeach.com 3-5 Canada Cup (Softball) Toronto www.cgslsoftball.com 3-5 San Diego Open 25 (Tennis) San Diego www.sdtf.org/sdo 3-6 Liberty Open (Tennis) New York City www.metrotennisgroup.com/libertyopen.htm more >>>

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> 2010 IN GAY SPORTS CONTINUED

9-11 Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo Denver www.cgra.us 16-18 MCIT: Music City Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Antioch, Tenn. www.mcitnashville.com 17-18 JOLT: Julys Oklahoma Lambda Tournament (Bowling) Tulsa, Okla. www.tulsajolt.com 23-25 Zia Regional Rodeo Albuquerque www.nmgra.com 30-Aug. 2 Vancouver International Pride (Tennis) Vancouver, BC www.glta.net July 31-Aug. 7 Gay Games Cologne, Germany www.gaygamescologne.com

AUGUST 6-8 Big D Classic Invitational (Bowling) Dallas www.bigdclassic.com 13-15 Best Buck in the Bay (Rodeo) San Francisco www.bestbuckinthebay.com 16-21 Gay Softball World Series >>> Columbus, Ohio www.clgsa.net 20-22 Windy City Rodeo Chicago www.ilgra.com 21-23 Motor City Tennis Classic-Indoors Detroit www.motorcitytennis.net 28-30 New Hope Open 2010 (Tennis) New Hope, Penn. www.newhopeopen.com

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SEPTEMBER 3-5 MGRA Show-Me State Rodeo Kansas City www.mgra.us 3-5 Showgirl Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Las Vegas www.lvshowgirl.net 3-6 Playing For Life (Softball) New York City www.playingforlife.org 3-6 SHOWME: Show Me Classic (Bowling) St. Louis www.showmeclassic.com 4-6 Centre Court Championships (Tennis) Los Angeles www.lataweb.com 4-6 Dairyland Classic (Softball) Milwaukee www.ssblmilwaukee.com 4-6 Rose City Open (Tennis) Portland, Ore. www.teamportland-tennis.org 4-7 The Peach International Tennis Championships Atlanta www.atta.org 9-12 Provincetown Open (Tennis) Provincetown, Mass. www.provincetowntennis.com 10-12 Big D Rodeo Dallas www.tgra.org 10-12 Greater San Diego Rodeo San Diego www.sandiegorodeo.com 17-19 Indy Tennis Classic 7 Indianapolis www.indytennis.com 18-19 Metro Nashville Classic (Softball) Nashville www.metronashvilleclassic.org

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24-26 HIC: Huntsville Invitational Classic (Bowling) Huntsville, Ala. www.thehic.org 24-26 TREAT: Three Rivers Eastern Area Tournament (Bowling) Pittsburgh www.treatpgh.org Sept/TBA Capital Classic (Tennis) Washington, DC www.capclassic.org

OCTOBER 1-3 T-Town Rodeo Tulsa www.soonerstaterodeo.com 6-11 Gay Bowl X (Football) Phoenix www.gaybowlx.com 8-10 Las Vegas Classic IX (Tennis) Las Vegas www.lasvegasgaytennisclub.com 9-10 Autumn Classic (Softball) San Diego www.autumnclassic.org 9-10 MAGIC Tournament (Softball) Washington, DC www.magictournament.blogspot.com 9-11 Show-Me Showdown (Softball) Kansas City www.haslkc.com 9-11 Texas Open (Tennis) Dallas www.oltadallas.org 10-11 Mavies Round Robin Doubles VII (Tennis) Miami www.mmtchome.com 10-11 Ocean State Cup Classic (Softball) Providence www.providencesoftball.org 15-17 Cactus Open (Tennis) Phoenix www.glta.net

more >>> www.CompeteMag.com

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> 2010 IN GAY SPORTS CONTINUED

15-17 Crape Myrtle Tennis Classic Raleigh, NC www.triangletennisclub.com 21-24 World Gay Rodeo Finals >>> Laughlin, Nev. www.igra.com 29-31 CINTIT: Cincinnati Tri-State Invitational Tournament (Bowling) Cincinnati www.cintit.org

26-28 Citrus Classic Clay Court Championships (Tennis) Tampa, Fla. www.flga.net 26-28 Palm Springs Open XVII (Tennis) Palm Springs www.deserttennis.us 26-28 Hurricane Showdown (Softball) >>> Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. www.hurricaneshowdown.com

NOVEMBER

*Tournaments and events are likely to be added throughout the year; additionally, some events may change their dates or be canceled altogether. For updated information throughout the year, check the following Web sites: www.glta.net www.igbo.org www.igla.org www.iglfa.org www.igra.com www.nagaaasoftball.org www.nagva.org www.ngffl.com

5-7 Houtex 30 (Tennis) Houston www.houstontennisclub.org 10-15 IGBO Mid-Year Tournament (Bowling) Washington, DC www.chitdc.org

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GameTape_JanFeb

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TAPE

FILM & TELEVISION REVIEWS

THE BUTCH FACTOR >>

★★★★

In American culture moreso than other cultures around the world, there is a very distinct idea of what makes a man “masculine.” There’s a certain way to act, a way to dress and activities to enjoy that all add up to masculinity. But does masculinity automatically mean heterosexual? Not according to millions of gay men who would consider themselves masculine — or “butch” — and certainly not according to filmmaker Christopher Hines.

In his documentary The Butch Factor, Hines explores notions of “masculine” and “butch” as they have become difficult to define. Despite the metrosexual fad that has seemingly disappeared from our lexicon, the blurry lines of “what makes a man a man” continue to exist. Masculinity, as the film points out, is not a fixed concept.

From the Castro culture of the 1970s to today’s bears and gym rats, the investigation of gay men and sexuality purports to blow the lid off old stereotypes and showcases a battalion of interviews with muscle men, rodeo riders, rugby players and cops. The men speak candidly on topics from homophobia to metrosexuality to embracing effeminacy as they reveal what it means to be a gay man in America today.

While some interviews are undoubtedly more interesting than others, as a whole they contribute to a very honest narrative about gay men’s dilemma with regard to their own sexuality. Included among the interviews are: Jason Hefly, a football player and construction worker; Vincent Calvarese, a sheriff’s deputy; Kevin Reed, a softball player; Bill Yoelin, a rugby player; Brent Calderwood, a singer-songwriter; Wes Adams, a truck driver and actor; and Jack Malebranche, an author. Rounding out the movie are interviews with straight teammates of gay athletes, effeminate gay men and a female-to-male transsexual.

The refreshing aspect of most of these interviews is that while the men yearn for a society that doesn’t define them by their sexuality, they also don’t want to hide anymore and have chosen to embrace their “butch gayness.” By including the interviews with more effeminate gay men, Hines succeeds in showing that “what makes a man” is really different things for different people.

It would be easy for a documentary titled The Butch Factor to completely reject and scorn the “flamers” among us. But this movie doesn’t. With the exception of one interviewee — Malebranche, who comes across as bitter towards effeminate gay men and “mainstream gay culture” — the men are accepting of all their gay brothers, and simply want to be included and accepted themselves. In fact, an interesting point (and an important one to remember) made by one of the men is that those who fall on the “femme” side of the spectrum have known who they are most of their lives, and are much more comfortable with their sexuality than “butch” gay men.

The Butch Factor comes close a few times to straying from the mission it sets out to accomplish, but in the end it is a fine examination of the concept of masculinity. It will get you thinking, that’s for sure. And perhaps it may convince you that the definition of masculinity is actually a much simpler one than you realize. It is whatever men do.

>

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79 minutes DIRECTED BY: Christopher Hines BONUS FEATURES: Featurette: “For The Love of Sport, Gay Men Play Ball” STREET DATE: January 19 RETAIL PRICE: $24.95 WEB SITE: www.wolfevideo.com

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> GYM BAG HOT ITEMS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WITHOUT

Brooks Running — The Green Silence

>>>

By utilizing recycled and other earth-friendly components, this striking shoe breathes new life into the competition category. It is constructed of 75% post-consumer recycled shoe materials and made with half as many parts as comparable shoes.

$100 Available in February, www.brooksrunning.com

>>>

Venture Heat — On the Go Heat Therapy Back/Tummy Wrap

Relieves lower back pains and common back aches due to ruptured discs, sports injuries, heavy lifting or bad posture.

In addition, users can soothe abdominal pain due to sores or menstrual cramps, or use as an alternative heated clothing option to keep you warm in the colder months.

$139 www.ventureheat.com

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>>>

Christopher Anthony — Toasty Boys As an organic underwear line made from 100% naturally grown cotton (i.e. no pesticides), Toasty Boys provide a comfortable and secure fit, allowing your “boys” to stay in the perfect temperature despite the elements outside.

$24 www.christopheranthony.net

>>>

Issimo International — Guy Gear

Guy Gear is an authentic corrective, protective and preventative skin care system for men. Issimo follows a family’s experience in natural ingredient practices, the USDA’S Certified Organic Ingredients Guidelines and California Organic manufacturing practices. Guy Gear is made with 70% to 95% certified organic ingredients.

$18 - $33 www.issimointernational.com

www.CompeteMag.com

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> TRAVEL GUIDE Kenny’s Imprintables 2131 N American St I Philadelphia, PA 19122 267-918-8307 I www.kennysimprintables.com

Vista Grande Resort 574 S Warm Sand Dr I Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.2404 I www.mirage4men.com

Off Chute Too 4115 North 7th Ave I Phoenix, AZ 85013 602.274.1429 I www.offchutetoo.com

West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau www.gogaywesthollywood.com

TRAVEL

HEALTH/FITNESS

Ice Pics Video Bar 3108 E. McDowell Rd I Phoenix, AZ 85008 602.267.8707 I www.icepicsvideobar.com

Blue Moon Resort 2651 Westwood Dr I Las Vegas CA 89109 702.361.9099 I www.bluemoonlv.com

Colleen Huber, NMD 1250 East Baseline Rd I Tempe, AZ 85283 480.839.2800 I www.naturopathyworks.com

Nellies Sports Bar 900 U Street NW I Washington, DC 20001 202 332-6355 I www.nelliessportsbar.com

Camp Palm Springs 1466 N Palm Canyon I Palm Springs, CA 800.793.0063 I www.camp-palm-springs.com

Hike & Bike 2246 Avenida de la Playa I La Jolla, CA 92037 858 551-9510 I www.hikebikekayak.com

Sidelines Sports Bar 2031 Wilton Drive I Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.8001 I www.sidelinessports.com

Gay World Adventures 877.874.7489 I www.gayworldadventures.com

Rainbow Massage Therapy 602.265.1631 office 480.518.2090 cell I massage.chazkingacct.com

RESTAURANTS & BARS Crew 4804 N. Broadway I Chicago, IL 60640 773.784.CREW I www.worldsgreatestbar.com Gym Sportsbar 167 8th Ave I New York, NY 10011 212-337-2739 I www.gymsportsbar.com

Woody’s 4011 Cedar Springs Road I Dallas, TX 75219 214-520-6629 I www.dallaswoodys.com Woof’s Atlanta 2425 Piedmont Rd NE I Atlanta, GA 30324 404 869-9422 I www.woofsatlanta.com RETAIL

Park Manor Suites 525 Spruce St I San Diego, CA 92103 619 291-0999 I www.parkmanorsuites.com

Zen Yard Experience 830 E. Maryland Ave I Phoenix, AZ 85014 602.680.7631 I www.zenyard.com

R Family Vacations 866.732.6822 I www.rfamilyvacations.com

DATING

Renoir Hotel 45 McAllister St I San Francisco, CA 94102 415 626-5200 I www.renoirhotel.com

Nuera 454 S Robertson Blvd., Ste B I Los Angeles, CA 90048 877-967-7250 I www.nueranetwork.com

> ON DECK THIS MONTH’S TRIVIA QUESTION: WHICH TWO PROFESSIONAL EUROPEAN ATHLETES CAME OUT IN 2009?

The first person to e-mail Alfonzo@competemag.com with the correct answer will win a one-year subscription to Compete.

Last year left many people with little confidence in publishing. Publications were sold or ceased to exist altogether.

Many respected, long-running gay community publications are no longer in print. This caused many advertisers to choose other venues for their advertising dollars. It has become a fight to keep them, led by you, the readers. Your purchasing of subscriptions told them that you’re not going to let them go so easily.

It can be easy to say this is a great time to give up, because it just isn’t worth it. Well it’s easy for OTHER people to say that, but it’s just not good enough for us at Compete. We have no plans to cower behind the economy, because we believe that’s a poor excuse. You want your business to fail? Well, that’s your business. As for us, we’re going to get even more aggressive.

If you’re in the gay athletic community, you have seen that we’ve been media sponsors of many sporting events, such as: The Bingham Cup (Dublin), NAGAAA World Series (Seattle), the Hurricane (and Sunshine) Showdown (Ft. Lauderdale), IGRA Finals (Albuquerque), and the North Coast Invasion (Cleveland). We could go on. We’ve also sponsored gay pride festivals and gay ski weeks.

We’re going to continue sponsoring some of these events and have added some new ones, lsuch as the Gay Games. We’re even going to add some non-sports organizations, including some that benefit gay youth as well as high school and college athletes.

If you want to put your money behind a publication that supports our greater community, go with us. We’re going to fight to stick around and you’ll know that your dollars are well-spent with a publication that isn’t afraid of the economy.

Alfonzo Chavez I Marketing/PR Manager I 480.222.4223 I alfonzo@competemag.com 48 I

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