Compete January/February 2022

JANUARY / FEBRUARY • 2022

ski into 2022

AROSA GAY SKI WEEK:

Helping to Make Diversity the New Normal

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MILLENNIAL ON SPORTS

A LETTER FROM DIRK SMITH

New Year and New Perspective on Sports Diversity The New Year is always a time for a fresh start, for change and optimism for the future.

It is one of my favorite times of year because the days are getting longer, the stress of the holidays is past and it’s a great time to look forward to spring and summer. With the pandemic, like many other people, I’ve been struggling a lot with my own mental health and sense of purpose. After finishing my master’s degree, I had been working hard toward the next step but felt like I was stuck in the mud. It was very stressful.

If you’ve followed my blogs on www.competenetwork.com as well as some articles from our most recent issues, you’ll know I’ve been exploring how the pandemic has helped us reevaluate the “why” and “how” of our relationship to sports – the role the LGBTQ+ community plays in building our personal identities through sports as well as the social support it offers.

I really want to know what LGBTQ+ sports mean to people and I’m on a personal journey to find out! As we move through this new year, I’ll continue to pursue the answers to this question. From athletes, officials, coaches and event organizers I want to learn more about “why” we need events like the Sin City Classic, Gay Games, Gay Softball World Series, International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championships and others. Then learn more about “how” being an LGBTQ+ athlete helps shape our social and individual identities. It will be quite a learning experience; refreshing to learn and understand such an important part of our personal social and community development.

Something for us all to think about is how our involvement in the LGBTQ+ sports community has shaped our own social identities. From the friends we’ve made and the social circles we’ve developed to the kinds of activities we enjoy doing and pursuing.

It’s definitely helped me adopt an important new perspective on why sports diversity continues to be such an important topic, even now in 2022. •

David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL •

HE | HIM | HIS

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

“To find my rhythm and return to competitive swimming.

I also resolve to become a teacher in sports diversity.”

FROM THE CATBIRD SEAT

A LETTER FROM CONNIE WARDMAN

Making Diversity the New Normal in 2022 As we begin a new year, I’d like to share some thoughts from Connor Shane, SDLT, Compete’s leadership committee chairperson, as he reflected on this past year because I think he’s identified what we so often overlook – individuals doing the best they can are at the core of every triumph or tragedy.

Here are a few things I have learned and lessons I will use to make better decisions in the future: 1. Many people process trauma in many different ways and therefore need to be genuinely listened to and respected when they share their struggles, pandemic-related or not.

2. We are all doing the very best we can with the time we have available and the resources we have at our disposal.

3. Many of us are overworked for little to no pay in tough environments we remain in because what we are doing matters to us.

This is why storytelling is so important. We need to remember that people’s feelings and perceptions are at the heart of everything we do. You can’t have “DEI” when individuals don’t understand what it is and how it will impact them. But when you read the story about the Arosa Ski Week, you’ll see what having fun at a gay sports tournament and inviting the public to join you can do for the local economy. You often can achieve a serious outcome while still having a good time – people like to laugh and have fun.

Compete Magazine and the Compete Sports Diversity Council have adopted Making Diversity the New Normal as its goal for the 2022 year, and a part of that will be working to increase women’s participation in sports. This June marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal legislation that was supposed to end existing gender inequities.

We would like to hear stories from the women in our readership and those attending our events about your high school or college experiences as a result of Title IX. Please send a short 200–250-word synopsis of your experience along with your name, email address and phone number to TitleIX@competenetwork.com And for other great stories in this issue, don’t miss reading about Jimaye Nguyen’s journey into entrepreneurship that now elevates the underserved LGBTQ+ community in multiple ways or learning about the best present Matt Boyles never got.

But I must add a personal note about the passing of Ken Scearce and again express my gratitude to his partner, Freddie Alvarez for taking time to share his stories of Ken. Somehow, Ken had the uncanny ability to immediately touch peoples’ hearts, and that included mine! GLASA, the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association, his home city affiliation, has created the new Ken Scearce Leadership Award to honor him. No one could be more worthy of such an award. •

Connie Wardman, M.A., SDLT • SHE | HER | HERS

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

I’m going to be kinder to people not smart enough to be Pittsburgh Steelers fans. (If I had my fingers crossed, does this still count? LOL)

https://www.jpmorganchase.com/about/suppliers/supplier-diversity

WITH YOU

A LETTER FROM ERIC CARLYLE

New Year, New Changes Ahead

PUBLISHER/CEO

Eric Carlyle • eric@competenetwork.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Connie Wardman • connie@competenetwork.com

It is 2022 and life is in full swing again. I am looking forward to making new friends — and seeing old ones, too. The Sin City Classic and Arosa Gay Ski Week kick of the year in January and more events will take place as the year moves forward.

MANAGING EDITOR

David “Dirk” Smith • dirk@competenetwork.com ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler • dara@competenetwork.com CONTRIBUTORS

In April, you might find me at some of my favorite events like the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, the Stonewall National Tournament & Summit, the Dallas Gay Softball World Series and the Varsity Gay League Sports Festival. I will also be at some new events, like the Compete Sports Diversity Summit in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and the Legacy Women Sports Leadership Summit, among others.

In addition to new tournaments and events, Compete is changing, too. We have a new look. When we first started in 2006, we were the first and only LGBTQ+ sports magazine, something that continues. We celebrated many milestones this year—our 15th Swimsuit Issue and our 15th anniversary. To honor those milestones, we’ve redesigned Compete to honor the continued evolution of LGBTQ+ sports.

As we celebrate more tournaments and a new look, what else is ahead for LGBTQ+ sports? Keep watching! •

Harry Andrews, Matt Boyles, Lisa Chastain, Ryan O’Connor, Miriam Latto, Brian Patrick, Maria-Belle Zuniga STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ariel Stevens • ariel@competenetwork.com GENERAL MANAGER

Gus Penaranda • gus@competenetwork.com VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Jared Garduno • jared@competenetwork.com ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Bethany Harvat • beth@competenetwork.com To partner with Compete Sports Diversity, please contact our Sales & Partnerships Team SALES & PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR

Trayer Martinez • trayer@competenetwork.com SALES & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Jerilyn Hanhardt • jerilyn@competenetwork.com Eric Carlyle, SDLT, CEO

• HE | HIM | HIS

SALES & PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST

Kristal Bundalian • kristal@competenetwork.com COMPETE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Connor Shane, SDLT, Eric Carlyle, SDLT, Jared Garduno, SDLT, Angela Smith, SDL, Jake Mason, SDL, John Deffee, Dr. William Kapfer All Mail: PO BOX 2756, Scottsdale, AZ 85252 Corporate Office: 6991 E Camelback Rd., D-300, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (800) 489-1274

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

“I am going to register for a half-marathon — I may even participate in it.”

Copyright ©2022 Media Out Loud, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Compete Sports Diversity, Sports Diversity Leadership Council, Sports Diversity Leader and SDL are all trademarks of Media Out Loud, LLC.

OUR VISION:

Compete Unites the World Through Sports

IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY / FEBRUARY • 2022

FEATURES 18 FABULOUS WINTER FUN

Teaching Diversity, Inclusion and Acceptance While Having Fun

26 MEET JIMAYE NGUYEN

A Passionate Entrepreneur With A Mission

30 LET’S HEAR FROM OUR WOMEN! Title IX Turns 50

DEPARTMENTS 12

KICK OFF Grandstanding • Survey

16

ONE-ON-ONE Ken Scearce • He Made People Smile!

FROM THE COMPETENETWORK.COM BLOG

32

Building Team Identity Through Individual Motivation

36

MONEY Winning With A Money Mindset

40

FIT & FAB The Best Present I Never Received

44

BEDROOM SPORTS Ring in the New Year with ... a New Mattress

18 32

16

EVERY ISSUE 14

HIGH FIVE

24

MVP Cody Galloway

38

EVENTS

42

GYM BAG

26 44

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KICK OFF GRANDSTANDING You Made Me a 49ers Fan (May-June ‘21) I loved your Summer of Pride issue. It was great to celebrate your 15th Annual Swimsuit issue. But what I liked the most was your interview with the San Francisco 49ers executive, Hannah Gordon. I mean, a pro sports organization talking about Pride in an LGBTQ+ sports magazine? That was amazing! I wasn’t a 49ers fan before, but I am now.

Kaitlyn Cosby Los Angeles, California At Home with Gay Bowl XXI (Gay Bowl Special Edition ‘21) In September, Tempe, Arizona was taken over by flag football teams from around the country. The Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns all joined in the fun. And what did I find in the middle of it all? A special edition of Compete Magazine.

Jose Gonzales Tempe, Arizona

SURVEY What is your favorite winter sport?

SNOW BOARDING

30% FIGURE SKATING

30%

ICE HOCKEY 25% OTHER 15%

Check out the latest in sports diversity at COMPETENETWORK.COM

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HIGH FIVE

Deserving athletes, teams, leagues, organizations, and corporations as well as high profile celebrities receive High Fives for their contributions to promoting diversity, inclusion, equality-equity and acceptance for all.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

SIMONE BILES

... for creating the first ever athletic scholarship to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. The $20,000 Colorado Athletics Visibility Award scholarship’s goal to create positive change and visibility isn’t exclusive to specific sexual orientations or gender identities; it can include straight allies.

THE WORLD’S MOST DECORATED GYMNAST

... for being named TIME’s 2021 Athlete of the Year and receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, as a sexual assault victim of Dr. Larry Nassar, she testified against him. She’s also a leading voice in the need for mental health awareness for athletes.

© AGÊNCIA BRASIL FOTOGRAFIAS, CC BY 2.0

ADDITIONAL HONORS FOR: BUD FOWLER, BUCK O’NEIL AND MINNIE MIŇOSO | PLAYERS FROM THE FAMED NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE

... for being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF), joining Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva to make up the HOF’s Class of 2022. This is only the second time Negro League members have been eligible for entry into the National Baseball HOF. BUD FOWLER BASEBALL CARD, PIONEER PORTRAITS II: 1875-1899

AMY SCHNEIDER |

• Carl Nassib, Las Vegas Raiders Defensive End ... for being named to Forbes “30 Under 30” list for 2022 in the sports category. Nassib became the NFL’s first openly gay player on an active roster when coming out in June 2021. He’s donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project and supported them with the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats.

• Collin Martin, San Diego Loyal Midfielder ... for being named USL Impact Player of the Year.

Currently the only openly gay male player in U.S. soccer, his team, D Loyal tweeted, “A foundational piece of this club from the beginning, on the pitch, and in our community.”

OUT TRANSGENDER WOMAN AND JEOPARDY! CONTESTANT

... for amassing a current 14-game winning streak and prize money totaling $571,200 (at the time of this writing). She’s earned entry into the Jeopardy Hall of Fame, now officially in fourth place for highest winnings in regular season play behind Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer and Matt Amodio, she’s also the first trans player to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. In a tough media year for trans individuals, Amy’s a viewer favorite.

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O NEON O NE

BY CONNIE WARDMAN, M.A., SDLT • SHE | HER | HERS

Ken Scearce: He Made People Smile!

On July 7, 2021, Ken Scearce passed away unexpectedly at the home he shared with his partner, Freddie Alvarez. As a member of GLASA, the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association, Ken was the executive tournament director for the Sin City Classic (SCC) that’s hosted by GLASA. It’s tough to interview a man about the love of his life not long after that person’s death.

But Freddie was kind enough to spend some time with me to talk about Ken. Sometimes the moments flowed easily; sometimes they were more difficult. But in telling me some of his treasured memories of Ken, Freddie was as generous as the man he fell in love with from the moment they met.

Theirs was a romance that, like so many in the gay sports world, began during a sports tournament. In Ken and Freddie’s case it was at the 2002 Gay Softball World Series, held that year in Portland, Oregon. Freddie said that when they first met after the games had ended, it was an instant connection. Their fulltime connection, however, took a bit longer to fall into place. Freddie was living in Los Angeles and Ken was living in Washington, D.C. at the time. So, their romance continued for the next three years by correspondence, phone calls, occasional trips and meetings at three more World Series.

... the most amazing thing about Ken was his outgoing personality, his ineffable ability to make people smile the minute he walked into a room.

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... a fearless, natural leader who got along with everyone. He was the ultimate professional who had the ability to make everyone feel comfortable no matter their role or background.

Finally, in 2005 Ken had an opportunity to move with his job from D.C. to L.A. While deeply attracted to one another, they both wanted a relationship that would last, so they kept separate residences and took it slow. “Slow” lasted for just one year; by the next year the two had moved in together and their love affair endured for 19 years.

As national account manager for Encore, Ken got to do what he loved for a living — he organized events and led big groups. Over the years he was part of many executive planning committees, not only for GLASA but also for the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA), gay softball’s parent organization. Freddie said Ken was a fearless, natural leader who got along with everyone. He was the ultimate professional who had the ability to make everyone feel comfortable no matter their role or background.

Ken also coached Cartel, a GLASA team that Freddie plays for, so I asked him how Ken was as a coach. The response? Pretty tough! According to Freddie, Ken was competitive by nature and very strategic. That competitive streak didn’t end on a softball field. Ken loved all sports or forms of competition — anything from the Olympics to RuPaul’s Drag Race — he could find a way to make anything and everything a competition. And that included his beloved tequila shots and a certain amount of hijinks.

This past April they purchased a condominium with the long-term goal of buying a house where Ken could indulge his love of grilling, they could raise a family and Ken could coach Little League baseball. When I asked about how their personality differences played out in their everyday interactions, Freddie laughed and shared the following story. He said they had been chatting with a couple who mentioned they were in the process of adopting six boys. Ken got really excited about having that many kids, saying that his little league team would be set. Freddie, an IT consultant, said his more introverted response to this was, “Think about how many gallons of milk that would be!”

But Freddie said that the most amazing thing about Ken was his outgoing personality, his ineffable ability to make people smile the minute he walked into a room. Ken, he said, was always positive, he always saw the glass half-full.

It certainly was Ken’s positive attitude that helped grow the Sin City Classic, and the SCC has created the Ken Scearce Leadership Award to honor him. The inaugural Ken Scearce Leadership Award will be presented at the festival’s Opening Night party on Friday, January 14, 2022. •

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fabulous winter fun TEACHING DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE WHILE HAVING FUN

BY CONNIE WARDMAN, M.A., SDLT SHE | HER | HERS PHOTOS © JORGE PEREIRA

IN NOVEMBER our managing editor, Dirk Smith had quite the conversation with Alex Herkommer, one of the lead organizers for Switzerland’s annual Arosa Gay Ski Week (blog link below). When you look at these pictures, it’s clear to see that the participants are having a great time. And if you read the blog, you’ll find that over the years this event has built a strong, positive relationship with the Arosa community.

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I remember that Compete (then Sports Out Loud) mentioned the Arosa Ski Week years ago when it was a relatively new event. But this current conversation about Arosa’s growth and its importance for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole touched on an important and often unappreciated result gay sporting events can and do have on a community – a gay sports group can “teach” diversity, inclusion and acceptance while its members are having fun playing the sport they love and interacting with members of the host community.

MAKING DIVERSITY THE NEW NORMAL IN 2022 The Compete Sports Diversity Council and Compete Magazine have joined together in a theme for the 2022 year: Making Diversity the New Normal.

Normal All of us are committed to increasing inclusion, diversity, equality/equity, acceptance and leadership; to going from the LGBTQ+ and Ally communities to an integrated community where everyone belongs — that’s something we all take seriously!

But remember that “teaching” isn’t always about being an instructor in a formal class. Sometimes it’s about being part of a fun event, like being a host committee member, a player, coach, a spouse, hotel staff member or local chamber of commerce member. I want us to remember to all have fun while we’re working toward making diversity the new normal in 2022 — like smiles, it helps grease the wheels of our important work.

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I want us to remember to all have fun while we’re working toward making diversity the new normal

When you read Alex Herkommer’s description of how the attitudes of the Arosa hotels and their staff members have grown along with the Ski Week event over the years — from “should we make pink desserts for the guests” to “you’re having so much fun; can we join you?” – this is just one example of how a gay sporting event can make a lasting positive impact on a community that then continues to ripple outward. •

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MVP

REPLAY

CODY GALLOWAY-BRAMAN • HE | HIM | HIS • AGE 29 HOMETOWN: Merrifield, Minnesota.

CURRENT RESIDENCE: White Bear Lake, Minnesota CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married FAVORITE ATHLETE: Max Holloway FAVORITE TEAM: Team Alpha Male BEST PHYSICAL FEATURE: My husband says it’s my smile.

WHY YOU LOVE SPORTS: I love to compete, I love striving to be the best.

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What would you share with the younger generation that may be looking up to you?

Be the hardest working person in the room.

Drop your pride and be eager to learn.

Other Sports Played: I grew up playing soccer, basketball and baseball. I still focus on wrestling, boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I play softball for fun.

What’s Your Day Job: I manage MMA fighters and own an MMA team. I also help out as a brand agent for Seven Even Clothing and manage 7E Part of the Pack.

Greatest Personal Achievement: Marrying my best friend.

Greatest Athletic Achievements: I think most people would probably say a state title or a competition they won. For me, it was the day I was physically and mentally broken at an MMA camp. That day something happened that changed me from the inside out and I haven’t been same ever since. A fire was lit in me that day and I haven’t stopped grinding ever since.

What’s your personal story? The interaction I’ve had in the sports community with MMA and boxing has been amazing, honestly — greatest group of people in the world. Prior, my life in the LGBTQ+ community hadn’t been good. I don’t like the Pride events, bars, drag or other stereotypical gathering places. I don’t think there is anything wrong with those things, I just never liked that those were really my only primary options to build or find a community.

And that by not liking those things, I was somehow not being part of the community. It wasn’t until I found Seven Even Clothing and had an outlet through a company that seemed to understand me and why I was feeling that way, that I finally felt like I had a place in the LGBTQ+ community where I could be myself.

How did you meet Gina Pecoraro, CEO-Owner of Seven Even Clothing and become involved? I met Gina through Seven Even Clothing. I was scrolling through IG and I didn’t even know a company like 7E existed. Her message and mission hit me right away. I bought a lot of their clothes. Then one day I reached out and explained to them what they had done for me. I fell in love with Gina and I’ve been grinding ever since.

What makes Seven Even so special? Seven Even Clothing has made me feel OK with the fact that I don’t have to fit into any mold or specific stereotype to be confident in who I am — and that I am not alone in feeling that way. 7E is about creating community for people who don’t think they fit neatly into someone else’s image of what they should be.

What are your future goals? I have so many! Just to start: I would like for my MMA team and my athletes to be successful in their careers; I want to see Seven Even Clothing be in every mainstream store globally; and I want to continue to find ways to join people on their journey as they chase their own dreams.

What are your thoughts about the LGBTQ+ community’s inclusion in sports diversity? That’s a tough question. It really depends on the sport and the person, but overall, I’m disappointed. I think it’s wild that people care if you’re gay or straight in sports. In my head there is only one objective and that’s either to win or be the best — that’s it! I understand the limitations of that philosophy but I also see the benefits of it. • CompeteNetwork.com

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Jimaye Nguyen,

A PASSIONATE

WHILE ALL ENTREPRENEURS are passionate about their product, idea or invention, few are quite as passionate about their brand’s values and goal as Jimaye Nguyen, founder and CEO of Jimaye Swimwear, one of the newer members of the Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC).

By the time I spoke with Jimaye, I had already read a little about his company and was intrigued by his innovative approach to swimwear and his company’s values of Spirit, Innovation, Luxury, Excellence, and Community. I asked him to tell me in his own words what the Jimaye Swimwear brand represents. The goal of the Jimaye brand, he said, “is to use swimwear as a vehicle of empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community so they become the best version of themselves when they wear it.”

He continued to say that the overarching goal of the company’s values is to give back to the community. When I asked him to be more specific, Jimaye said, “it’s to actively look for ways to close the gap for the disadvantaged LGBTQIA+ community, to help the community catch up by lowering barriers to entry for small minority business owners in a way that’s sincere so they can flourish.” From there, he began to tell me his story, and what a story it is!

As the U.S. born child of immigrant parents, he has two distinct business roles, both of which represent the CSCD’s IDEAL principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality/Equity, Acceptance and Leadership. First as Jimmy (his given name) Nguyen, the buttonedup professional working at a tech company in corporate America and then as his alter ego, Jimaye Nguyen, the gay son of Vietnam parents who immigrated to the U.S. to escape the Vietnam war, and who became an entrepreneur by wanting to find a creative outlet for his spare time.

It’s the creative and dedicated Jimaye who drives him in all he does to give back to the LGBTQIA+ and underserved communities in a variety of ways. He grew up watching his poor, hard-working immigrant parents struggle with a myriad of cultural, linguistic, and legal barriers working to support their family. He saw them often caught in the crazy mix of tax laws and trying to deal with unscrupulous people waiting to take advantage of their ignorance. To him, it all seems like a rigged system where the rich get richer and the poor don’t. Growing up, he determined he’d help change that, even though at the time, he didn’t know how he’d do it.

Thanks to a degree in Public Health from U.C. Berkley, as Senior Vice President at an augmented reality technology company where he runs product development, consumer marketing, business operations, and customer support – a predictable schedule with a predictable dress code – Americanized Jimmy Nguyen had seemingly achieved the “American dream.” However, wanting to escape the button-down dress code environment of Jimmy’s 9-5 job. Jimaye 26 • COMPETE |

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ENTREPRENEUR WITH A MISSION

BY CONNIE WARDMAN, M.A., SDLT • SHE | HER | HERS • PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIMAYE SWIMWEAR

could step outside the box and truly express himself as a gay man. He could dress in bright colors, have fun, and dream of creating his own company in his spare time, one that would bring him joy. But what kind of company?

A FABULOUS IDEA Growing up in sunny California he had always spent lots of time around water, finding it to be calming and relaxing. So as Jimaye was researching a variety of opportunities as outlets for his creative ideas, he realized he had over 20 swimsuits, most of which were falling apart. Not only conscious of cost but also of quality, he knew that many of his suits hadn’t been worth the price he had paid — based on the quality of their fabric and/or workmanship. The lightbulb went on! Jimaye had found his outlet to become an entrepreneur – he would make creative and high-quality swimwear, but also at a reasonable cost.

When asked about his background experience in fashion or as a designer he just laughed; he said he only ever envisioned himself as an entrepreneur. It was only when others started calling him a “designer” and introducing him to others that way that it hit him – he was now part of the fashion industry – he was now a DESIGNER. “Fashion is important,” he says, “because it’s about being able to express who you are on the inside on the outside. It’s been a fun experience learning, and shaking up this staid industry.” He sources high quality products, threads, elastics, and materials that will last over time. He also makes sure his designs are stylish, can be worn both in and out of the water, and won’t ever go out of style.

Jimaye certainly has shaken up the industry, not only in terms of new fabrics, like crushed velvet for swim briefs and faux suede swim shorts, but also in added accessories intended to make the wearer feel confident and empowered. When was the last time you added a “brief topper” to your suit that spells

“SEXY,” “BITCH” or “ZADDY” in gold tone and shiny stones for a walkaround? Or iridescent shawls or a handcrafted leather crown that reminds everyone that you are royalty?

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Are all these accessories fun? Yes. But still, “The spirit of Jimaye is to always promote a sense of body positivity, confidence, and self-worth for the wearer, and that means in all areas of life — education, health, etc.,” says Jimaye. “When we dress you, we’re helping you be the best version of you — we’re bringing out all the hard work that you put in.” When you look at his marketing, you’ll notice that Jimaye uses Asian, Black, and Latino models, people not often used in mainstream marketing. “It’s very important to me,” he said, “that it’s out there for those who haven’t necessarily experienced that right level of representation and visibility.”

Jimaye has been strongly influenced by his work with the non-profit Globe Aware that promotes cultural awareness and sustainability. Prior to starting his company, he raised money and took vacation time from his job for two trips, one to Cambodia and the other to Beijing. “In Cambodia,” he says, “there was a huge genocide of very educated people – doctors, teachers – that are now gone. We built schools, taught English and helped these kids who don’t have opportunities because they literally don’t have teachers. That was so important to me because I think when you’re living in the U.S. or a more developed country, you forget the amount of privilege and opportunities you have and how special or important they are.”

And so Jimaye’s young dream of making things better for the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities is now very much a part of his creative venture into entrepreneurship.

He manufactures everything in downtown Los Angeles where he keeps a close eye on quality control by producing as he

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our goal is...

... to use swimwear as a vehicle of empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community so they become THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES when they wear it.

goes, focusing on smaller batches. “It’s important for me to keep everything here so I can help give back to the local community and create jobs.” Through Jimaye LLC he’s also been able to work with the LA LGBT Center’s career development office to create positions for 10 LGBTQIA+ interns for 100 hours each at $15 an hour. He mentors the interns on social media strategy, marketing, and other current skills that can be applied in a variety of work scenarios.

He brings his own experience to bear with these interns. Through his own grit and perseverance, he built his distribution network from the ground up by cold calling gay boutiques listed in the Gay Cities app. His products are now carried in gayborhoods throughout the U.S. and in a number of retailers. Jimaye credits the support of his customers for his growing business but it’s also because of his marketing approach.

He says that in addition to providing excellent customer service, “we’re a community of unique individuals, fearless, confident, weird, dorky, and fun. I like to show in my marketing that we’re all our own unique person. It’s a community that doesn’t take life so seriously. It’s fun. It’s real. It’s a great community.”

And thanks to his foray into entrepreneurship, he discovered new ways to become active in helping the LGBTQIA+ community. He’s now on the board of directors for the LA LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce helping LGBTQIA+ business owners connect and build their businesses and networks. Additionally, Jimaye produces and runs an LGBTQIA+ young entrepreneurs program targeting youth under the age of 30 to help get their ideas and companies off the ground.

The program he produces is a monthly workshop that brings in speakers or experts in their fields to address topics like marketing, pricing strategy, storytelling, branding, legal, accounting, and more. He says it only scratches the surface, “but we open the doors to say, ‘Here are the questions you should be asking.’” Jimaye continues to say, “As I’ve been growing my business, I realize that LGBTQIA+ people are at such a disadvantage in so many ways. You’re kicked out of your families.

You’re disowned so you don’t get knowledge passed down to you. You spend so much time trying to figure out where you belong that by the time you do, you’re 12-20 years behind. The heterosexual population doesn’t have to go through all this figuring out. If you don’t have knowledge passed down to you, how are you supposed to get ahead?”

MORE TO COME When I asked him what his future plans are for Jimaye Swimwear, his immediate answer was, “The sky’s the limit.” For 2022 he wants to expand into more physical retailers. The core brand, he says is still swimwear with the fun accessories – the crowns, shawls and brief toppers – all meant to make you feel confident and good about yourself. “My dream,” he says, “is to expand into a lot of different verticals and see how far I can go with it.” And after spending some time talking with Jimaye, I have no doubt that “the sky’s the limit” for anything Jimaye Nguyen puts his mind and effort to, and whatever it is, we’ll all be the better for it! •

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Title IX Turns 50 –

LET’S HEAR FROM OUR WOMEN!

BY CONNIE WARDMAN, M.A., SDLT • SHE | HER | HERS

“NO PERSON IN THE U ON THE BASIS OF SEX PARTICIPATION IN, BE DE OR BE SUBJECTED TO D ANY EDUCATI N R RECEIVING FEDERAL FIN 30 • COMPETE |

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ON JUNE 23, Title IX will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its signing by President Richard Nixon in 1972.

I suspect many of you weren’t even born then so lets give you an abbreviated background on why it was then, and is now, considered such important legislation.

Title IX, part of the Education Amendments of 1972, was enacted 50 years ago by the federal government to end the existing gender inequities in education — sports being only one area of its broadbased reach. Here are the 37 “magic” words that have ignited controversy in interpretation and application ever since it was signed: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the legislation wasn’t specifically written for women — it was written to protect the under-represented gender. Historically, that has been females but the legislation doesn’t specify one gender over the other. The true goal is for equal participation opportunities for both genders, or as staunch supporter Senator Birch Bayh said, “Title IX is rather simple: don’t discriminate on the basis of sex.”

That non-discrimination goal plays out in legal requirements for male and female student-athletes to receive athletic scholarship aid in proportion to their opportunities to participate. It does not require equal dollars to be spent on men’s and women’s sports. It does, however, require equitable treatment for the following:

• Coaching • Locker rooms and practice and competitive facilities • Medical and training facilities and services • Housing and dining facilities and services • Publicity and promotions • Support services • Recruitment of student-athletes

UNITED STATES SHALL, X, BE EXCLUDED FROM ENIED THE BENEFITS OF, DISCRIMINATION UNDER ROGRAM OR ACTIVITY NANCIAL ASSISTANCE.” • • • •

Equipment and supplies Scheduling of games and practice times Travel and daily allowance/per diem Access to tutoring

Now does the term “equitable treatment” make you suddenly recall the 2021 NCAA March Madness weight room scandal? Ali Kershner, a Stanford coach posted a photo to social media comparing the men’s and women’s weight rooms, and NCAA President Mark Emmert apologized and revealed a new weight room for the women’s tournament. But then there were the food and swag bag disparities ... and gender inequities continue.

Clearly, trying to legislate against discrimination on the “basis of sex,” as the late Senator Bayh remarked, hasn’t worked as originally intended! But women have benefitted. It has turned out some great female athletes in spite of the inequities; it has turned out some superior athletes with strong leadership skills both because of, and in spite of, their experiences. •

This year of Making Diversity the New Normal is dedicated in part to looking at Title IX in a variety of ways. Primarily, we would like to hear from the women in our readership and those attending our events about your high school or college experiences as a result of Title IX. Please send a short 200-250-word synopsis of your experience along with your name, email address and phone number to TitleIX@competenetwork.com

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FROM THE COMPETENETWORK.COM BLOG

BY DIRK SMITH, M.SC, SDL • HE | HIM | HIS

Building Team Identity Through Individual Motivation Identity in team sports is an important and influential factor to everybody associated with a team. Everything from youth sports to professional teams have athletes, coaches, parents and fans who proudly associate themselves with their team for a variety of reasons and motivations. Team Identity is an important part of team sports, from sharing victories, defeats, team cheers, colors, mascots, inside jokes and culture: it all comes together to represent who and what the “team” is.

Rather than being the sum of its parts, every athlete, coach, parent and fan associated with the team helps make the team greater than the sum of its parts by contributing to its identity. Rather than cogs in a machine, each individual is a bird in the flock. The identity of the team is shaped and influenced by every single element associated with it. For all intents and purposes, a team © PRIDE CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION

TIPS FOR BUILDING TEAM IDENTITY THROUGH MOTIVATION is a complex adaptive system, defined as a “system” made up of individual parts in which the sum of those parts generates complex and dynamic behaviors that are greater than each individual part.

So how is this related to team identity? Well, superficially it might just consist of a team name, colors and a logo. But who cares about that? Why does this name, these colors or that logo matter? Because each team is more than a name, colors and a logo. The “team” is represented by all the athletes on the field, the coaches who guide the athletes, the physical location of the team, fans who support the team, the history of the team, and even the culture that has emerged within the team, such as team chants, rituals and traditions. Take any “team” and think about what makes that team different than any other team.

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• Discuss goal settings, encourage everybody on the team to write down what they want to achieve and help them set short-term, mid-term and long-term goals.

• Make copies of those written goals for each person and for the team leader/coach and encourage each individual to post it somewhere they will see it every day.

• Encourage creative solutions to common problems faced by each individual and by the team as a whole. Creative solutions also work well for developing new skills, such as coaching athletes to kick a ball and letting them explore different ways to go about it.

• Build opportunities to be social before, during and after training. Encourage team bonding through non-task related activities.

... every athlete, coach, parent and fan associated with the team helps make the team greater than the sum of its parts by contributing to its identity.

Identities exist for every team, from youth development teams to professional sports. And whether a team has historic traditions or a new team that’s still trying to find theirs, what’s important to remember for anybody involved with a team, is that just like the team itself; the identity of the team is constantly changing, growing, evolving and adapting.

Team Identity is reflective of the motivations, goals, values, morals and identities of the individuals who make up the team. So anytime there are new players, coaches, parents or fans who join the team; the identity of the team changes to reflect that. And while coaches are important leaders for the team and help guide how the team develops, the identity of the team itself isn’t established from the top down; it’s established from the bottom up and rooted in the motivations, values and goals of those who make up the team.

Considering teams as a complex system means that those teams who are more adaptable and resilient to changes in their environment are going to be more successful in the long term. Shaping a team’s identity as reflective of the individuals within the team is an important role for every team leader by creating a team environment and culture built around the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness to help motivate each individual. The more autonomous, competent and related a member of the team feels with the team as a whole, the more that individual’s identity is reflected in that of the team’s identity. •

For more information about Complex Adaptive Systems in Sports, check out my articles “Complexities of Coaching” and Chaos in Coaching” Editor’s Note: This has been edited for space purposes.

To read the complete blog use this link: https://competenetwork.com/building-team-identity -through-individual-motivation/

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MONEY

BY LISA CHASTAIN • SHE | HER | HERS

Winning With A Money Mindset Ten years ago I was playing a losing game with myself.

Negative self-talk impacted every aspect of my life and I didn’t feel worthy of having money, quality relationships, good health or a successful career. I was playing a losing mindset game and eventually, I lost everything, including my house, career, marriage and life savings. Hitting rock bottom forced me to take a hard look at my life.

Sports were my life from ages 3 to 18. I remember having to push past pain and defeat to overcome the difficult days. These lessons stayed with me and that athletic muscle memory was still there. On the dark days, the memory of pushing through the pain pulled me through my financial struggles.

In sports, attitude is everything. Champions are built in the mind—strong beliefs and winning behaviors. Money is no different. Financial wellness begins in your head — it starts with believing you can and living with a growth mindset.

What’s Your Money Mindset?

Your ‘money mindset’ is the attitude you have toward your money. Ninety-five percent (95%) of daily decisions are subconscious (aka emotional). Think about it. What did you learn about money growing up? Our history frameworks our reality and our money mindset.

SIGNS OF A NEGATIVE MINDSET • Fear and procrastination • A defeated attitude • Scarcity mentality

SIGNS OF A GROWTH MINDSET • Seeing opportunities when others see obstacles • Reaching out for help instead of living in fear • Abundance mentality

Plain and simple: athletes with a growth mindset see opportunities and solutions. Someone with a scarcity or negative mindset might become demotivated or give up after an obstacle. Not only does your mindset impact your performance on the field, it also impacts your financial results. Don’t like your financial results? Check your mindset.

A healthy money mindset focuses on abundance — there is enough to go around and all that money energy can flow in a positive direction. Are you playing a winning money mindset game?

How to Cultivate a Positive Money Mindset My financial failure forced me to change my mindset.

I shifted my financial focus and it meant I had to be willing to stretch outside my comfort zone. If you’re ready to get on a new path, start by consistently tracking your money, setting intentional goals, celebrating small successes and reaching out for support when you get stuck. Don’t know where to begin? Start with finding a good coach.

Just like in sports, you are less likely to achieve your big goals without coaching along the way. The keys to success are mentorship, community, and commitment.

Make sure you have all three when going after your sports and money dreams. • If you are looking for help getting your $hit together or improving your money mindset, join my tribe and learn more by visiting www.LisaChastain.com

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EVENTS

USAR KICKOFF TOURNAMENT Henderson, Nevada

January 15-16 PRIDE RUN SERIES PHOENIX Phoenix, Arizona

March 19 USA RACQUETBALL NATIONAL DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS Tempe, Arizona

April 2-6 © SARA COLE

COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY SUMMIT In partnership with the Seattle Seahawks Seattle, Washington

April 4-5 LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GAY POLO TOURNAMENT Wellington, Florida

April 7-10 NAGAAA CUP Richmond, Virginia

April 15-17 PRIDE RUN SERIES ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City, New Jersey © LARRY BARTHEL/COURTESY OF NAGAAA

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April 23

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FIT & FAB

BY MATT BOYLES • HE | HIM | HIS

The Best Present I Never Received Is there one thing, one gift from your childhood you always craved and never received? I can tell you categorically, and in just one heartbeat what mine is — a Mr. Frosty machine.

If you don’t know what one is, well prepare to have your mind blown! It was a snowman-shaped plastic contraption into which you put ice cubes, then turned a handle, it would crush the ice which would come out of his guts (!) and you’d collect your crushed ice in a paper cup.

The super fun bit? It came with various flavored sauces to pour over your shaved ice! In 1980s West Midlands in the U.K., this seemed like the pinnacle of human engineering. And man, did I want one! I wanted one SO badly I asked for it every birthday, every Christmas, every single opportunity.

And did I ever get one?! No. No, I did not. Why are we discussing this? Because almost 40 years on (I know, I don’t look it!), I STILL think about it. Would it have been as fun as the adverts made it out to be? Who knows? However, not getting things we really, REALLY want can play on us. This can be something physical, as demonstrated. But it can also be about our potential. The thing is, you can build on your potential in any way,

at any time. This isn’t a drastic overhauling of everything you do, it’s about baby steps — small changes you can stick to.

Don’t add another 10 years to your life, then wake up and say, “I wish I’d started some fitness sooner.” The paradox is this: it’s never too late — but the sooner you start, the better. The sooner you find a groove with it all, the easier it all gets. After 15 or so years of getting into fitness, I can absolutely promise you this: it gets ever easier to stick to it. Things are tougher at the start but with support, community, motivation, accountability and knowhow, it IS something you can do.

What’s more, you DESERVE it. More energy, better sleep, more stable moods, a stronger body, a healthier body, a more resilient mind AND body; it will help you feel better in every conceivable way (and some you can’t yet conceive!).

So reach out to a friend, a personal trainer, a bootcamp owner, visit a gym, start online workouts or yoga classes, start walking or jogging around your block; whatever feels right, do it, and do it as soon as you can, and it will start to pay you back – and the people in your life, too. Like I said, you deserve it. •

Not getting things we really, REALLY want can play on us. This can be something physical ...

But it can also be about our potential.

Matt Boyles runs Fitter Confident You (www.fitterconfidentyou.net/ onlinetraining), online Personal Training tailored for GBTQ+ guys, all around the world, helping them get started and enjoy sticking to personalized workout plans.

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GYM BAG

HOT THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WITHOUT!

Many of us like to start the new year by hitting the gym and trimming down our holiday pounds. But if COVID is preventing that from happening, Abby Kass of BuzzFeed Shopping has come to the rescue. Here are some of her suggestions for exercise equipment that will work even if you live in an apartment.

All items available on Amazon.

KETTLEGRYP KETTLEBELL • Portable Weight Grip • $34.95

>

Never miss your kettlebell workout! KettleGryp clamps to dumbbells and instantly turns them into a kettlebell. It’s the perfect workout accessory for all your travel needs, or to keep in your everyday gym bag.

• Weighs less than 1 lb but can hold most standard dumbbells up to 55 lbs • Made of high impact ABS plastic; comes with lifetime warranty • Made in San Diego, CA by KettleGryp, a Veteran American-Owned Company

> RENOJ EXERCISE BANDS

• Resistance Bands Set • $26.99

Turn any room or outdoor space into a gym! RenoJ Resistance Bands are affordable, versatile and durable. They are highly effective for building strength, mobility, and stability — work your arms, shoulders, chest, glutes, and legs. Comes with convenient travel pouch to take to gym, office, even to work out on vacation.

• 5 color bands for 5 resistance levels, can be stacked together for up to 100 lbs of resistance • M ade from environmentally kind, 100% natural latex, bands are strong, skin friendly, safe, and durable • I ncludes door anchors, ankle straps, and foam handles to provide additional exercise possibilities

BOSU BALANCE TRAINER • “The Original” • $171.44

>

Bosu Balance Trainer provides cardio, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance training in unique, challenging, and highly effective workouts. The Bosu gives a whole new meaning to “moving with control” as you work out on an unstable, dynamic surface.

• D ownloadable workouts developed by industry professionals to improve overall fitness and health • T ested to last 10x the leading generic balance trainer; maximum user weight: 300 lbs

> SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS ROWING MACHINE

• $87.54, add $105 for expert assembly

Achieve an incredible low-imact full body workout with this best seller! The hydraulic resistance system creates a smooth, quiet row throughout 12 total levels of resistance – boosting your calorie burn and providing a challenging cardio workout.

• Track workout progress on a digital monitor that’s equipped with multiple functions • Comfortable row with pivoting foot pedals, foam handlebars and cushioned seat; maximum user weight: 220 lbs

• E asy to move and store with its compact design and light overall weight

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BEDROOM SPORTS

BY RYAN O’CONNER • GUEST COLUMNIST • HE | HIM | HIS

Ring in the New Year with ... a New Mattress For the past few years I’ve been privileged to share my love life with you. By now you know that I prefer men in uniform, I’ve dated my sister’s boyfriend and I’ve even wrapped myself in plastic to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Just when you thought you knew everything about my dating life, well, I am about to tell you about my impending breakup ... with my mattress.

I recently got to know Bruce Burke from Nevada Bedding and Design Center (NBDC) when NBDC jumped on board to support the Official Sin City Tournament Guide. After finding out more about NBDC, I realized Bruce’s company doesn’t just sell mattresses, they actually create custom mattresses (I didn’t know this was possible!) and furniture. And they do it all in Las Vegas to support the community.

So all that talk about mattresses got me thinking.

Isn’t one of my most intimate relationships with my mattress? I mean, we’ve been dating for more than a decade! And that is where my impending breakup started — the realization that 10 years is too long.

These are things I learned to look for when deciding it might be time to replace my mattress: 1. When wear is visible and obvious 2. Muscular stiffness 3. Active allergens and mites 4. When your body wakes up in pain 5. When you’re up all night, tossing and turning 6. When there’s quite an impression 7. There’s obvious sagging 8. Excess of sweat, dirt and other nasties My beloved mattress hit six of the eight things to look for. I guess, like me, my mattress is a high achiever. Once the realization hit that it was time to replace my mattress, I knew it was time I now had to find the right, err ... fit.

Isn’t one of my most intimate relationships with my mattress?

I mean, we’ve been dating for more than a decade!

Some things I must consider when shopping for my new mattress: 1. Firmness or softness level 2. Dimensions 3. Interior construction 4. Form and function (shape and usage) 5. New materials (USA Made) 6. Aesthetics (exterior look and feel) 7. Single or couple – how many are going to sleep in this bed?

8. Support level – will the mattress support your weight?

9. Prices 10. Delivery Well, I’ve learned that breaking up with your mattress isn’t rocket science, but it is a big decision! If you think it might be time for a new mattress, check out NBDC.vegas. They didn’t pay for this plug but they did support the Official Sin City Tournament Guide which is much appreciated by the LGBTQ+ sports community.

Oh, and just to let everyone know, no mattress were hurt in the writing of this article. (At least not yet — LOL.) •

Ryan O’Conner is just a regular guy who is dating in this great big world. His advice comes from personal experience and his advice is for entertainment purposes only. We recommend you consult a physician, counselor or therapist in your area for specific advice about your personal situation. Otherwise, questions can be submitted to bedroom@ competenetwork.com.

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