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SELECTION CRITERIA
FINAL JUDGES
> Commitment to personal achievement. > Actively participates in an individual or team sport. > Commitment to supporting/encouraging others in sports. Sarah Burke Three Time X-Game Gold Medalist Skiier
Evan Darling Race Car Driver
Bridget Pettis Phoenix Mercury Assistant Coach and Former WNBA Athlete
Jeff Kagan 2008 Athlete of the Year and Founder of NYC Out of Bounds
David Bromstad HGTV Design Star Winner and Host of Color Splash
> Commitment to the GLBT sporting community and/or GLBT community.
For complete details and to check out the rules go to www.competemag.com/AOTY
GRAND PRIZE:
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 6, 2009
Trip for two to the Carribean!
Sponsors:
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ROUGHNESS
FROM THE EDITOR: BUDDY EARLY
FOUNDERS Publisher/General Manager David Riach • david@competemag.com
Athletes can impact like no one else
Publisher/CEO Eric Carlyle • eric@competemag.com
OCTOBER IS GAY HISTORY MONTH, and it is when we often read about
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
important people (past and present) who have helped shape not only our community, but our nation. Politicians, activists, writers, celebrities — there are so many who are responsible for the progress we have made in terms of equality and understanding. Still, I think athletes can have a greater impact than any of those politicians, activists, writers or celebrities. (Well, I am a “sports guy,” so my feelings on this matter are hardly a surprise.) When an athlete comes out, the scenario almost always tests people’s beliefs about gay people, forcing them to re-evaluate everything they had thought was true about us. Think about the impact an out gay athlete on someone’s favorite team can have on that person. It’s much different than being convinced to support equal rights and non-discrimination legislation. People often come
PRODUCTION Art Director Dara Fowler • art@competemag.com
around to support those issues out of a sense of right and wrong or moral values. But acknowledging a gay athlete typically means a change in attitude
Diving’s all-time greatest is out gay man Greg Louganis, winner of four Olympic gold medals.
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 Monthly Readership: 25,000 regarding gay people in general. It cuts to the core of who we really are as a community and as individuals — which, in actuality, speaks to the fact that we blend in with the rest of our fellow Americans. Read more about prominent gay athletes who have had an impact in their sport on pages 24-28. Read about current — albeit less well-known — athletes pursuing their goals in our Championships Preview (flag football and rodeo) beginning on page 18; and in our Scoreboard (softball), pages 34-36. Although October is Gay History Month, Compete is proud to celebrate gay athletes in every issue we produce. If you know of a gay athlete deserving of special attention, e-mail me at buddy@competemag.com.
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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ON SPORTS
FROM THE PUBLISHERS: ERIC CARLYLE AND DAVID RIACH
When will gay athletes enjoy the cereal life? I HAVE TO ADMIT, THERE IS SOMETHING ODDLY INTERESTING ABOUT KIM KARDASHIAN. I don’t know if it’s her big hair, snarly grin or right-on body, but she is definitely interesting. So interesting, in fact, that you hardly notice her step-dad on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. But if you can look past Kim and her Prada purse you are sure to take note of Bruce Jenner. Bruce is a lot more than the father of super-hot (by some standards) Brody Jenner; he was a super athlete. Those of us who got to watch the 1976 Olympics certainly took note of Jenner. He went on to win gold in the decathlon and set a world record. In the years after his record-setting win Jenner was inundated with product endorsements. Who can remember eating a big bowl of Wheaties while staring at Jenner dashing through the finish line? But where is the Wheaties box featuring Matthew Mitcham? At first, we assumed Mitcham was lost in the crowd of gold medalists, and figured super-athletes such as Michael Phelps had made the cover. Much to our surprise, Phelps didn’t make the Wheaties box following his 2008 history-making gold medal wins. So if Mitcham was an oversight, then they must have featured Greg Louganis, one of the most successful divers of all times. Nope. Sorry. He didn’t make it either. Neither did tennis ace Billie Jean King or her peer, Martina Navratilova. Then, to our joy we discovered a Wheaties box featuring out and proud Sheryl Swoopes. Oh wait, that was in 2004 — a year before she came out. We really like Wheaties. We really like athletes such as Jenner and Phelps. Both of them really deserved to be on Wheaties. We’d just like General Mills to take note of athletes like Mitcham, Louganis and King. Until then, I’m going to eat up and keep looking for Wheaties’ first Kim Kardashian box. It is sure to be a collector’s item. Sincerely,
Eric Carlyle
David Riach
eric@competemag.com
david@competemag.com
Editor’s note: David is on vacation. This month’s Men On Sports was written by Eric.
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OCTOBER 2009 • VOL. 3 ISSUE 6
CONTENTS
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FEATURES 18
End-of-Summer champs Flag football, rodeo to hold their biggest events in October By Buddy Early
24
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18
Daring dozen
>
October is time to honor gay sports pioneers
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ON THE COVER: ‘Steinmpls’ on HomoRodeo.com profiles area Photo by Dale Karsten
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OCTOBER 2009
• VOL. 3 ISSUE 6
CONTENTS
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DEPARTMENTS
NAGAAA WORLD SERIES CHAMPS “A” DIVISION
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ATHLETE
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EXTRA
DAVID BROMSTAD BRIAN SIMS OPEN WATER SWIM
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ROSCOES/COORS LIGHT/ HP2 TOROS
KICK-OFF 10
HEAR IT FROM THE FANS
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INTANGIBLES
OVERTIME
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SCOREBOARD
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TEAM COMPETE MVP
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COMMUNITIES
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TRAVEL GUIDE
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ON DECK
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> HEAR IT FROM THE FANS LETTERS TO COMPETE MAGAZINE
Readers give kudos on recent issues
WeHo and sports don’t mix
Your magazine is great! I’ve been reading it for a few months and couldn’t believe my eyes when I picked up this month and saw Bo Dixon on the cover. I guess I am one of those crazy Bo fans who worship the ground he walks on. So what? The guy’s hot as hell and so nice on top of that. I also find a lot of inspiration in his story and what he has to say. Bo, if you are reading this, (forget) the naysayers and keep doing exactly what you’re doing. You will always have people like me in your corner.
I came across your magazine for the first time today and was very excited to read it. When I saw the article in the August (issue) about West Hollywood I almost fell out of my chair in laughter. The fact that a gay sports magazine would feature West Hollywood is ridiculous. From a spectator viewpoint this has got to be the least sports-minded gay community in the country.
What a wonderful job you guys are doing at Compete. I look forward to every issue. Mike P. Silverlake, Calif.
As a former Penn State student, I was interested to read your story about (former women’s head basketball coach) Rene Portland. Everyone on campus knew she was a homophobe, and finally she got what she deserved. No amount of conference titles and tournament wins can make up for her bigoted attitude. Thank you for being on top of this story and reporting it. The mainstream media has been ignoring it for years, and even failed to give it proper coverage once Portland was forced to resign. It’s nice to have a magazine like Compete to bring these topics out into the open. Ken Davies Manassas, Virg.
I am very impressed with the good work you folks are doing. Your latest issue is great.
There is not a single gay sports bar and not even one that could be considered almost a gay sports bar. Those that try to market themselves as such are full of it. Try to watch a game at any WeHo bar and watch the queens start to whine about wanting the latest Madonna video on or that they want some dance music (or what I call thump thump music) put on. I have been in bars in Weho during a critical game (World Series, College football playoffs, etc) and in the middle of the game they change the channel to play some video or some other stupid ass thing. When I approached the manager to ask that the game be put back on I have been told no. I have been forced to go to straight sports bars to watch sports and this is a sad commentary on the Los Angeles gay community. As a gay man I like being around other gay men and it would be great if I could be around other gay men and watch sports … that just can't happen in Weho. I just started reading your magazine and generally like what I have read. However, you are doing a disservice to those gay people who like sports by not calling it like it is. Maybe it is just like this in L.A., but I was raised in Massachusetts and the same thing happens there. If you are going to be a gay sports magazine let's get serious about it and tell the truth. This is not a travel magazine; you did not have to (have) a puff piece on WeHo. As a gay community WeHo is ok; as a gay sports spectator community it is horrible. Dan Allen Los Angeles
Michael Lamb CEO/Editor In Chief Echelon Business Media Inc.
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
Ravens linebacker stands up for marriage equality ANYONE WHO THINKS ALL PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ARE HOMOPHOBIC BIGOTS needs to start paying more attention. During last year’s gay marriage debate in California, sports stars such as Charles Barkley, Steve Young and Doug Christie all came out in favor of equality. The latest high-profile athlete to do so is Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo. In September the Baltimore Sun highlighted Ayanbadejo’s stance on gay marriage, and that the 6’1, 225-pound bruiser is not shy about his opinions at all. While many Sun readers and Ravens fans may have been reading about Ayanbadejo’s feelings for the first time, the southern California product has expressed his views before. Earlier this year Ayanbadejo wrote a guest column for the
Huffington Post outlining his viewpoint. In the column he wrote: “If Britney Spears can party it up in Vegas with one of her boys and go get married on a whim and annul her marriage the next day, why can't a loving same-sex couple tie the knot? How could our society grant more rights to a heterosexual, one-night-stand wedding in Vegas than a gay couple that has been together for 3, 5, 10 years of true love?” The three-time Pro Bowler closed with: “I think we will look back in 10, 20, 30 years and be amazed that gays and lesbians did not have the same rights as everyone else. How did this ever happen in the land of the free and the home of the brave? Are we really free?” Ayanbadejo is in the second year of a four-year contract worth $4.9 million.
South African runner’s gender still in doubt? A MONTH AFTER RAISING EYEBROWS at the World Track & Field Championships, South African runner Caster Semenya was still awaiting results from gender testing. Despite reports that the performed tests indicated she was a hermaphrodite, Semenya’s gold medal win is still intact, and she has been told the International Association of Athletics Federation will officially release the test results and its final decision in November. The 18-year old Semenya dominated her 800-meter race at the August World Championships in Berlin, prompting many to question her true gender. She underwent blood and chromosome tests, as well as a gynecological examination. On Sept. 11, Australian newspapers reported that Semenya has both male and female sexual organs, but IAAF officials would neither confirm nor deny that story. The newspapers said that medical reports indicate she has no ovaries, but rather has internal male testes, which are producing large amounts of testosterone. “We would like to emphasize that these should not be considered as official statements by the IAAF,” the federation said in a statement. “We can officially confirm that gender verification test results will be examined by a group of medical experts,” the statement read. “No decision on the case will be communicated until the IAAF has had the opportunity to complete this examination. We do not expect to make a final decision on this case before the next meeting of the IAAF Council which takes place in Monaco on November 20-21.” Regardless of the outcome of the tests, the IAAF has said Semenya probably would keep her medal because the case was not related to a doping matter.
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GAY SPORTS QUESTION OF THE MONTH: At September’s Gay Softball World Series, the Phoenix Toros captured the coveted “A” Division title, making it only the fifth team outside Los Angeles to win in 18 years of the division. Which team has won the most “A” Division titles?
byTHE NUMBERS 49.4% The number of college football players who responded “yes” to the question: Do you have any gay teammates? — according to results of a survey published in the August 24 issue of ESPN The Magazine
70%
The number of PAC-10 players who answered “yes” in the same survey
A: The Los Angeles Stray Cats won 10 consecutive World Series titles between 1994 and 2003.
Professional rugby players say no to homophobia ANYONE WHO HAS EVER PLAYED RUGBY WILL TELL YOU that the basic nature of the sport requires it to be tolerant and accepting of all people. Now, some professional players in Australia are exemplifying that principle. The This is OZ campaign is an online photo gallery where people can help fight discrimination against Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Part art project, part human rights campaign, This Is Oz is all about making Australia a place where everyone belongs. It depicts GLBT people and allies holding signs to express unity and support for the GLBT community.
The Wallabies, the country’s national team, agreed to be a part of the campaign after meeting with members of the Sydney Convicts, a predominantly gay rugby team that won last year’s Bingham Cup. “We’re very pleased that the Wallabies and the Australian Rugby Union has been so responsive and willing to support us and come on board with This Is Oz,” said Convicts founder Andrew Purchas. “Having these kind of high level professional sportsmen giving their support goes a long way to breaking down barriers, and countering the stereotypes and supporting diversity and acceptance. … Kids really look up to these guys and follow their lead, so it really does a lot of good.” Only the best rugby union players are selected to play for the Wallabies. The team represents Australia during Rugby World Cup competitions as well as Tri-Nations and other international competitions. This marks the second time an overseas rugby association has taken part in a campaign to fight homophobia in sports. Last year, The United Kingdom’s Rugby Football League became the first national governing body of a major sport to support a campaign for GLBT equality.
www.CompeteMag.com
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POTATO: DAVID BROMSTAD
AS TOLD TO ALFONZO CHAVEZ
COMPETE: If competing in Design Star were a sport, what sport would it be? David: I would do mixed martial arts. You have to be brutal and rough; you have to have a whole lot of tricks in your bag. > You have to switch from one martial art to the other. You can be doing judo and then switch to … something else. It will take the life out of you, but it’s a lot of endurance, and you still have to be on top of your game. C: There were times when it seemed like you were more of a referee than a competitor. Rather than watch other contestants in the show argue, how would you like them to settle their differences? a. Thumb Wrestling b. A game of chicken c. 100-yard dash d. Crab walk race e. Voguing D: A. It seems wimpy, but I’ve seen it get crazy. You have to hold on to each other, so you could really hurt someone.
>>> C: Did you ever participate in sports? D: I did. I was a swimmer. It’s actually one of my passions in life, right up there with art. Senior year of high school I was a swimmer and I loved it. I had to decide if I wanted to do swimming or art. I could have gone on to the Olympics, but I decided to do art. It was time to move.
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C: Was there ever a sport you wanted to play or do? D: I was acrobatic; gymnastics was also one of my passions, (but) I didn’t have the flexibility. I lived in a town with 2,000 people, but there was no place that did guys gymnastics. In the summer I would do gymnastics with the girls. I loved doing flips and fun stuff. I didn’t care if people looked down on it. C: What sports do you enjoy watching? D: I am a huge tennis nut. I try to follow the tour. I love watching swimming. I DVR’ed the world championships, gymnastics, the Olympics. I will watch anything, (but) not the softball or baseball or basketball games. C: As an artist, what sport would you like your subject to play if you had the opportunity to paint a naked athlete? D: Wrestling. If he’s naked and naked with another man, it would be really hot. C: You and Nate Berkus are working together on a project and come to a disagreement about a color/accent wall. How do you decide on whether or not to do it? a. Oil wrestling >>> b. Take it to the runway c. Yo’ Mama face-off d. Rock, paper, scissors D: A. I know I would win. It would be hot. I know he doesn’t like color walls. So for me to win, which I would … if he had to do an accent wall he would be really pissed. C: Some sports have really cool uniforms, others have boring uniforms. What sport or team’s uniforms do you think could really use a “color splash?”
>>>
DAVID BROMSTAD STARTED AS AN ARTIST at several Disney parks in Florida, creating murals and paintings. He later went on to start Bromstad Studios (www.bromstad.com), which really seems to have worked for him, considering it’s for what he’s most known. Today, Bromstad is known as HGTV’s first Design Star, where he was a mild-mannered, attitude-free (where do they make gay men like this?), very capable and very handsome competitor. He now hosts his own show, Color Splash, on the same network. He can be seen adding color to some very sad rooms in very lucky people’s houses. Maybe if some Compete staffers get together and un-gay one of the rooms in the office he’ll come by and re-do it (with his shirt off).
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“... gymnastics was also one of my passions, (but) I didn’t have the flexibility ... I loved doing flips and fun stuff.”
>> >> Reality star-turnedtelevision host David Bromstad has a passion for swimming that rivals his passion for design.
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POTATO
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D: I think that (the new) swimming uniforms could use a color splash. It’s taken the hotness out of the sport. Those swimmers are hot. I would like to see something on the back (of the swimsuit).
“I was like a giddy little school girl. I wanted to lag on and be her friend.”
C: In your quest for world domination, what athlete would rule, uh … just beneath you? D: I give props to Michael Phelps. He is the god of swimming for the world … and because I want to meet him, too.
C: Any. D: So unfair. It’s either between swimming or gymnastics, men or women.
C: How would their uniforms look? D: Everyone would have Dolce & Gabana — have to be a little tighter and less drab. A number on the butt, real big and name or (just) a number on the butt, like a jersey. C: You’ve also said that you love the Olympics. What is your favorite event? D: That’s unfair to ask. Summer or winter?
C: You and Danielle (from Color Splash) are playing volleyball against Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh. Danielle dislocates her shoulder on her first serve. Your only choices for a replacement are Alice, Flo or Vera. Who do you choose? D: Flo, because her hair is so fantastic, I’m sure she could do a block with her hair.
>
C: If you had the chance to coach a children’s sport team, what sport would it be? D: It would be swimming. It’s one thing I’m good at and would know how to teach, both boys and girls.
C: Do you have an athlete you really admire? D: Dara Torres — amazing inspiration! One, for her age; and two, for her talent. I think fame is ridiculous and could care less, but when I saw her I was like a giddy little school girl. I wanted to lag on and be her friend.
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By Buddy Early ince the beginning of summer gay athletes have been competing for the ultimate glory in their chosen sports. It began with basketball and volleyball tournaments in Chicago; was followed by the gay soccer championships in Washington, DC; and last month saw softball teams crowned winners in Milwaukee and Madison. In October, two more championship weekends are on tap: Gay Bowl IX, October 8-11 in Washington, DC, and the World Gay Rodeo Finals, October 23-25 in Albuquerque. One is the epitome of a team sport, the other has participants battling for personal triumph. Both celebrate the talent and successes of gay athletes — their hard work, sweat and sacrifices in order to achieve victory.
football frenzy The nation’s capital has established itself as a gay sports mecca. After successfully hosting the International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics Championships in 2008, the city staged the World Cup of gay soccer this year, and is busy putting together a bid for a future Gay Games. In the meantime, Washington is about to welcome flag football teams from across the country for Gay Bowl IX. The New York Warriors are the three-time defending champions of this tournament, but the competition gets tougher each and every year. To win Gay Bowl IX, the Warriors will have to get past a number of teams that have shown vast improvement. Plus, in addition to losing their
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Gay Bowl Champions
team captain and motivational leader — Cyd Ziegler moved to Los Angeles —
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
ever, thinks the team is up to the challenge of four-peating.
Los Angeles Motion Los Angeles Motion Washington Monuments Washington Monuments Chicago Flames New York Warriors New York Warriors New York Warriors
the Warriors have changes at other positions. New captain Wade Davis, how-
“It’s tough to not be the favorites after three straight years,” admitted Davis, who says he revels in the pressure. While the level of play between all 20 teams varies somewhat, there are a number of teams that have the players and ability to take the trophy away from the Warriors. “I’m sure Cyd would love for his L.A. team to be the ones to beat us,” joked Davis, who also expects tough battles from the Phoenix, Chicago and San Diego teams as well as a second New York City team. The Washington teams, due to their home-city advantage, may also prove difficult to beat.
The nation’s Capital has been the gay sports capital the last two years. In October it hosts gay flag football teams, including 3-time defending champs the New York Warriors (bottom), at Gay Bowl IX.
Even with all those challengers, Davis said he believes his Warriors are still the team with the best chemistry, and that accounts for a lot. “I think most people know that we put in the time and effort. “This will be our hardest defense (of the title) … (but) when you win three straight times you need a little extra motivation.” The Hellraisers from Phoenix were a team that gave the Warriors a partic-
>>>>
ularly strong challenge last year. With their recent victory at the Chicago Pride Bowl, they may be poised to steal the Gay Bowl title away from Davis’ team. “I certainly like our chances heading into the tournament,” said Shawn Rea, Hellraisers captain. From a 7th place finish in last year’s Gay Bowl to winner in Chicago, the Hellraisers have seen a dramatic improvement in a short amount of time. Rea credits improved talent and depth at numerous positions, as well as the growth of the league in Phoenix. “We’ve had a chance to play together for a couple of years. … We’ve been able to fine-tune everything and get into a good rhythm.” Behind Quarterback Joey Jacinto, the tournament MVP in Chicago, the Hellraisers hope for some payback against the Warriors; they played them close in two games last year in Salt Lake City, taking the champs to overtime in one contest. Expect them to score a lot, and hope that their defense can hold their opponents. “We’ve got some good momentum and are on an upswing right now,” said Rea. “I certainly wouldn’t mind playing New York again to get some revenge.”
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rodeo days After more than two decades of referring to the biggest event in gay rodeo as the IGRA Finals Rodeo, organization bigwigs decided it was time to be a little bolder in their marketing. For the first time, the event will be called the World Gay Rodeo Finals. It only seems appropriate for a sporting event that features the best gay rodeo participants in the world.
Calendar Boys For the second consecutive year, the folks at HomoRodeo.com have produced a top-notch calendar featuring gay cowboys from across the U.S. The difference this year: the calendar is all-nude! Producers of the calendar assure that the photos are tasteful and believe they capture “cowboys in a natural state.”
“We wanted to tell the world what we really do,” said International Gay Rodeo Association President Brian Helander, who believes the previous name was difficult to understand for some people. “When you have to say IGRA Finals, you have to know what IGRA is … and what ‘finals’ means,” he said, pointing out that World Gay Rodeo Finals requires no clarification. Helander added that the rodeo, held annually in the fall, is a world-class event that is worthy of the name. This year rodeo officials are expecting roughly 250 competitors to show up in
In all, 10 photographers and 34 models were used in the making of the 2010 Homorodeo.com Calendar, which will be available for pre-sale online in early October. The calendar also will be for sale at select gay rodeo events around the country. Rodeo associations — or any fundraising group, for that matter — can participate in the sale of the calendars and earn a portion of the proceeds for their group. E-mail harley@homorodeo.com for more details. The calendar will retail for only $14.99
Albuquerque. It’s truly the best of the best from over 25 gay rodeo associations. By competing at various regional rodeos throughout the year participants qualified through a point system, with the top 20 in each event advancing to the Finals. In addition to the participants, another 1,500 fans and spectators are expected to enjoy the weekend of activities.
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In his fifth year as IGRA president — a rather long term compared to former leaders — Helander says he enjoys juggling duties as an officer and a competitor. Despite not being raised in sports, it didn’t take long for him to start achieving success in rodeos, having won a number of buckles at rodeos throughout the years. “I’ve done very well,” said Helander, who was quick to add that beating your opponent is not what most people are after. “In rodeo, people have a variety of skill levels – novices and experts. And your hopes and your goals are to do a little better than you did last time. “While we compete individually or as small teams you are really competing in joy. … In the rodeo, trying your best and improving over last time is the
Gay Bowl IX October 8-11 Carter Barron Park Washington, DC www.ngffl.com
competition. The competition isn’t beating everybody else.” World Gay Rodeo Finals events include: Calf Roping on Foot, Pole Bending, Steer Riding, Mounted Break-Away Roping, Team Roping, Bareback Bronc
World Gay Rodeo Finals
Riding, Steer Decorating, Chute Dogging, Barrel Race, Flag Race, and Bull Riding. Two events specific to gay rodeo are Goat Dressing and the Wild Drag Race. Goat Dressing is a two-person event created specially for gay rodeo. The team stands 50 feet from the point where the goat is tethered. One of the team members has a pair of jockey-style underwear worn over their forearms. When the whistle sounds, the team runs to the goat. The team member without
October 23-25 New Mexico State Fairgrounds 300 San Pedro Dr NE Albuquerque, NM www.igra.com
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Approximately 250 rodeo participants will descend upon Albuquerque at the end of the month for the World Gay Rodeo Finals. From traditional events like Bronc Riding and Calf Roping to camp events like Goat Dressing and Wild Drag Race, men and women will chase buckles in 14 disciplines.
the underwear picks up the goat's rear hooves, grabs the underwear from around the other member's arms, and pulls it up the legs of the goat. Both team members must then race back to the start/finish line and cross the finish line to stop the time. The underwear must stay over the goat's tail bone until the timer is tagged by both members. The Wild Drag Race is an audience favorite all across the IGRA rodeo circuit. Even though the competition is serious and the payoff sizable, a large number of competitors also believe this to be a very entertaining event for the audience. The drag costumes come from thrift stores, from secondhand stores, and many from raiding mom's closet. A team is made up of one male, one female, one “drag” (either male or female), and one wild steer. The steer, with a halter and a 25-foot lead rope, is in a bucking chute at the begin-
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ning of the event. The cowgirl holds the rope and the cowboy and drag stand 40 feet from the chute. When the chute gate opens, the team tries to direct (or harass) the steer toward the finish line, which is 70 feet from the chute. They must get the steer across the finish line, mount the "drag," and then ride back across the finish line. The “drag” must be mounted on the steer before the steer starts back across the finish line and must stay on the steer
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until all four feet of the steer have crossed back across the finish line.
Look for coverage of the Gay Bowl IX and the World Gay Rodeo Finals in the November and December issues of Compete.
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October is time to honor gay sports pioneers IF YOU LOOK TO OTHER HIGH-PROFILE arenas like politics or the entertainment industry, the number of out gay individuals has grown exponentially in the past few decades. Gay politicians are now succeeding at virtually every level, and the film, television and music businesses have all but put the taboo of homosexuality behind them. In sports, however, being “out” comes with an entirely different set of circumstances and consequences. That’s why the out gay athletes who have paved the way are so remarkable. Many believe that the locker rooms, sporting arenas and soccer fields will be the last places in the U.S. where homophobia will be eradicated. To be an athlete and be out is still relatively rare. That’s why Compete is paying tribute to a dozen such individuals. In recognition of October as Gay History Month, we are proud to acknowledge the contributions that these 12 individuals have made to the world of sports.
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BILLIE JEAN KING The winner of 129 singles titles, including 12 grand slams, King was the first prominent female athlete to come out as gay. After doing so, she immediately lost all her endorsements, forcing her to continue a tennis career simply so she could pay lawyers. Her struggles and sacrifices at that time, however, were incredibly important to the journeys that future gay athletes would take. Whether it was equality for women or for gays, King has been a true trailblazer. The list of awards, accolades and firsts is a mile long, but perhaps the greatest honor came in 2006, when the USTA National Tennis Center was rededicated as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. And in August of this year she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
JOHN AMAECHI After retiring from the NBA in 2003, the erudite British native came out in his 2007 memoir Man in the Middle. While he remains the only NBA player ever to speak publicly about being gay (even after leaving the game), Amaechi tries to stand as an example to other athletes, professional and amateur, who may be struggling with their own sexual orientation. When it comes to changing the culture inside the NBA, however, the league missed the boat. Amaechi told Compete earlier this year: “When I came out all the words that were said were the correct words … but the opportunity to educate people was missed.”
DAVID KOPAY Three years after ending his nine-year NFL career Kopay announced he was gay. Keep in mind, this was in 1975! Since that time, only two other NFL players have come out of the closet, and Kopay is credited with inspiring them to be open about their sexual orientation. The running back for the 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Saints and Packers has been a gay activist of sorts since his 1977 coming-out autobiography The David Kopay Story. Even after three decades, he stands as a role model for gay athletes in team sports.
MARK BINGHAM Sometimes people don’t set out to achieve greatness; it just happens. Such is the case with Bingham, an above-average amateur rugby player whose accomplishments on the pitch certainly didn’t make him a household name to the rest of the world. It was Bingham’s courageous actions aboard Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, that earned him posthumous fame. Along with other passengers, Bingham stormed the cockpit of the airliner to prevent hijackers from killing thousands more. The biannual world championship of rugby (The Bingham Cup) is named in his memory.
GREG LOUGANIS With four Olympic gold medals from the 1984 and 1988 Games, Louganis is perhaps the greatest diver who ever lived. (His Olympic career started with a silver in 1976, and if not for the 1980 boycott he likely would have had two more golds.) Since the early 1990s Louganis has been an outspoken advocate for HIV causes. The openly gay diver tested positive in 1988, and told his story in the New York Times best-seller Breaking the Surface. The story later was made into a Showtime movie starring Mario Lopez.
MARTINA NAVRATILOVA Since her rivalry with Chris Evert had already made her a villain of sorts among American tennis fans, Navratilova’s openly gay status did little to hurt her reputation in the 1980s. It did, however, keep her from making the millions in endorsements that other players (even inferior ones) were enjoying. With 167 career titles (the most ever among men and women) and 18 grand slam victories, Navratilova is arguably the greatest woman to ever pick up a racket. Since her retirement she has been active with numerous gay equality organizations, most notably the Rainbow Endowment, which offers grants to organizations that support HIV/AIDS and breast cancer research and services, as well as gay and lesbian arts, cultural and civil rights groups.
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PATTY SHEEHAN Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1993, Sheehan was one of the first LPGA players to announce she was gay … and is likely the most successful. Her 35 tour victories between 1981 and 1996, including six majors, qualified her for the Hall and made her one of the dominant female golfers of her era. Her coming out episode was rather tame, as she simply discussed in a 1998 magazine interview the adoption process faced by her and her partner.
BILL TILDEN A half-century before Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, “Big Bill” Tilden’s sexual orientation was an open secret in tennis circles. Throughout his illustrious career in the 1920s and 30s, during which he held the number one ranking for seven years and won 10 grand slam championships, his sexual orientation was tolerated. But as time passed and Tilden lost favor with the U.S. tennis community, he was shunned. His well-known fondness for young boys led to arrests and a brief prison sentence. Nonetheless, his name is still mentioned along with the likes of Budge, Laver, Sampras and Federer when the topic is the greatest players of all time.
IAN ROBERTS Roberts gained attention in Australia and in rugby-loving nations around the world when he announced he was gay in 1995 — three years before age and injuries would end his decorated 13-year professional career. The forward was known for his physical fitness and tireless effort in games. In 2004 Roberts was named to the “South Sydney Dream Team” — 17 players representing the club from 1908 through 2004; In 2005 he was named one of the greatest ever New South Wales players. Since retirement from the sport, he has been one of Australia’s most prominent gay personalities, and has taken up acting.
ESERA TUAOLO Talk about defying stereotypes. They don’t come much tougher than Tuaolo, who for nine years battled in the NFL’s trenches as a defensive lineman for five different teams. Surviving in the league for that long is accomplishment enough, but Tuaolo was named to the All-Rookie Team and played in the 1998 Super Bowl while a member of the Atlanta Falcons. He announced to the public he is gay on a 2002 episode of HBO’s Real Sports, and wrote about his experiences in the subsequent autobiography Alone In The Trenches: My Life As A Gay Man In The NFL. Since his coming out, he has tried to work with the NFL on ways to combat homophobia in the league.
SHERYL SWOOPES Swoopes is unique on this list, as the only American to come out while still playing in a professional league. In 2005 the 3-time WNBA MVP signed on as a spokeswoman for Olivia Cruises, which caters to gay women. Often referred to as the “female Michael Jordan,” her superlatives also include 4 WNBA titles, 3 Olympic gold medals and 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards. Additionally, she was the first women’s basketball player to have a shoe named after her – the “Air Swoopes.” Her career ended earlier this year, but throughout the league’s inaugural decade she was arguably its greatest star.
KARRIE WEBB By the age of 25, the Australian-born Webb had already qualified for the World Golf Hall of Fame. Later, at 30, she became the youngest living person ever inducted. With 36 tournament victories, including seven majors, and numerous Player of the Year awards, Webb dominated golf at a time when many future stars of the links were making their mark. Even in 2009 she remains the only out professional golfer on the ladies’ tour.
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BY BUDDY EARLY
A positive influence Former football star Brian Sims talks to student-athletes about gay equality
WHEN YOU’VE SPENT YOUR CAREER INTERVIEWING activists and personalities in the gay community, you come across a common tendency. For reasons that can be absolutely justified, the overwhelming majority of such interviewees have a predisposition towards doom and gloom. For many, being in the trenches of the fight for equality has opened their
“I’m not trying to shame people into anything ... What I’m trying to do is create a critical mass of supporters.” eyes to even more injustice than they realized. For others, personal experiences with hate and discrimination have colored their view of the world. And let’s not overlook the power of the media, which can make anyone pessimistic about the world. During the hour that I spent on the phone with Brian Sims, however, I never once got a sense of gloom and doom from him; he was as positive as he could be, and his thoughts on tolerance, acceptance and equality showed pure optimism. That is why the Philadelphia attorney and former college football stud may be the best choice to speak to students at a dozen of Pennsylvania’s public and private universities throughout Gay History Month. (The last thing college-aged students want is someone preaching to them about how gay people have been wronged and reminding them about second-class citizenship.) “I’m not trying to shame people into anything,” Sims told me. “What I’m trying to do is create a critical mass of supporters.” Sims believes that there is a wave of support, particularly among young people, in the U.S. and those supporters simply need to know that they are appreciated … and needed. He wants to encourage supporters of equality to “come out.”
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The speaking engagements begin on the first of the month for Sims, at the University of Pittsburgh, and continue throughout October. The Penn State Athletics Commission is banking on Sims to help it fulfill its NCAA-required diversity training, but Sims’ impact will likely go further than instructing people to “do” this and “not to do” that. “I’ll be talking about allies,” he said. “I can speak to gay audiences as the day is long. But I think that my strength lies in speaking to straight audiences.” Because of his background as a star football player at a Pennsylvania college — not to mention his boynext-door looks and middle class upbringing — he is relatable to campus coeds in a way that many gay equality advocates are not. For these reasons, and because of his positive attitude, he can get five minutes with an audience that others cannot. The colleges have embraced him and are welcoming him in an unprecedented way. What started with a few schools calling for his participation quickly snowballed into a dozen, and the inquiries were still coming as I completed this interview. Bucknell, a small private institution in Lewisburg, has scheduled Sims from morning to night: he’ll be speaking to all the school’s coaches, eating lunch with students, meeting with campus GLBT organizations and talking to football players at team practice. His impact on that campus should be felt by a large number of its 3,500 undergraduates long after he leaves. OUT OF THE LOCKER ROOM CLOSET With the recurring discussion of gays in sports and gays in locker rooms our minds usually go to the worst possible scenario. That person wouldn’t be accepted, we think. He would cause division amongst his teammates, we argue. It could lead to violence, we believe. In the case of Brian Sims, we are wrong on all three counts. “It was the opposite,” said Sims, referring to that worst possible scenario. “There aren’t a whole lot of
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opportunities for people to flex their ‘friend-muscle’.” That’s exactly what happened early in his senior year while playing defensive lineman at Bloomsburg State. The team’s quarterback flat-out asked him one day if Sims was gay. It turned out his sexual orientation had been topic of conversation amongst many teammates. “It sounds like the core group of my friends — which were also the core group of starters — that they had talked. … They had clearly challenged each other’s views and such.” Sims says most of them took it as an opportunity to flex that friend-muscle. Their biggest concern was about how his being in the closet affected him, and any negative comments were easily drowned out by supporters. On the field, he adds there were absolutely no issues. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was the team’s captain and longest starter on defense, helped get them to the national championship game, held (and still holds) the school’s bench-press records, and could “chug a beer better than anyone, and beat most people in an armwrestling match.” His experience made him realize the singlebiggest roadblock for people considering coming out, whether they are athletes or not. Rather than assuming the worst, giving people credit for being openminded and progressive can open a lot of doors. “You have to make sure people know that their supporters will be there for them.” FROM FOOTBALL TO LAW Since there isn’t a great demand for a 6-foot, 245 pound lineman in the NFL, Sims took his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and followed his other lifelong pursuit — law. His passion for helping people in need led him to Michigan State University School of Law and eventually to the Philadelphia Bar Association, where he currently serves as Staff Counsel for Policy & Planning.
THE BRIAN SIMS FILE PROFESSION: Attorney FOOTBALL POSITION: Defensive Lineman CURRENT ATHLETIC PURSUITS: Rowing; Just ran first Ultra-Marathon FAVORITE TEAM: 1960s Green Bay Packers HOBBIES: Collecting books and old newspapers RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Recently out of a long-term relationship #1 QUALITY IN A POTENTIAL PARTNER: Empathy
But a great deal of his work these days centers on aiding GLBT citizens obtain legal assistance and advocating for civil rights. He is the President of GALLOP (Gay & Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia) and a member of the Board of Directors of Equality Advocates of Pennsylvania. GALLOP serves the GLBT community by improving access to GLBT attorneys and enhancing business opportunities, advancement and employment of GLBT attorneys. Equality Advocates, according to Sims, is “THE Pennsylvania statewide advocacy organization.” But Sims never expected to be at the forefront of the GLBT civil and legal rights struggle. Activism and advocacy were not on his radar, as his concentration at MSU was international and comparative law. “I used to tell people they’d never see me marching in a parade. My type of activism is how I lead my life. “It changed when I first moved to Philadelphia. I became very good friends with a man named Dan Anders. He was very much an LGBT advocate.” Anders, who was campaigning to be elected as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, asked Sims to chair his finance committee. After the successful campaign Sims realized he had “a very different voice in this than most people.” His background was not one of discrimination.
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He didn’t have a chip on his shoulder or negative life experience. “I want to do this because it is right and not because I was denied something.” That sense of right and wrong made it inevitable that Sims would steer back towards social justice and away from international law. The man who, as a child, would stand up to authority figures when he saw unfairness in discipline, told me: “I have this innate thing about fairness and justice.” THE FUTURE FOR GAY ATHLETES Brian Sims is not naïve. He understands that not every gay person has a rosy coming out story. And he knows that not every gay athlete is going to be welcomed with the support of teammates, coaches and fans like he was. But he won’t apologize for his circumstances; he can only advocate based on his own life experiences. Gay athletes, however, should be grateful for someone like Sims. Where is the benefit in listening to a story about a gay athlete who came out and got taunted, shunned or even beat up? Does it offer encouragement to a young gay man or women to be told they will have a tough road ahead of them?
“I was the first gay guy that lots and lots and lots of friends of mine had ever known” ... many closeted people don’t yet know how accepting the people around them really are. “I was the first gay guy that lots and lots and lots of friends of mine had ever known,” said Sims, who strongly believes that many closeted people don’t yet know how accepting the people around them really are.
That’s where the aforementioned flexing of the friend-muscle comes in; by helping gay people trust that their friends will have their back, and by letting allies know that it is ok and important to prove their support, the path for coming out in the locker room can be made a lot simpler. By the way, regarding that talk about openly gay athletes being a distraction in the locker room, Sims says that is a bunch of hogwash. “Locker rooms are gross. … Locker rooms are not clean, pristine and fun.” While he admits that he knows what all of his former teammates look like naked, the idea that sexual thoughts were the main thing on his mind in the locker room is ludicrous. Today, there are gay athletes in virtually every professional locker room in the country, he believes. It’s only a matter of time, he suggests, before one of these athletes comes out. Sims predicts there will be a small amount of backlash concerning the first out pro, but adds: “The first out, gay professional athlete in this country is going to be a millionaire. He is going to be loved, revered and rich.” In sports, it’s all about winning. In the final analysis, the most important thing is going to be whether or not that athlete is able to help the team get victories. Sims says “somebody is just going to be too good” for the rest to taunt, shun or beat up. “It’s not going to be the end of the world.” Brian Sims’ opinions on homophobia in sports — and on advocacy in general — are much different than what we normally hear from “gay leaders” in that he speaks with optimism rather than pessimism. In the true spirit of what Compete magazine is all about, a good dose of Sims’ optimism is exactly what we need. Unlike the negative messages we hear about gays in sports and what we have to look forward to, Sims’ message offers hope that things are not as bad as all that. The time gay people come out and begin changing the culture in sports doesn’t have to be far off. Says Sims: “We are right on the cusp.”
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Address: City/State/Zip: Payment: m Cash m Check m Credit Card Card Number: Card Type:
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> SCOREBOARD RESULTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
• BY AARON BROST
Milwaukee steps up to the plate for largest-ever Gay Softball World Series MILWAUKEE ROLLED OUT THE RED CARPET FOR A RECORD 128 TEAMS during the 2009 Gay Softball World Series this past Labor Day weekend. But, the real excitement took place on the softball field — namely in the “B” division. While three of the four division champs went undefeated in the double-elimination format, it was the Chicago Spin Cougars, a team that previously finished 4th (2007), 3rd (2008) and 2nd (2006), that clawed back from the loser’s bracket against the same team that that put them there. There was no stopping Chicago after their first loss, racking up decisive victories against the Dallas Woofpack and Los Angeles Killer B’s. After pouncing on the Orlando Crush 18-3 in game one of the championship, the Cougars displayed strong hitting and solid defense to hold off a late charge in game two en route to a 14-11 victory and the title. The difference? “We attacked the ball versus trying to extend the pitch count,” said Coach Chris Vernald. “Our goal was to put pressure on them, get an early lead and score in as many innings as possible.”
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After finishing third in 2008, the Phoenix Toros claimed their first “A” title with a relatively easy 18-10 victory against the Orlando Force. That is, when you consider that earlier in the tournament the team proved they could deliver under pressure. A walk-off home run by clean-up batter James Kaiser and a long drive by Angelo Almendearez that surprised a shallow left fielder helped to knock in the winning run in two separate games. “We’ve played together for five years and know what we’re capable of,” said Coach John Deffee. “I trusted the guys to do their job and they delivered.” Phoenix teams ruled the “A” division, with crosstown rivals Diablos claiming 3rd Place. Ft. Lauderdale returned atop the podium in the “C” division for the first time since 2001 by defeating the Seattle Maulers 11-6. Far from the favorite after finishing 0-2-1 in pool play, the team stuck to the game plan they practiced all year. “Both losses were only by one run so we felt confident,” said Cyclones
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Coach Frank Renfro. “This was a team of 15 that believed in themselves and in each other.” In “D,” the Nashville Players found their bats after a slow start to clinch their first-ever title, a 15-6 triumph over the Seattle Avengers. Previously, they sent the Avengers to the loser’s bracket with a narrow 6-5 victory thanks to a clutch catch by pitcher Rick Routh. “Rick has never caught a line drive up the middle before,” said team captain Kerry Pogue. “It was the catch of his life.” Pogue credited his squad’s success to hard work, dedication and lots of tournament play this
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The Roscoes Toros claimed Phoenix’s first “A” division championship at the GSWS.
season. “We came ready to win. It was a total team effort.” Earlier in the weekend, Chicago was awarded the right to host the World Series in 2011. Columbus will do the honors next year. In nearby Madison, the Women’s side held its tournament. The results were similar to the Open side, in that teams from all over made it to the podium. The Houston Blaze (“A”), Twin Cities Hot Proerties (“B”) and Atlanta Gamma Lite (“C”) were victorious in their respective brackets. >>> RESULTS NEXT PAGE
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After an eight-year absence, the Sidelines Cyclones of Ft. Lauderdale returned to the top of the “C” division.
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GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES RESULTS OPEN A DIVISION
Champions: Roscoes Toros (Phoenix) 2nd Place: Dax Mortgage Force (Orlando) 3rd Place: Charlie’s Diablos (Phoenix) OPEN B DIVISION
Champions: Spin Cougars (Chicago) 2nd Place: Broadway Crush (Orlando) 3rd Place: Killer B’s (Los Angeles) OPEN C DIVISION
Champions: Sidelines Cyclones (Ft. Lauderdale) 2nd Place: Maulers (Seattle) 3rd Place: Shady Ladies (Austin) OPEN D DIVISION
Champions: Players (Nashville) 2nd Place: Avengers (Seattle) 3rd Place: Swingers (Twin Cities) WOMEN’S B DIVISION
Champions: Blaze (Houston) 2nd Place: Rebels (Ft. Lauderdale) 3rd Place: Urban Mo's (San Diego) WOMEN’S C DIVISION
Champions: Hot Properties (Twin Cities) 2nd Place: RAW (Phoenix) 3rd Place: Pilsner Passion (San Francisco) WOMEN’S D DIVISION
Champions: Gamma Lite (Atlanta) 2nd Place: Outfielders (Madison) 3rd Place: Cause We Can (Twin Cities)
>>> A new record was set at this year’s GSWS, as 128 teams competed in the Open brackets. Between the Open and Women’s sides, Phoenix and Minneapolis-St. Paul were the big winners, as each placed three teams onto the podium.
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> TEAM COMPETE MVP SPONSORED BY: CHERRY BAR
Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine is very excited to introduce you to a new Community Liaison:
AARON BROST AGE: 35 CITY: CHICAGO SPORT: SOFTBALL TEAM: BASIL HAYDEN BUZZ SINGLE OR TAKEN: TAKEN INTERESTS: My marketing and public relations business, pilates, lifting weights, running by the lake, volleyball, gymnastics, softball, tennis, road trips, worldwide travel, new restaurants, great wine, theater, singing and performing, photography, guitar, spending time with family and friends WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR SPORT: The challenge â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I learn new skills every year. More importantly, my softball buddies are my family. We stick together on and off the field. We're competitive, but don't take ourselves too seriously.
>>>
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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A smorgasbord of gay sports NO REGION HAS AS MANY EVENTS in so many different locations than this one. In October, nearly every sport has an event going on; cities up and down the Pacific Coast, from Seattle to San Diego, and across the Rockies to Denver and Albuquerque, are welcoming gay athletes. The biggest event figures to be the World Gay Rodeo Finals Oct. 23-25.
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EVENTS October 9-11 Gold Rush Invitational (Swimming) Denver www.squidswimteam.org/ goldrush2009 October 10-11 Autumn Classic (Softball) San Diego www.autumnclassic.org October 10-11 Fall Ball (Volleyball) Portland www.portlandgay volleyball.org
October 16-18 Las Vegas Classic (Tennis) www.lasvegasgaytennis club.com October 16-18 Desert Invitational Classic (Bowling) Palm Springs www.psdic.org October 23-25 World Gay Rodeo Finals Albuquerque www.igra.com October 23-25 Espresso Cup (Bowling) Seattle www.seattleespressocup.com
October 31-November 1 Spooky Spikes (Volleyball) Las Vegas www.quickset.webs.com October 30-November 1 Centre Court Championships (Tennis) Los Angeles www.lataweb.com
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A Texas-sized Columbus Day calendar DIVERSITY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME over Columbus Day weekend in Dallas. Bowlers, volleyball players and tennis competitors will converge on the city for tournaments in their respective sports. Softball is usually king in Big D, but diamond stars will take a back seat to these other athletes this weekend.
EVENTS October 9-11 Dallas Invitational Columbus Day Tournament (Bowling) www.dicdt.org October 10-11 Mavies Round Robin Doubles (Tennis) Miami www.mmtchome.om October 10-11 Fall Classic (Volleyball) Dallas www.divadallas.org/fallclassic October 10-12 Texas Open (Tennis) Dallas www.oltadallas.org/texasopen/ October 16-18 Crape Myrtle Tennis Classic Raleigh, NC www.triangletennisclub.com/cmtc
THE GRAND RESORT AND SPA – "BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY" SOUTH FLORIDA BLADE NEWSPAPER (OCT ’08)
THE SPA AT THE GRAND RESORT — "ONE OF THE TOP 10 GAY-OWNED SPAS IN THE UNITED STATES" OUT TRAVELER MAGAZINE (SPRING ’08)
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Sports and activism to occupy DC THE NATION’S CAPITAL IS HOME TO MULTIPLE gay sporting events this month, with tournaments in water polo and softball rounding out a busy weekend that also features Gay Bowl, the gay flag football championships. All these events coincide with the National Equality March, which is sure to bring thousands of gay travelers to the city.
EVENTS October 8-11 Gay Bowl IX (Flag Football) Washington, DC www.gaybowl9.net October 10-11 Ocean State Cup Classic (Softball) Providence www.providencesoftball.org
(this is a sample list, for a complete list of locations please visit competemag.com)
DO YOU WANT TO OFFER COMPETE? EMAIL distribution@competemag.com FOR DETAILS.
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October 17-18 Boston Tea Party Classic (Basketball) www.bgbl.com/teaparty.html
October 10-11 Wetskins Water Polo Tournament Washington, DC www.wetskins.org
LAS VEGAS The Center LV Buffalo Charlie’s FreeZone Good Times Get Booked
IS AVAILABLE COMPLIMENTARY AT THESE FINE LOCATIONS
October 10-11 MAGIC Tournament (Softball) Washington, DC www.magictournament.blogspot.com
LOS ANGELES AREA Brit > Long Beach Library > Long Beach Hot Java > Long Beach LA Gay & Lesbian Center > Los Angeles A Different Light > Los Angeles Circus of Books > West Hollywood Gold Coast > West Hollywood Train LA > West Hollywood Trunks > West Hollywood SAN DIEGO Bourbon Street Pecs Gym @ 734 Obelisk Bookstore Park Manor Suites San Diego Eagle The Center 24 Hour Fitness Urban Mo’s SAN FRANCISCO Pilsner Inn Active Nutrition Books, Inc. Gold’s Gym Different Light Bookstore
Lookout Gym Sports Basement Crunch Fitness Moby Dick PALM SPRINGS Hunters Spurline Oasis Gaymart Hamburger Mary’s Helios Mens Resort La Dolce Vita Toucans Basic Gym PHOENIX Apollo’s Lounge Bunkhouse Saloon Copper Star Coffee Unique on Central Borders Books (Biltmore) Casa De Cristo Charlie’s Roscoes on 7th Off Chute Too Changing Hands Bookstore > Tempe BS West > Scottsdale NATIONWIDE Sideline’s > Wilton Manor, FL Woof’s Atlanta > Atlanta, GA Crew > Chicago, IL Gym Bar > New York, NY Score Bar > Columbus, OH R Place > Seattle, WA Nellie’s > Washington, DC
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EVENTS October 9-11 Show-Me Showdown (Softball) Kansas City, Mo. www.haslkc.com October 9-11 Motown Invitational Classic (Bowling) Detroit www.mictournament.org October 10-11 Circle City Fest (Volleyball) Indianapolis www.circlecityfest.com October 31-November 1 Queen City Classic (Volleyball) Cincinnati www.qcc5.webs.com
Bumping and setting for charity VOLLEYBALL SEASON HITS ITS STRIDE IN THE FALL, and nowhere is it more evident than in this region. Indianapolis and Cincinnati both hold their NAGVA-sanctioned tourneys in the month of October, and both will raise money for charity. Circle City Fest will make donations to the Greg Powers DEFA Fund and Indy Pride, while the Queen City Classic is giving all its proceeds to Caracole, an HIV/AIDS organization.
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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 NEW YORK RESIDENT WAS COMPETE’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT FOR 2008? The first person to correctly respond wins a pair of Ginch Gonch underwear.
As you may already be aware, we like to support the gay sporting community however we can. This is why we’re so proud to announce our media sponsorship of the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. We want to make sure you know that we’re behind you and want to tell our community about you. We look forward to your accomplishments and to covering those events. We also expect to see some of you Gay Games participants applying for our 2010 Athlete of the Year Award. Speaking of Athlete of the Year, by the time you read this we’ll have reached our deadline to submit a nomination or application. We’re grateful for all applicants who were interested in being a part of this one-of-a-kind award. Don’t forget, our 2009 Athlete of the Year will win airfare to Puerto Rico (from the continental U.S.) and stay at a beach-front hotel. We’re glad to have partners who are also willing to recognize athletes in our community by sponsoring this year’s Athlete of the Year process. Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine would like to give a big thank you to Orbitz, San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel and Sidelines Sports Bar. Your support of gay athletes in our community is being recognized by many of us. To other potential supporters of Compete: that could have been you I just thanked!
Alfonzo Chavez I Marketing/PR Manager I 480.222.4223 I alfonzo@competemag.com 46 I
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> EXTRA
OPEN WATER SWIM
NYC swimmers astound by raising 100 grand at single event EVEN IN A DOWN ECONOMY, folks in the GLBT community know the importance of raising money for good causes. On the fourth Saturday in August, 33 of them took to the waters off Long Island and raised over $100,000 in the process. The first-ever Long Island to Fire Island Open Water Swim was an idea developed earlier this year by New York Cityarea gay athletes. It came to fruition at the end of the summer, and exceeded all their expectations. “It’s been such a huge success I think we’ll be continuing it,” said Co-chair Bradley Matthews. The swim, a 5K from Bayville to the Pines, was spared the wrath of Hurricane Bill, which was hovering around the northeast that same day. Fifteen kayaks and six boats joined the swimmers as they raised money for NYC’s Stonewall Community Foundation, a sort-of United Way for gay charities in the Big Apple. “The original goal was 45 (thousand dollars),” said Matthews, a member of Team New York Aquatics. “Which I actually thought was pretty daunting.” With a final tally more than double what they originally set out to raise, expect a second annual event next summer to be even bigger and better.
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>> >> The Stonewall Community Foundation received a $100,000 windfall after 33 swimmers took to the waters off Long Island Labor Day weekend.
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