Compete January February 2020

SIN CITY CLASSIC ISSUE • JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 $3.95 • COMPETESPORTSDIVERSITY.COM

The Dodgers salute all athletes and allies participating in the

Sin CIty clasSic 2020

We are proud to support GLASA and to recognize the Los Angeles LGBTQ Community as an integral part of the Dodgers Community.

Competition, COME FOR THE

STAY FOR THE FUN

Las Vegas is a proud supporter of the 13th annual Sin City Classic Sports Festival, the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world.

With more than 8,000 athletes competing in 24 different sports, let the fabulous games begin!

VisitLasVegas.com

MILLENNIAL ON SPORTS

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN

2020

I

BY DIRK SMITH

t’s the new year and social media is filled with the “new year-new me” trope and the countless memes mocking it. The gym will be filled with well-intentioned people who are motivated by their resolutions, much to the chagrin of regular gym goers. As the trope goes, there will be a significant drop in February, and

by March things will be back to normal. We all know what’s going to happen, so how do we make 2020 different?

Goals succeed where resolutions fail because a goal is a dream with a plan. So the first step to making a real change in 2020 is to set a goal and make a plan of action. Here are some tips: • Make sure your goals are SMART • Specific- What do you want to accomplish as succinct and detailed as possible?

•M easurable- How will you measure whether or not you are making progress?

• Ambitious- Will the goal push you outside your comfort zone?

•R ealistic- Is the goal something that you can reasonably achieve?

• Timely- What is your specific timeline to achieve your goal?

• Start big and work backwards. On a note pad (remember, be specific) write down your answers to the following questions.

• Where do you want to be this time next year?

• Where do you want to be in six months?

• Where do you want to be in 90 days?

• Where do you want to be in 30 days?

The purpose of these two exercises is to detail your plan of action to achieve your goals and break it down into manageable chunks.

However, this is only useful if you adopt a growth mindset and a task-oriented approach.

The growth mindset is all about embracing challenge in your life and using failure as an opportunity to learn, persist and put forth more effort to succeed. You focus on the task at hand and the things you need to do only within the moment. When you are task oriented, you focus only on the current problem and to find solutions to overcome it.

When you break down your SMART goals into specific chunks, you’re taking your ambitious challenges and breaking them down into manageable tasks. The road to success is hardly linear; you’ll have enormous successes and failures. But failure is only an opportunity to learn and grow. By focusing only on each step at a time, you’ll find yourself moving forward, better prepared to take on the challenge that sits in front of you and keep moving forward.

Take the SMART goals and your plan of action, put it somewhere you will see it every morning and keep it there to remind yourself of what you need to do just for today, in this moment, to take the next step forward. Today is the best time to start.

Dirk Smith, SDL Sports Editor dirk@competesportsdiversity.com @competedirk

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

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NEXT UP

MY FIRST SIN CITY CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL

S

BY MATTHEW BARKER

ports have been a pillar of my life. I’ve played baseball, high school football, volleyball, soccer and raced BMX. Currently I referee flag football, soccer and dodgeball, and I’m looking forward to competing at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and test myself on hard hikes in the Sonoran Desert. My mission is to inspire my generation (Gen Z) and the next to take care of their mental, physical and spiritual health while also coming together as a community.

I came out publicly last May. It wasn’t easy but it was the most meaningful decision I’ve ever made. After a tough road of being isolated and sitting on the sidelines of life, I’ve found belonging. When I met Jared Garduno and had the courage to discuss my desire to pursue sports, fortunately, that one moment of courage has led to a sense of belonging.

As I prepare for my first Sin City Classic my hopes are to connect with the gay sports community and spark a generational unity. This year I will be referring dodgeball at the Sin City Classic.

Sports can now be a motif of pride in my identity and not one of secrecy. The Sin City Classic is a great celebration of what is but also a time when we can ask, what’s next? Who are we and how will we move forward in hope and solidarity?

I’m blessed to be a part of this event for the first time. I can’t wait to meet the community and unite around our shared love of sports.

Matthew Barker 8 COMPETE january - february 2020

BEAUTY. VERSATILITY. EVOLVED.

LEXUS IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE 2020 SIN CITY CLASSIC Every inch in the drive toward equality can lead to a new milestone for the LGBTQ community. And this year’s Sin City Classic athletes are powerhouses whose dedication to sports makes great strides in helping the LGBTQ cause build momentum. Lexus is proud to stand by you as you continue to evolve culture and the idea of what family can mean. Much like the new 2020 Lexus RX, you are true icons. Best wishes to you in this year’s competition, from our family to yours.

Options shown. © 2020 Lexus.

lexus.com/RX | #LexusRX

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NEXT UP: MY FIRST SIN CITY CLASSIC...................8 SIN CITY SPORTS FESTIVAL EVENTS....................11

28

HIGH FIVE: BEST LAS VEGAS RESTAURANTS........12 NEW SPORTS: STEEL-TIPPED DARTS AND CORNHOLE...................................................18 NEW SPORTS: INDOOR ROWING............................20 RETURNING SPORT: BASKETBALL........................22 MICHELLE BARRON, SCCSF’S VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE................................................24 NEW SPORTS: SPIKEBALL....................................26 10TH ANNIVERSARY PETEY AWARDS PREVIEW...28 ATHLETES OF SIN CITY CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL................................................32

PUBLISHER/CEO Eric Carlyle • eric@competesportsdiversity.com COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY Editor-in- Chief Connie Wardman • connie@competesportsdiversity.com Sports Editor Dirk Smith • dirk@competesportsdiversity.com Art Director Heather Brown • heather@competesportsdiversity.com Contributors Matthew Barker Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens • ariel@competesportsdiversity.com Vice President Jared Garduno • jared@competesportsdiversity.com Business Development Trayer Martinez • trayer@competesportsdiversity.com Administration Bethany Harvat • bethany@competesportsdiversity.com

CSDC INITIATIVES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2020......40

Copyright © 2020 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved.

WHY THE WORLD ONLY CARES ABOUT TRANS ATHLETES WHO WIN............................................44

All Mail PO Box 2756 Scottsdale, AZ 85252

Table of Contents sponsored by VEGAS MASSAGE PRO vegasmassagepro.com

10 COMPETE january - february 2020

•

(800) 868-5906

Compete is a trademark of Media Out Loud, LLC Subscribe to Compete Magazine online at CompeteNetwork.com

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COMPETE

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5

TOP

THE SIN CITY HIGH FIVE

DELICIOUS RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN LAS VEGAS

BY DIRK SMITH

PARADISE GARDEN BUFFET AT THE FLAMINGO Vegas is well known for its buffets, including the good, bad and ugly. There’s an endless variety of options at every buffet you visit. The Paradise Garden Buffet is definitely one of the best and offers a delicious brunch buffet with selections of southern and Mexican influences. It even includes a made-to-order omelet station, crepe station and waffles! Definitely worth multiple visits just to taste all the delicious things. https://www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/restaurants/paradise-garden-buffet#.

Xff3mS2ZNQI HASH HOUSE A GO GO AT THE LINQ Hash House A Go Go at the LINQ serves up brunch all day and night, along with a dinner menu at 5 p.m. The menu includes all the classic American favorites from Eggs Benedict to Biscuits and Gravy. It offers a taste of the Midwest right in Vegas, fresh from the farm. https://www.hashhouseagogo.com/location/las-vegas-nevada-the-linq/menu BATISTA’S HOLE IN THE WALL The self-proclaimed “Hole in the Wall” restaurant promises the finest Italian Food and Atmosphere in all of Las Vegas. You’ll be surrounded by nostalgic Vegas memorabilia as you fill up on delicious homemade Italian food and a free house wine with your dinner. Great place to fuel up just before your competition. http://battistaslasvegas.com CARMINES AT CAESAR’S Located at in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Hotel and Casino, Carmines offers upscale southern family-style Italian dining. Giving hearty portions of your favorite Italian dishes, designed to be shared with your family and friends, Carmine’s offers a unique Vegas experience that is a must have for all. https://www.carminesnyc.com/locations/las-vegas CHINA PABLANO AT THE COSMOPOLITAN Offering a unique fusion of Chinese and Mexican cuisines, China Pablano is the concept of Chef José Andrés at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. The menu includes classic Mexican dishes and classic Chinese dishes but also offers some unique dishes to open your palate and provide a new experience. https://www.chinapoblano.com

12 COMPETE january - february 2020

COMPETE READER SURVEY

Roulette:

RED?

or

65% 35% Red

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

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COMPETE GRANDSTANDING

LETTERS to COMPETE GRANDSTANDING More Flag Football, Please My husband and I really enjoyed your Football issue for several reasons. Firstly, we like that you featured an African American athlete on the cover. It really shows diversity and frankly, we are both tired of always seeing the model types on magazine covers.

Secondly, we liked that Compete features organizations such as the NGFFL because we never would have heard of that organization had they not appeared in Compete. We searched “gay flag football” and will now be spectators at the Sin City Classic.

Brian Locke Las Vegas, Nevada Editor’s Note: Thanks for your positive feedback, Brian. We love that you enjoyed Compete and now are new fans of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL). We’ll look forward to seeing you at the Sin City Classic!

Please submit all Letters to Compete via email to letters@competenetwork.com.

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

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BEST OF LAS VEGAS

SIN CITY BEST OF

shows

A wide variety of wonderful shows are a staple in Vegas but check to be sure the one you want to see is playing the day/time you want to go.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOWS

• Ka – MGM Grand

• O – Bellagio

• Mirage “Love” – Mirage

• Zumanity – New York-New York PRODUCTION SHOWS

• Australian Bee Gees – Excalibur • All Shook Up – Planet Hollywood

• Le Reve – Wynn Las Vegas

MAGIC SHOWS

• David Copperfield – MGM Grand

• The Mac King Comedy Magic Show – Harrah’s

• Paranormal: Mind Reading Magic – Bally’s

COMEDY SHOWS

• Menopause the Musical – Harrah’s

• Marriage Can Be Murder – The D Las Vegas

• Sex Tips for Straight Women From A Gay Man – Paris, Las Vegas

ADULT SHOWS

• Absinthe – Caesars Palace

• Zombie Burlesque – Planet Hollywood

• Chippendales – Rio

• Paradox of Morality - Fuso Nightclub

To learn more about all these fabulous places, go to VisitLasVegas.com for complete details.

16 COMPETE january - february 2020

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SCCSF NEW SPORTS

STEEL TIPPED DARTS & CORNHOLE ADDED TO SIN CITY LINEUP

BY DIRK SMITH

Steel-Tipped Darts and Cornhole are two new additions to the Sin City Classic Sports Festival (SCCSFSF) sports lineup. As non-traditional sports we wanted to learn more from the organizer, Austin Henderson. As commissioner of Rogue League Sports that includes Rogue Darts and Rogue Cornhole, he and Kevin Comerford are in charge of the two tournaments.

Dirk Smith: Tell us how steel-tipped darts are played and how the tournaments typically work?

Austin Henderson: Rogue Darts plays the game of Cricket using steel-tipped darts on a bristle board. Steel-Tipped is the more traditional darts type and Cricket is one of two main dart games (the other is 501/301). In Cricket one team tries to hit 15 through 20 and bullseye three times to close the number; then each subsequent hit scores that amount of points until the opposing team also closes the number. The first team closing all numbers and bullseye and is ahead in points wins. In our league, seasons usually include 7-8 weeks of game play, so point differentials do add up and help determine seeding for our playoffs.

DS: Tell us about yourself and your history with the sport?

AH: In 2012 I founded Stonewall Darts and invited friends to form a board and run the league. As league commissioner I helped make Stonewall Darts independent and then rebranded under the Rogue name and successfully completed a non-profit 501(c)(3) filing as Rogue League Sports which includes Rogue Darts and Rogue Cornhole leagues.

Now in its 23rd season darts has grown from 12 teams and 72 players to 56 teams and 336 players during its popular winter season. An off-season league was added, making Rogue Darts a year-round sport in D.C. DS: How did you get steel-tipped darts and cornhole involved with SCCSF? AH: I attended Sin City four years ago as a dodgeball player and then also played the soft-tipped darts tournament. Last year Kevin Comerford played in the Cornhole Fundraiser and spoke with SCCSF director Ken Scearce about Rogue’s interest in developing potential steel-tipped darts and cornhole tournaments. We’ve since worked from there over this past year to develop our inaugural tournaments for 2020.

Photos Courtesy of John Jack Photography

18 COMPETE january - february 2020

SCCSF NEW SPORTS DS: Steel dipped darts and cornhole are relatively new sports.

How are you growing them?

AH: In our first year we’re feeling out the logistics to create and execute new tournaments. Our focus this year is physical execution; we want to figure out our plan and do it well before focusing on growth. While we definitely want to expand, both in new players and in additional sports and locations, I’d rather have a small first tournament executed well than a big mess. Rogue Darts has templates and operating plans for various dart league scenarios that can be used as “starter kits” describing basic startup requirements. And we’ll be promoting expansion to anyone interested in joining. For questions, go to RogueDarts@gmail.com.

We’ve also been looking at branching out to other sports as well. I think as we mature as an organization, we’ll be less focused on any given sport and more focused on our mission to engage the LGBTQI community with educational programming and partnering with charities through social sports. Rogue Darts’ goal is to help foster those relationships between LGBTQI players, business partners and the nonprofit charities that work to better our communities.

DS: How do people get involved to play steel-tipped darts and cornhole here at SCCSF and at other tournaments?

AH: Rogue’s steel-tipped darts tournament is scheduled for Sunday, starting at noon. Since we’re a new sport and there will be some players and teams eliminated from their primary sport on Saturday, we’ll be advertising and taking late registrations all the way up to 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The great thing about darts is that we will be playing in the Flamingo ballroom so potential players can decide at the last minute and simply come down (or next door) to the Sunset Ballroom to join.

Players can sign-up either using the sincityclassic.org or rogue.leagueapps.com/events registration pages for both darts and cornhole, or we will be signing up people Friday night at the registration festival as well. We also plan on having up at least one dart board for people to give it a try Friday night to encourage participation.

Thanks for the information, Austin! We’ll be looking for you in Vegas!

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

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SCCSF NEW SPORTS

INDOOR ROWING DEBUTS AT 2020 SIN CITY CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL

BY DIRK SMITH

With Indoor Rowing making its debut here at the Sin City Classic Sports Festival (SCCSF), we are excited and curious to learn more about how the sport works. We caught up with Brian Todd with the Gay + Lesbian Rowing Federation (GLRF) to learn more.

Dirk Smith: It is exciting to see indoor rowing and the GLRF involved in the Sin City Classic!

Tell us what we can expect to see?

Brian Todd: We call it an ergatta rather than a regatta since it’s indoors and involves the dreaded ergometer, a generic term for a rowing machine. Athletes (indoor and outdoor) use the erg to build their stamina and endurance. The indoor rowing machine is the standard qualification for rowers around the world to be considered for a competitive team.

The Sin City Erg (http://sincityerg.org) is a one-day competition open to anyone 13 years and older so we may be the first sport at the Sin City Classic to include under-19 athletes. We believe the Sin City Erg is the first international LGBTQI-focused indoor rowing event and we are promoting the event to the broader rowing community, encouraging everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation to compete and support their teammates.

DS: Can you tell us how the Indoor Rowing competition works?

BT: Most indoor rowing competitions have one or more rows of ergs lined up on a “competition floor.” Spectators usually watch from bleacher seating and display screens are positioned in front of the audience to show how competitors are doing. Ergs are wired to a computer and race software times the participants for a given distance.

DS: Tell us more about the GLRF? BT: We’re a worldwide online community that connects 1,702 members – LGBTQI rowers, coxies, coaches and race/regatta officials – in 44 countries. The GLFR aspires to be a part of the broader rowing community by having a presence at major straight rowing regattas. Over the years, rowers have come to regard us just part of the fabric of the rowing community.

DS: Rowing has been a big sport throughout the LGBTQI sports community! How can people get involved?

BT: Post on the GLRF Learn To Row page! https://www.glrf.info/glrfcentral/learntorow/ One of online tools is Share A Link and members can add their own clubs. When they do, we can draw on that database to list clubs near where someone is looking.

DS: Thanks so much for sharing and we look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

20 COMPETE january - february 2020

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SCCSF NEW SPORTS

SIN CITY CLASSIC RETURNING SPORT BASKETBALL

BY DIRK SMITH

This year the National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) is returning to the Sin City Classic Sports Festival (SCCSF) to host a basketball tournament. We caught up with NGBA president Mark Chambers to give us the 101.

Dirk Smith: It is exciting to see basketball and the NGBA involved in the Sin City Classic Sports Festival! Tell us about the tournament we can expect to see in Las Vegas?

Mark Chambers: The West Coast Classic will host 28 teams and 280+ players and spectators at the Sin City Classic Sports Festival. The tournament will consist of 3 round-robin games for each team on Saturday and elimination games on Sunday. The tournament will take place at Jam On It Sports Plex, located at 2100 Olympic Ave, Henderson, Nevada 89014 Games will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., giving players time to get ready for the Saturday night festivities. On Sunday, games will begin at 9 or 10 a.m. TBA. Tournament game information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/sincitybasketball DS: What are some other big NGBA tournaments coming up?

MC: The NGBA will host the World Pride Basketball Championships May 24-29, 2020 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (pridebasketball.org). And the NGBA will hold the Coady Roundball Classic 30th Anniversary National Championships October 10-11, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.

DS: Basketball has been a big sport throughout the LGBTQI sports community. How can people get involved?

MC: Many of the cities with basketball leagues give players of all levels the opportunity to play the game they love and be who they are. Our website (ngba.org) has contact information for many of the cities. In addition, interested players, volunteers and supporters can email info@ngba.org for more information. If you are looking to start LGBTQI basketball in your city, let us know.

DS: Thank you for the information Mark. We look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

22 COMPETE january - february 2020

SCCSF VOLUNTEER

Michelle Barron, SIN CITY CLASSIC’S VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE

BY DIRK SMITH

Volunteers can make or break an event, especially one the size of the Sin City Classic Sports Festival.

And one who stands apart is Michelle Barron, Sin City Classic’s Volunteer Extraordinaire!

Dirk Smith: You’re quite a recognizable person here at Sin City Classic Sports Festival (SCCSF) Please tell us more about you and your roles at the event?

Michelle Barron: I’ve been part of GLASA since 2005 and playing softball for most of my life. I enjoy the competitiveness and friendships of the sport. This year I was inducted into the GLASA Hall of Fame. During the ceremony I shared that in late 2014 I was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma tumor. In June 2015, I challenged myself to complete the Famous Camp Pendleton Mud Run with my support team “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – Steven Messer, Paul McDaniel, Dorian Dixon, Chris Johnson, Alan Matsudo and Milton Linares.

In July 2015 I had surgery to remove the tumor near my brain steam. I’ve lost 80 percent hearing in my right ear and suffer from nerve damage to my right eye so I deal with vertigo and balance challenges daily. During recovery I had to learn to walk again, retrain my right eye, wear glasses for the first time and go through speech therapy to assist with short-term memory and slurred speech.

My family and softball family supported me through this difficult time, and I’m here today, still playing softball and a part of this amazing tournament.

In the beginning I was a volunteer on Friday nights to check in softball players, then on Saturday and Sunday I was a field representative. As the tournament grew, I volunteered to sell mugs and wristbands on Thursday nights for early arrivals. When other sports joined my role and responsibilities changed to support Ken Scearce. I was able to use my project management skills to support various activities that take place to launch this event. This past year a new role was assisting our VIP participants, supporting those sports at the hotel and being the contact on other challenges that might arise.

DS: From your perspective, how has the SCC grown and evolved?

MB: Originally it took four people to register all the softball teams that came to play. We started in a little hotel called the Tuscany with only 50-60 teams, totaling about 650-800 athletes. As the number of teams grew, we were able to host our opening parties at Rio, Planet Hollywood, Tropicana, and now at the amazing LINQ-Flamingo. From less than 100 athletes initially, we now have over 8,000 athletes coming to play. It is prodigious seeing sports leaders conducting their own tournaments with our support.

DS: Which of the Sin City Classic sports is your favorite?

24 COMPETE january - february 2020

SCCSF VOLUNTEER MB: My favorite sport is softball yet I do like the men that play football and wrestling. I’ll definitely keep an eye on those sports. Softball is just so fun and competitive; we even have our own special cheers for each player on our team. I love the support one gets from their teammates and the friendships that are made.

DS: Will we also get to see you at any Sin City Classic parties and social events?

MB: Yes, everyone will definitely see me at the SCC registration party at the Flamingo and closing party at Brooklyn Bowl. This year I might adventure off to Charlies on Thursday night and on Saturday to Piranha’s to hang out with friends, mingle and maybe some dancing.

DS: What would you like to see in the future for the SCCSF? MB: I’d like to see all the sports reach maximum capacity with athletes, also possibly adding more sports and going international. Hopefully we can reach this goal in less than five years since we have the best leaders that are part of Sin City Classic, starting with our director Ken Scearce, Larry Ruiz, Rick Maas, Jason Peplinski, Max Quezada, Ros Bugg, Carrie Selman, Stacy Robinson, Brent Thompson, David Gerry, the GLASA Board members, NAGAAA members and all our amazing volunteers that come out every year to be part of this amazing event.

DS: Thanks so much for your hard work and enthusiasm, Michelle, we can’t wait to see you in Vegas!

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

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SCCSF NEW SPORTS R

I got to interview Jack Scotti about Spikeball, one of the new sports in this year’s Sin City Classic Sports Festival (SCCSFSF) lineup.

Dirk Smith: What is Spikeball, Jack? Tell us how the game is played and the tournaments typically work?

Jack Scotti: Spikeball’s a cross between volleyball and four square that’s played two-on-two.

Instead of hitting the ball over a net, there’s circular net on the ground that you have to bounce the ball off. Once the ball bounces off the net, possession changes team. A unique aspect – after the serve there are no sides or boundaries. Teams play 360 degrees around the net making for some great dives and highlight reel plays.

Each year the Spikeball Tour Series draws thousands of teams out to compete. It’s been featured on ESPN, most recently airing the 2019 College National Championships. In 2020 we’ll have our inaugural World Championship hosted in Belgium.

DS: How did you get involved with Spikeball?

JS: When I discovered Spikeball I was immediately hooked but there weren’t any formal events.

In 2013 I and couple of friends put together a tournament modeled after our favorite beach ultimate tournament, Wildwood. I contacted Spikeball CEO, Chris who was super supportive; he even came from Chicago to play in it. The event eventually became the world’s largest tournament with over 200 teams and was featured on ESPN. When Chris sent me a job offer, I replied, “Let’s do it!”

DS: How are you growing this new sport?

JS: We do lots of work in schools; donate equipment and train teachers how to introduce Spikeball into their curriculum. We run a national tournament series with lots of support to local organizers. Our social channels have awesome content and our Spikeball App allows you to post a meet up or tournament, invite friends and discover new players around you.

DS: How do people get to play Spikeball at SCCSF and other tournaments?

JS: Spikeball is great for all skill levels and newcomers are welcome. If you want to sign up, just find a partner and go to: https://tournaments.spikeball.com/pages/sin-city-classic. After SCCSF, you can find pick-up games and tournaments on the Spikeball App. And stay up to date on everything Spikeball by following @spikeball. It’s not too late to make Team USA and represent our country in Belgium so start practicing!

DS: Thanks, Jack. We can’t wait to see Spikeball in Vegas!

26 COMPETE january - february 2020

NEW EVENT AT SIN CITY CLASSIC

COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY AWARDS TURN

It is hard for me to believe that it’s been ten years since Compete celebrated its first Sports Diversity Awards, an annual celebration that has allowed us to honor those who are helping to create a truly level playing field for all athletes.

I remember our first award just like it was yesterday. In 2010 we honored just one winner, swimmer Michael Holtz. Michael was our third Athlete of the Year and it was an honor to have diver Greg Louganis present the award to Michael in Los Angeles. Greg was amazing—gracious, confident and charismatic. What else would you expect from a winner of five Olympic medals – four gold and one silver.

We founded Compete (originally Sports Out Loud) in 2006 because we loved sports and were committed to supporting diversity within the sporting community, one of the last bastions of accepted homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. These awards have continued to allow us to honor those who are helping to create that level playing field for all athletes who want to play.

Over the rest of the decade we’ve honored recreational, professional, national and international leagues such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), Major League Baseball (MLB), North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) and the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). Also included have been awards to some professional sports teams who have made real changes to sports diversity, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Cardinals and Colorado Avalanche.

But our biggest happiness is to honor individual athletes, such as professional athletes like Jason Collins, Robbie Rogers, Scott Norton, Gus Kenworthy, Billy Bean, Ryan O’Callaghan and Sue Wieger.

But we especially love honoring our LGBTQ+ athletes like Mark Bingham, Chris Mosier, Sam Lehman, Cyd Ziegler, Molly Lenore, Helen Carrol, Allison Jones, Kirk Walker and so many more.

In the past ten years the Compete Sports Diversity Awards has landed in cities such as Phoenix, Tempe, Los Angeles, Bel Air, Denver, Atlanta, Kansas City and now for the first time, Las Vegas. Las Vegas is special to us because we get to celebrate our 10th Anniversary as part of the Sin City Classic.

It’s been such a great year we’re already planning to be back in Vegas as part of the Sin City Classic next year for anniversary number 11.

Eric Carlyle, SDLT Publisher/CEO 28 COMPETE january - february 2020

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Photos courtesy of Sin City Classic Sports Festival

PROUDLY SUPPORTS 13th Sin City Classic Sports Festival

Since 1987, AHF has been committed to supporting partners such as The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) in their mission of inclusion and diversity within the LGBTQ and sporting community.

For information on our testing locations, visit:

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COMPETE

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THANK YOU

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www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

39

CSDC 2020 UPDATE

IMPORTANT DATES IN 2020 Compete Sports Diversity Conference Las Vegas, Jan 16 Compete Sports Diversity Awards Las Vegas, Jan 16 Connect Sports Diversity Events Summit Park City Utah, Apr 3-5

CSDC INITIATIVES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2020 The Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC) is excited to enter 2020! This year we will focus on using the words ELEVATE | COLLABORATE | CELEBRATE to move our organization into the new millennium as we continue to further sports diversity.

Our Members The CSDC is a membership organization comprised of sports leaders, community leaders, sports organizations, tournaments, events, corporate partners as well as travel and tourism partners.

We are an inclusive organization and any individual or organization that commits to our IDEAL Principles is eligible for membership. Details can be found online at sportsdiversitcouncil.com.

Our Mission Compete Sports Diversity is the global network of LGBTQ+ athletes, sports fans, leaders and allies sharing resources and connections that empower our community and promote diversity and inclusion.

40 COMPETE january - february 2020

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS Compete Sports Diversity Council Leadership Committee Retreat Compete Sports Diversity Council Mid-Year Conference Compete Sports Diversity Council CSDC Awards

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Angela Smith, SDL; ASANA Connie Wardman, SDLT; Compete Eric Carlyle, SDLT; Compete Jake Mason, SDL; USA Dodgeball Jared Garduno, SDLT; Compete John Deffee, NAGAAA Ken Scearce, SDL; Sin City Classic Larry Ruiz, SDL; GLASA Molly Lenore, SDL; NYGFFL Sam Lehman, NAGAAA Shigeo Iwamiya, SDL; NGFFL

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE ADVISORS Akiva Lewis, Google Bilal Alabbasi, Salient Dr. William Kapfer, JPMorgan Chase

PRESENTS:

FESTIVAL APRIL 4-5, 2020 PHOENIXPRIDE.ORG

PRESENTS

APRIL 5, 2020 phoenixpride.org

SPORTS DIVERSITY

WHY THE WORLD ONLY CARES ABOUT TRANS ATHLETES WHO WIN

BY DIRK SMITH

Photo courtesy of Dr. Rachel McKinnon

If you’ve been following our coverage the past

and 60s in the men’s league. In early 1970 she begun

six months, you’ll have noticed a rise in coverage of

to transition to female and by the mid-70s, Richards

transgender athletes within a variety of sports. Many

became a pioneer fighting for eligibility to play tennis in

of the stories are about the wins and triumphs of

the Women’s Tennis Association. She sued for her right

these various athletes. But these haven’t been without

to compete in the U.S. Open as a woman on the grounds

controversy since they bring up ongoing issues of

of sex discrimination after she was denied a spot in the

eligibility, fairness of play and a perceived “unfair

tournament despite having qualified. Winning her court

advantage” they have.

case, she was allowed to continue her tennis career as a

We’re still working to fully understand these issues due to a dearth of experience that can be attributed to the

woman and permitted to compete in the U.S. Open in the women’s division.

lack of previously known participation of transgender

While Richards is remembered by many as the first

athletes in the past. Does a transgender woman have

transgender athlete to openly push for her right to play

an unfair advantage in a sport due to the previous

based on her gender identity, what most people don’t

physiological influence of testosterone in her system?

remember is that despite being a strong tennis player

Is a transgender male at an increased risk of injury

both before and after her transition, she never had any

when compared to his cisgender counterparts? Does an

major championship wins or significant career highlights

athlete with hyperandrogenism have an unfair advantage

that helped her as a stand out professional tennis player.

that puts them ahead of fellow competitors? These are

Despite eight appearances competing in the men’s

valid questions that we are starting to research, learn

division (1953-1960) and five appearances competing

and understand as more transgender, non-binary and

in the women’s division (1977-1981), Richards never

intersex people participate in sports.

made it past the third round in the singles tournament.

Being a transgender athlete doesn’t necessarily

In doubles, she made it to the semifinals once in Mixed

mean that athlete will always win. We always focus on

Doubles (1979) and to the finals once in Women’s Doubles

winners. But what about the losers? By that I mean the

(1977). And it was in her Women’s Doubles Final Match

transgender, non-binary and intersex athletes who don’t

in 1977 that she and her partner Betty Ann Stuart lost the

win, make national headlines and irritate the IAAF,

match to Betty Stöve and Martina Navratilova. Richards

USAPL or Martina Navratilova? The ongoing drama and

is remembered more for her status as a transgender

fallout over Navratilova’s recent Op-Ed article where

athlete than she is known for being a tennis player.

she stated, “The rules on trans athletes reward cheats

There are trans athletes who are competing without

and punish the innocent” should also serve as a stark

question. Natalie van Gogh is a Dutch professional

reminder of Navratilova’s own history in competing

cyclist, a transgender woman currently competing for

against a trans athlete.

Biehler Cycling Team. She has made appearances in

Flash back to 1977 and the first openly transgender

several professional cycling events, including La Vuelta,

professional athlete, Dr. Renée Richards. Richards

Tour De France, Ladies Tour, Netherland National

was a professional tennis player throughout the 1950s

Championships and even the World Championships.

44 COMPETE january - february 2020

SPORTS DIVERSITY

However, her results have been mixed and she has

of track and field as they try to define a physiological

never won an international race.

standard for a “female.” They have agreed to let the

Dr. Rachel McKinnon is known as the first

Olympic gold medalist continue to run if she takes

transgender track cyclist to win a world championship.

hormones to regulate her natural testosterone level

She’s been competing since 2015 and throughout her

but no decision has been made yet.

career she has seen highs and more than a few lows.

If we force cisgender females who don’t conform to

Like all athletes, her career successes haven’t been

our limited understanding of gender to alter their bodies

without losses. While McKinnon is recognized for her

in order to be eligible to play, is this a line we really want

World Championship win in 2018 and 2019, she’s not

to cross? This year it might be hormone levels, next year

recognized for the 4.5 years of competition that led to

it could be height limits, foot size, muscle density, even

her wins.

skin color or some other factor.

Institutionally, sport has long represented a

The discussions regarding transgender athletes

culture that is unwelcoming and unaccepting of gay,

in sports are so divided because we fail to understand

lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex athletes.

what the underlying issue is – discrimination. We forget

However, as organizations such as the IOC, NCAA, USA

that we’re talking about real live people. It’s not just

HOCKEY, Scottish Athletics, Canada Games, CrossFit,

an issue of fair play; it’s an extension of whether or not

United States Powerlifting Association and others have

we’re willing to accept that not all people conform to our

adopted transgender-inclusive policies; there are more

limited beliefs and ideals of what gender is.

transgender and non-binary athletes taking part in sports. The culture is now starting to change as increasing numbers of LGBTI athletes begin to come out.

The real point is this – so much attention is being given to winning transgender athletes

The proportion of active trans athletes compared

because we, both as individuals and as a society

to active cisgender athletes is statistically insignificant.

are still uncomfortable, unprepared and often

Transgender athletes who win are garnering more

unwilling to learn and understand what it

attention because their wins are immediately attributed

all means. Sex and gender are still a touchy,

to their gender identity. Yet we don’t do the same with

even taboo topic in today’s society. A biased

their cisgender counterparts.

representation of transgender athletes based

For example, at the 2016 Summer Olympics Katie Ledecky, a cisgender female swimmer took home the

only on those who win is a one-sided discussion that benefits no one.

gold medal in the women’s 800m. She won the race being 12 seconds faster than the silver medalist and

It’s easy in our love affair with social media to

broke the Olympic record by 14 seconds while her closest

publish opinions and faulty, biased arguments for

competitors were over half a pool length behind her. In

public consumption. But it has led to polarization,

total, she won five Olympic gold medals and one silver

to quick responses without fully comprehending the

medal.

consequences of what we say and how we say it. Playing

As a 6-foot, cisgender female, should we justify

a sport is so much more than simply playing a game!

her amazing performance? Does she have an unfair

As more athletes who identify as transgender and

advantage because as a 6-foot female she’s eight inches

non-binary participate in sports, we’ll see a shift that will

taller than the average U.S. female? Would be fair to

include less focus on athletes whose wins are attributed

her competitors if she were forced to race in the men’s

to their gender identity and more towards those who win

division instead where the average height of a U.S. male

because of their athletic abilities.

is 5-foot-9?

As we learn more about the psychological and

The ongoing case of mid-distance runner Caster

physiological influences that affect transgender, non-

Semenya from South Africa has had her athletic career

binary and intersex athletes, our discussions on how

and personal life in turmoil for almost a decade due

to better understand and incorporate inclusive policies

to repeated testing by the International Association of

that ensure that the fairness and dignity for all athletes

Athletics Federation (IAAF), the world governing body

will become more productive and supportive.

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

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C I S S A L C SIN CITY

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