Stonewall Sports Aims to Honor the Spirit of the Stonewall Riot

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

of activism and recognize the leaders who paved the way for us. Our league embodies a spirit of community building that will always strive to create an inclusive space for our LGBTQ players. We play to remember Stonewall!

DS: Stonewall Sports has expanded nationwide into different sports and leagues. Tell us more about the structure of the sports tournaments, Ben. Also share the kinds of things you offer.

BC: Since 2010 we have expanded into 23 cities (or chapters as we refer to them) nationwide. In 2021 we will host our 7th Annual National Tournament and Summit in Richmond, Virginia. Each of our chapters, like our National Board, operate as a volunteer organization.

Most of our chapters offer a lot of the same staple sports and activities but they vary from place to place. In most any Stonewall Chapter you should be able to find kickball, dodgeball, volleyball or bowling. In total, we have about 15 or so sports and activities that vary across the country.

DS: How does the model for expansion in Stonewall Sports work exactly?

BC: Expansion with Stonewall Sports is a relatively simple yet involved, process. Once we have been contacted by an individual or group with an interest to expand, we do our best to ensure the values and intent of the group match our values and mission as an organization. There is a series of interviews, followed by a bid proposal that is then presented to our board of directors for review and a vote to approve. While sustainability is very important, a commitment to our values, mission and vision are a must.

DS: Does Stonewall Sports field teams for other LGBTQIA+ sporting events like the Sin City Classic or the Gay Games?

BC: As an organization we encourage our players to attend all tournaments that they are interested in. We have had significant participation from our members and players at other events, including both the Sin City Classic and Gay Games! We love to see it! DS: How can our readers get involved with a Stonewall Sports league?

BC: It’s simple! Our website, www.stonewallsports. org has a list of all 23 chapters and their websites with contact information. We are also available via email at info@stonewallsports.org, on Facebook and Instagram - @stonewallsports.

DS: What do you see the next five years bringing for Stonewall Sports?

BC: Our board will always stay committed to the work to create fun, inclusive and welcoming sports leagues for our community. As we continue to expand nationwide, we will largely build on our efforts to uplift diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure our leagues and leadership are representative of the communities we serve, and that our programs are safe, fun and engaging – both on and off the fields and courts. Beyond that, we may consider an international expansion. But at the end of the day, our mission has always been to create a space where everyone feels they can find community, play fun sports and give back through volunteer opportunities.

DS: Ben, thanks so much for sharing the story of Stonewall Sports with our readers. Happy Pride 2021!

"AS WE CONTINUE TO EXPAND NATIONWIDE, WE WILL LARGELY BUILD ON OUR EFFORTS TO UPLIFT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION TO ENSURE OUR LEAGUES AND LEADERSHIP ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE, AND THAT OUR PROGRAMS ARE SAFE, FUN AND ENGAGING – BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELDS AND COURTS."