STONEWALL SPORTS
AIMS TO HONOR THE SPIRIT OF THE STONEWALL RIOT BY DIRK SMITH, SDLT (HE/HIM/HIS)
I recently caught up with Ben Canty, communications director for Stonewall Sports to learn more about the amazing work their organization is doing to help grow the LGBTQIA+ community through sports and exercise. Dirk Smith: So Ben, what exactly is Stonewall Sports? Ben Canty: Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ & Ally nonprofit sports league that aims to build community and to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. Since its creation in 2010, Stonewall Sports now boasts 23 city chapters across the U.S. that are all creating fun and inclusive sports leagues for their local LGBTQ communities. DS: Tell us about the origin of Stonewall Sports: how it began, who created, how it got its name and any other important information we ought to know..
BC: Stonewall Sports was founded in Washington, D.C. in 2010 by a group of community leaders led by Martin Espinoza. We began as a kickball league that included about 90 players from around the D.C. Metro area and it just took off from there. Through the years Stonewall Sports became an important space for LGBTQ players who were looking to build community and forge new friendships, all while engaging in fun sports. DS: Am I correct in assuming that the name “Stonewall” refers to the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City, the site of the 1969 riots that kicked off the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement? What was the inspiration in choosing this name and how does the mission of Stonewall Sports reflect that historical origin? BC: Yes, Stonewall Sports honors the Stonewall Riots of 1969. By understanding one of the most galvanizing moments in LGBTQ history, we acknowledge the history
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