Compete June 2017

SUMMER OF PRIDE MLB HITS A HOME RUN NGFFL PRIDE BOWL

WNBA'S LAYSHIA CLARENDON

RIDE WITH

AIDS/LIFECYCLE

JUNE 2017 • VOL. 11 NO. 6 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

Photo courtesy of the NAGAAA Archives

nagaaasoftball.org (636) 3NAGAAA

Play Out at a NAGAAA Tournament

Upcoming 2017 Tournament Dates

MAGIC Tournament ..............................Washington, D.C............ 06/30/17 - 07/02/17 Badgerland Classic ..................................Madison, WI ................... 06/30/17 - 07/02/17 Liberty Classic .........................................Long Beach, CA............. 07/01/17 - 07/02/17 Metro Nashville Classic ..........................Nashville, TN .................. 07/01/17 - 07/02/17 Emerald City Classic ..............................Seattle, WA .................... 07/01/17 - 07/02/17 Minuteman Softball Tournament ..........Boston, MA .................... 07/01/17 - 07/02/17 Gotham Softball Classic.........................New York, NY ................. 07/01/17 - 07/02/17 Tournaments listed as of 5/9/17. For a complete list of NAGAAA tournaments and dates, visit nagaaasoftball.org.

SAVE THE DATE

2017 Gay Softball World Series Portland, OR - Sept. 3rd to 10th

JUNE 2017 Volume 11, Issue 6

PUBLISHERS Eric Carlyle • eric@competenetwork.com Patrick Gamble • patrick@competenetwork.com COMPETE MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief Connie Wardman • connie@competenetwork.com Sports Editor David Smith • davids@competenetwork.com Health Editor Dr. John Sutherland • johns@competenetwork.com Style Editor Bobby Ciletti • bobby@competenetwork.com Graphic Design Assistant Matt Boyd • mattb@competenetwork.com Field Ambassador Alfonzo Chavez • alfonzo@competenetwork.com Contributors Harry Andrew, Ian Colgate, Jared Garduno, Jeff Kagan, Miriam Latto, Bryan Lee, Michael Losier, Kevin Majoros and Brian Patrick Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens • ariel@competenetwork.com Sales & Partnerships sales@competenetwork.com

COURTESY OF MARGO JOY HAWK OF MARGO JOY DESIGNS

18 THEN AND NOW: CELEBRATING PRIDE STILL MATTERS

• MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND PRIDE • A DECADE OF PRIDE BOWLS • NAGAAA SWINGS FOR THE FENCE

KICK–OFF

10 LEFT FIELD

Speed Read, Grandstanding, Thumbs UP/DOWN 17 Austin Joins SDLC as Non-Member Partner

DEPARTMENTS 24 MVP

Chef Gabe Bertaccini

27 INTERVIEW

Layshia Clarendon: A Bridge Across the Great Divide

Copyright © 2017 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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30 ATHLETE

MISSION STATEMENT Compete unites the world through sports.

OVERTIME

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Mindy Reed and Tim Wood Ride the AIDS/LifeCycle

SPORTS 34 36

Grab Your Balls for the Liberty Belle Second City Tennis Classic Turns 30

38 COMMUNITY HERO Cat Daniels Eastmond

40 HEALTH

Spinning Your Wheels

42 GYM BAG 44 EVENTS 46 STYLE

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Check out Compete stories, videos and more online at: competenetwork.com www.CompeteNetwork.com

COVER ATHLETE Chef Gabe Bertaccini SPORT Cycling PHOTOGRAPHER Constance Higley

| COMPETE | 5

BY ERIC CARLYLE

WITH YOU

HONORING SPONSORS WHO HONOR LGBTQ SPORTS

W

@CompeteEric

hen we published our first issue of Compete in 2007 we went to press with just one national brand supporting our mission of uniting the world through sports – Vitamin Water. Today, big brands like Nissan, Adidas and Toyota Financial have stepped up and are now openly supporting sports diversity, equality and inclusion.

Over the years big names like Chase, Lexus, US Bank, Orbitz, Nike, Microsoft, Northern Trust and others have supported our publication and events. And that trend of supporting LGBTQ sports continues to rise.

Nissan, one of Compete’s partners is a major sponsor of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA). Prudential is also a proud supporter of NAGAAA. In the past, national sponsorships were often limited to major beer and alcohol brands supporting teams at the local level. This year, Eric Ryan, founder, creator and producer of the Sin City Shootout announced that Toyota Financial Services would be the festival’s first title sponsor. It took Ryan 10 years of hard work building the tournament before the Shootout landed on the financial giant’s radar. Toyota Financial Services was also featured on the 2017 cover of Compete’s special Sin City issue and on the magazine’s back cover.

Just last month the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) announced a partnership with the Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots. The Patriots gifted NGFFL’s Gay Bowl with $25,000. While we don’t know exactly how long it took for the NGFFL to land on the Patriots’ radar screen, it’s safe to assume the sponsorship didn’t just happen overnight.

As new major brands continue to align themselves with LGBTQ sports, the future looks bright. At the same time, it is important to look at the local and regional brands that have been loyal to the community for a long time. After all, many local bars, for example, still play a major role in supporting and financing local, regional and national tournaments.

So what I suggest to my friends in LGBTQ sports is this: while you proudly hang all of your national sponsors’ banners up at your event, please be sure to keep your local partners’ banners there, too. We still want to honor those sponsors who proudly supported LGBTQ sports long before it was the cool thing to do.

With You,

Eric Carlyle, SDL Publisher/CEO eric@competenetwork.com

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| COMPETE | June 2017

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

FROM THE CATBIRD SEAT

PRIDE IS STILL RELEVANT

I

COMPETE EDITORS

@CompeteConnie

s Pride still relevant? I think it is. Look at the news over the last couple of months – hate-filled discriminatory bathroom bills and rhetoric against transgender individuals; tennis legend Margaret Court comparing them to Nazis.

NBA star LeBron James has had his California home covered in racial graffiti.

And outrageous public behavior by tennis great Ilie Nastase got him suspended from the French Open for racist remarks about Serena Williams’ baby, public sexual advances to a female tennis coach, verbally assaulting Great Britain’s players followed by two angry run-ins with a reporter who wrote about all of it.

This can’t be written off as an older generation behaving badly. Two Division I schools, Notre Dame and Boston College have refused to sign an NCAA diversity pledge that says a school will commit to focus on “ethnic and racial diversity” in the hiring process. Notre Dame wants to retain control over such important decisions while Boston College contends the pledge doesn’t go far enough. For either objection, the solution is to work within part of a larger group, not to go it alone.

Meaningful progress can’t be made without consistent visibility that carries a positive message speaking to our universal inalienable right as human beings to be treated with equality, dignity and respect. And that is Compete’s mission – “to unite the world through sports.” In this issue you’ll see stories of gay and straight athletes having a great time playing a variety of sports together, you’ll read about WNBA star Layshia Clarendon, a devout Christian who is an outspoken advocate on LGBTQ and racial issues as well as several people who are participating in the seven-day AIDS/LifeCycle’s “Ride to end AIDS.” People need to see that yes, there are problems with homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism and sexism in sports. But they also need to see that positive changes are happening. So whether you’re playing sports, going to a concert, marching in a parade or just hanging out with friends over Pride, honor and celebrate the past, present and future individuals involved in this crucial movement to gain equality, diversity and inclusion in sports. Pride really is relevant!

Keep Smiling,

Connie Wardman, M.A., SDL Editor-in-chief connie@competenetwork.com

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SPORTS EDITOR David Smith With a B.S. in exercise science and nutrition from MSU Denver, David is ACSM, AFAA and AFPAI-certified and a medal-winning swimmer who conquered obesity by losing over 50 pounds.

HEALTH EDITOR Dr. John Sutherland A practicing cardiologist for 35 years, Dr. Sutherland is a board-certified Internist and Cardiologist and founder of North Mountain Cardio.

STYLE EDITOR Bobby Ciletti A graduate of Boston University, Bobby is a lifestyle and travel expert and founder of TheDaysoftheChic. com, an online destination for simply elegant living.

Twitter @bobbyciletti

LEFT FIELD

KICK OFF

SPEED READ NBA “WINS ONE: LOSES ONE” The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ community, has welcomed the National Basketball Association (NBA) to its list of almost 200 top corporations and government agencies seeking certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) into their supply chains with other diverse communities. This expands LGBTQ inclusion in sports leagues purchasing from LGBTQ-owned businesses. A win!

But the NBA has announced that it will return its 2019 All-Star Game to Charlotte, North Carolina following the so-called change in the notorious bathroom bill. Commissioner Adam Silver has said he believes that the league and the state “can honor our shared values of equality and inclusion, and we are excited to bring the All-Star Game back to Charlotte for the first time in 28 years.” A loss!

CONGRATULATIONS TO RECORD-BREAKER DIANA TAURASI Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi has broken a WNBA record by becoming the first player it the league’s history to score 7,000 points, grab 1,500 rebounds and come up with 1,500 assists.

She has been with the Mercury since 2004 and has won three WNBA titles and four Olympic gold medals for the U.S. Congratulations also go to newly-married Taurasi and Penny Taylor who married the day before the Mercury began its 21st season on May 15. Taylor, who also played with the Mercury while earning three WNBA titles and two Olympic silver medals for her native Australia, retired from play in 2016 and is now the Mercury’s director of player development.

ONEPLUSE FOUNDATION RAISING MONEY FOR PULSE MEMORIAL June 12 marks the one year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida that killed 49 and wounded many more. Barbara Poma, who founded the LGBTQ club to honor her brother who died of AIDS, lately announced that a permanent memorial and museum will be built to comfort both the survivors and those who lost their loved ones as well as to educate others about the importance of tolerance. The recently-formed nonprofit onePULSE Foundation will be in charge of fundraising, design and construction of the memorial and museum.

The memorial design and content will be decided by survivors, family members of those killed, first responders, the doctors and nurses who treated the victims and the greater Orlando community. No decision has yet been made on whether the building will be incorporated into the memorial or torn down.

Serving as one of the foundation’s trustees is Jason Collins, out retired NBA player. To learn more or to donate, go to https://onepulsefoundation.org/onepulse-foundation.

SEVENTH TITLE IX LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST BAYLOR In a seventh Title IX lawsuit against Baylor University in its seemingly unending football scandal, an anonymous former

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| COMPETE | June 2017

Baylor volleyball player alleged that members of the football team hazed freshman recruits by having them invite freshmen women to house parties so they could be drugged and gang-raped as a “bonding” experience for the players. She also alleged that Baylor football players photographed and videoed the gang rapes, then passed them around the team. Additionally she said the players who raped her sent harassing text messages to her and her family in 2012 after her mother gave an assistant football coach the involved players' names but she never heard from him again.

LESBIAN COACH AWARDED SEVEN-FIGURES IN SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION SUIT A jury of five women and three men awarded Jane Meyer $1.43 million in damages against the University of Iowa, finding in her favor on all five claims of sexual orientation, gender discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower violations and unequal pay.

From 2001-2014 Meyer was the senior associate athletic director at the school. While the highest-ranking woman in the department and second in command overall, that changed last September when she was first reassigned and then terminated. At age 57, she said those moves effectively ended her career. Meyer accused former boss Gary Barta of forcing her out because she was a lesbian and was outspoken about gender inequities in his department. She also claimed that in August 2014 Barta hired a man to perform many of her duties at a salary $70,000 higher than the $176,000 she was making.

CREDIBILITY ISSUES WITH TRACK AND FIELD RECORDS MAY LEAD TO WORLD RECORDS BEING STRIPPED A report by the European Athletic Association (EAA) released in April that proposes scrapping older track and field world records due to ineffective drug testing in past years has reportedly drawn the favor of Sebastian Coe, president of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF). If an athlete set a world record and the doping sample from that event wasn't saved for the following 10 years for retesting, under this proposed plan the world record would be stripped.

Since the IAAF only began saving doping samples from championship meets in 2005, it means that current world records set before this date will be gone. That includes records set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in the 100m and 200m (1988), Hicham El Guerrouj in the 1,500m and the mile (1998 and 1999), even including Coe’s 1,000m record from 1981. If adopted, the plan could also change records for athletes from countries with a lack of adequate and careful drug testing, including Jamaica and Kenya.

The new plan mandates that an athlete must have passed a certain number of drug tests in the 12 months preceding the record-winning performance; a world record-holding athlete will have that record stripped if later he or she commits a “serious breach of the rules;” if a record is stripped under this new proposal, nobody will be upgraded to a new world record holder.

According to the EAA, the plan will be considered at an IAAF council meeting in August.

KICKOFF

GRANDSTANDING LETTERS TO COMPETE MAGAZINE

OUT AT THE OUTGAMES (MAY 2017) With all the negative press around the upcoming World OutGames Miami, it was nice to see Compete feature aspiring OutGames athletes in pursuit of their sports. While it can be important to discuss the challenges the event faces, I really want to hear about its positive impact on people.

Jon Bressler

LEFT FIELD

COMPETE READER SURVEY Favorite Pride Festival LA 10%

Las Vegas, Nevada

Chicago 15%

THE SPORT OF QUEENS (MAY 2017) I have been fascinated with polo since I first wore Ralph Lauren’s iconic shirt to my first middle school dance in 1989.

Nearly 30 years later, after reading your article on Gay Polo’s 8th tournament, I finally appreciate the sport behind the shirt.

San Francisco 30%

New York 45%

Mike Lee Washington DC

TALK TO US! Submissions to Compete should include the writer’s name, address and contact phone number and should be sent by email to letters@competenetwork.com. Letters may be edited by Compete and become the property of Media Out Loud, LLC.

www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 11

KICKOFF

LEFT FIELD

SPORTS QUIZ

The Black Cat Tavern Riots. The Black Cat, a gay bar in Los Angeles was raided by police in 1967 and patrons fought back, eventually starting a protest against police. Two patrons were so enraged they began to publish The Advocate, still in publication today.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

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Q. What LGBTQ riot occurred two years before the Stonewall Riots that officially launched the Pride movement and what important publication was launched as a result of that conflict?

Source: Huffington Post Queer Voices

AMAIYA ZAFAR, TEEN MUSLIM BOXER FROM MINNESOTA

RACHEL ROBINSON, JACKIE ROBINSON’S WIDOW

… for challenging USA Boxing rules and winning the right to compete in the ring wearing her hijab, long sleeves and leggings.

She’s just the second U.S. athlete of the Muslim faith granted the right to wear a hijab, the first being fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad who competed for the U.S. at the Olympic Games in Rio.

… for her admission to MLB’s Hall of Fame and being awarded the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award for her ongoing efforts to promote equality through the Jackie Robinson Development Corp. and the Jackie Robinson Foundation which she founded. She and her late husband are the first husband/wife couple in the MLB Hall of Fame.

RIO OLYMPIC ORGANIZERS for cost-cutting measures that have reportedly caused over 100 Olympic medals to disintegrate and rust, particularly the silver medals. The defective medals will be replaced by the IOC and Rio organizers. The local organizing committee still owes creditors around $30 million according to the Associated Press.

AMANDA “THE LIONESS” NUNES, LESBIAN UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION … for having a day named for her by Los Angeles City Council as they honored her for breaking stereotypes about what it means to be a lesbian Latina. Raised in Brazil, she became a pro MMA fighter in 2008.

www.CompeteNetwork.com

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FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT NYCPRIDE.ORG

FRIDAY, JUNE 16th 7 - 10pm SATURDAY, JUNE 24th 3 - 10pm SUNDAY, JUNE 25th 11am - 6pm SUNDAY, JUNE 25th Step Off: Noon

JUNE 23rd - 25th

3 DAYS OF MUSIC, DANCING & COMMUNITY.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Patti LaBelle Deborah Cox DJ Lina

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Tegan and Sara

Years & Years · Róisín Murphy · Gallant Dimitri From Paris · Occupy The Disco SUNDAY, JUNE 25

To Be Announced

Chus & Ceballos Cindel · Scott Martin

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT NYCPRIDE.ORG

TRAINING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL WWW.SPORTSDIVERSITYLEADERS.COM

KICKOFF

BY HARRY ANDREW

AUSTIN JOINS COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL AS NON-MEMBER PARTNER THE COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP Council (SDLC) is pleased to announce that the City of Austin, Texas has officially joined the Council as a nonmember partner. It is the first city to officially support the SDLC in its dedication to training tomorrow’s sports leaders today.

Individuals as well as organizations and municipalities that complete the SDLC’s designation program and agree to abide by its strict continuing education requirement are awarded the Sports Diversity Leader (SDL) designation, indicating to others they have completed the curriculum that includes training, mentoring and volunteering elements.

Individuals may complete the designation program courses online or in person at one of our conferences or a combination of both. Our next conference is being held November 9th in Kansas City, Missouri. Organizations and municipalities may begin the program online at the conference and finish it by completing a review process.

The SDLC’s current advisory board includes CEO, Eric Carlyle; board president, Jared Garduno; education director, Connie Wardman and board member-at-large, Catherine Kelly. Additional advisory board members will be announced soon. For more information please visit sportsdiversityleaders.com.

www.CompeteNetwork.com

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THEN AND NOW: CELEBRATING PRIDE STILL MATTERS B

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

oth as individuals and as a society we can’t always agree on things like religion, politics and our favorite sports teams.

But we all can agree that sports has a unifying effect, noted not only by Nelson Mandela but more recently even by the Vatican. Compete’s mission is to unite the world through sports but we know there are some who wonder why we should continue Pride celebrations and separate LGBTQ sports teams and leagues.

Pride and LGBTQ sports gatherings are more than just a big rainbow-themed party with lots of alcohol and wild costumes for amazement, amusement and/or shock value. It’s to remind the world that at the most basic level each one of us is a human being worthy of the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Pride gives members of the LGBTQ community and their many allies an opportunity to say, “Gay people exist; we’re your friends, neighbors, co-workers and yes, your family members – don’t continue to marginalize us.” Pride still matters!

So whether you celebrate Pride at a parade, a race or a sports tournament, enjoy the moment with the realization that you’re also showing the world that inclusion, equality and diversity in sports really does work. And since Pride season is also baseball/softball season with a hint of football to come, here are some pictures and stories on Major League Baseball (MLB), gay flag football's Pride Bowl and gay softball players swinging for the fence, showing some of the ways many gay and straight athletes are celebrating Pride 2017. Enjoy!

BASEBALL AND PRIDE M

BY DAVID SMITH

ajor League Baseball (MLB) season is in full bloom and with June as the official Pride month, new lyrics to baseball’s unofficial anthem are floating in many of our heads: “Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowds. Buy me some rainbows and drag or slacks.

The closet is where I will never go back!”

Professional baseball is really coming together to organize a succession of LGBTQ Pride Nights. These special game nights, like the National Hockey League’s (NHL) series of Pride nights that partner with the You Can Play Project, are specifically marketed to encourage a large turnout of the LGBTQ community to support their local professional baseball teams. Often the stadiums and fields feature rainbows, drag queens and perhaps even the local Gay Men’s Chorus there to sing the national anthem. And buying a ticket for this night means that a percentage of the cost is donated to a local LGBTQ charity.

Every year more and more MLB teams and other professional sports teams and leagues are hosting LGBTQ Pride games in an effort to show that professional sports venues are a place where LGBTQ people, and athletes in particular are welcome. After years of being one of the last places where homophobia, transphobia, racism and sexism

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were considered appropriate, professional sports groups are finally trying to root out the prejudice that for generations has given them a black eye.

This has not been an easy effort; just recall the 2016 Padres Pride night incident with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. The chorus was on the field ready to sing the National Anthem when a recording of a woman singing was played instead. Chaos ensued and the chorus left the field to Padres fans taunting them with homophobic and sexist slurs. The incident actually came down to a simple human error with no malicious intent. But the taunting from the fans as the chorus left the field with their heads down shows that there is still quite an uphill battle to face when it comes to challenging the machismo culture that still exists in and around professional sports.

In 2017 alone there are at least 11 MLB Pride Nights planned for the month of June. And each one has its own unique flavor, just as diverse as the LGBTQ community itself. Because of the good will shown by both sides following last year’s San Diego Padres and Gay Men’s Chorus fiasco, the Padres and San Diego Pride have built a working partnership. In a show of solidarity, this year’s event will include the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Gay

Women’s Chorus, San Diego Pride and the Padres together on the field, all singing the National Anthem.

Changing the hearts and minds of the fans and players isn’t a quick, easy battle to win. As part of a long-term plan, MLB continues to build a relationship with the LGBTQ community. The league made a groundbreaking move in 2015 when it created the position of ambassador of inclusion and hired Billy Bean, a closeted MLB player who came out after he retired, to fill it. His mission is to help change baseball’s culture from the inside-out, not to convince closeted players to come out as some had expected.

Bean’s quiet but effective behind-the-scenes work has earned him the new position of vice president of social responsibility and inclusion, and special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. Yet in spite of all MLB’s internal and external efforts, like organizing Pride nights and creating a partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, there are no openly gay MLB players currently in the league.

Being LGBTQ does not affect an athlete’s performance.

All athletes on that field are there for the same reason – they are there to play the game and win using their full capabilities, both mentally and physically. In a team sport like baseball, the athletes depend on their teammates to work together to achieve the common goal of winning the game. Yet athletes who cannot feel comfortable being themselves, of having to play with a team that cannot accept them for who they are as individuals, wind up carrying a large weight on their shoulders. How can athletes expect to play at the highest level and to contribute their best to the team carrying that burden?

These barriers still are quite prevalent within the culture of professional team sports. Despite all that professional sports leagues may do on the surface to show themselves as being LGBTQ-friendly, it will take an even bigger effort on the team level to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, one in which an athlete can feel comfortable coming out. Pride nights are just the beginning of that movement.

Equality has not come without sacrifice, a fact that has been shown many times throughout the LGBTQ rights movement, even before the Stonewall riots. There have been struggles, sacrifices, push back and even violence all in an attempt to reach equality. Billy Bean’s job is to change the MLB internal culture by challenging homophobic language, by speaking out against demeaning rookie hazing rituals and what he considers a huge personal responsibility – to provide “a constant, relatable image” of a gay man.

He realizes that for some, this may the first conversation they’ve knowingly had with a gay person.

But one person or team alone cannot show the world of professional baseball that an openly LGBTQ player not only belongs but also can be as competitive and capable a player as any other athlete out there. Attending an MLB Pride Night is not just about supporting baseball, it’s about celebrating our community while building opportunities to have a positive impact. We will challenge the status quo by doing what we’ve always done – reminding the world that we are here and we belong. Show your PRIDE and play ball!

“Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowds. Buy me some rainbows and drag or slacks. The closet is where I will never go back!”

www.CompeteNetwork.com

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A DECADE OF PRIDE BOWLS T

BY JARED GARDUNO AND PICTURES COURTESY OF MARGO JOY HAWK OF MARGO JOY DESIGNS his year marks a decade since a few teams gathered in the Midway to participate in the first Chicago Pride Bowl. From June 23-24 over 600 members of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) will gather just off the shore of Lake Michigan at Montrose Park Lakeside Fields to celebrate the annual competition, the friendships both old and new and of course, the love of football.

Hosted each year by the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), an umbrella organization for LGBTQ sports in the area, over the past decade Chicago has played a crucial part in testing new rules for the NGFFL and the organization’s flagship tournament, the Gay Bowl held each fall. This year the Gay Bowl will be held in Boston over Columbus Day weekend in October.

The Pride Bowl tournament has continued to grow over the years. The first two years had just one division. By year three it had grown enough to have two – an A and a B division. The next growth spurt occurred in 2016 when a women’s division was added. But this year a C division is now in place.

With the addition of a C division, Pride Bowl X could prove to be one of the most influential tournaments in the past decade for the NGFFL. The Gay Bowl Task Force and National Board have been wrestling with the expansion of a C division for the past two years. And with the foresight of Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) Flag

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Football Commissioner Matthew Herek, we may see a new development on the national stage later this year in Boston.

Joining in on the fun this year will be one of the new editions to the NGFFL, Gay Bowl B Division Champions Austin Capitals. Not to be left out, both San Diego and Phoenix will be making a return to the Windy City after a three year hiatus.

Evening Schedule: The events schedule for Pride Bowl is as follows (all events are from 7-10 p.m.).

• Opening Night - Thursday, June 23rd (Sidetrack) • Friday, June 24th - Bracket Party (Hydrate) • Saturday, June 25th - Awards Celebration (Old Crow) The CMSA’s Flag Football leadership has not only steered Pride Bowl from a tournament with 16 teams in just one division to this year with 36 teams in four divisions. It has also blossomed with partnerships. This year’s contest will be sponsored by Jim Beam, Effen Vodka, DeKuyper, Corona, Corona Light, and Modelo Especial along with Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd. With the success of the past 10 years I can’t wait to see first the names of the winners for 2017 that go in the currently empty 2017 boxes, and second, what the Pride Bowl has in store for the next 10 years.

CHICAGO PRIDE BOWL CHAMPIONS ANNUAL PRIDE BOWLS

A DIVISION WINNERS

B DIVISION WINNERS

WOMEN’S DIVISION WINNERS

PRIDE BOWL I – 2008 SAN DIEGO BOLTS PRIDE BOWL II – 2009 PHOENIX HELLRAISERS PRIDE BOWL III – 2010 PHOENIX HELLRAISERS DENVER MEATEATERS PRIDE BOWL IV – 2011 PHOENIX HELLRAISERS CHICAGO SPIN FLAMES PRIDE BOWL V – 2012 DENVER SUMMIT CLEVELAND ROCKERS PRIDE BOWL VI – 2013 SAN DIEGO SEALS CHICAGO REPLAY PRIDE BOWL VII – 2014 WASHINGTON GENERALS MILE HIGH MAFIA PRIDE BOWL VIII – 2015 WASHINGTON GENERALS HOUSTON HURRICANES PRIDE BOWL IX – 2016 NY WARRIORS BLACK DC DELTA FORCE DENVER MILE HIGH BLUE PRIDE BOWL X – 2017 ? ?

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C DIVISION WINNERS

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NAGAAA CUP 2017 W

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLUMBUS RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT hether you prefer softball or baseball, the game just goes with warm weather, sunshine, hot dogs and cold beer … and maybe some nachos and cheese but definitely NOT the Cracker Jacks! It’s time to leave work behind and just enjoy the simple pleasures of the game.

In spite of television ratings to the contrary, baseball and softball are still at the core of our professional and recreational sports; it’s the sport that for many people resonates most deeply. And that includes members of the ally-friendly North American Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) who will be playing in various softball games and tournaments across the country this month. Here are some pictures from NAGAAA Cup 2017.

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GABRIELE “GABE” BERTACCINI

JUNE 2017

TEAM COMPETE MVP

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? “DON’T WORRY SO MUCH” Focus on loving more, being more gentle and true to yourself, be confident. Reject fear and embrace love; be extremely grateful for what you have and appreciate fully the people who love you. But most importantly, when you make a mistake acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself and learn from it. The important part is growing from it, letting it be fertile soil for the next adventure. Stop trying to control everything – if it comes, let it; it if goes, let it. TRUST.

GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: I believe that as human beings we are all measured not based on our wealth or the level of success we achieve in our lifetime but by the opportunities we are able and willing to give back to the ones around us. Being socially responsible and conscious when it comes to giving back to our communities brings me great joy. It is truly the MINIMUM I CAN DO FOR EVERYTHING THAT LIFE HAS GIVEN ME AND CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ME.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE ALC FOR THE FIRST TIME? It is an amazing experience but challenging and very impactful on a personal and spiritual level. You have to be ready for it mentally, physically and most importantly you have to have a reason. Every day I ride for someone who I lost from HIV/AIDS and tell myself that what I am doing is the bare minimum by paying respect to their life struggles. What is in your heart is what will make you go through this intense week; the body will follow.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU RAISED OVER THE YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN RIDING AND WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR THIS YEAR? The last two years combined brought my personal fundraising efforts to $19,000. I am also lucky to be part of Team OutServe, an amazing team of friends who have brought in more than $140,000 in the last two years. There are a lot of tears on the ride, a lot of time to reflect and a lot of moments to understand that it is only by helping others that we can help ourselves.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK TO THE ALC EACH YEAR? The sense of community that forms during this incredible ride, the long lasting friendships you create, the stories you share and the struggling moments every rider goes through are something that touches and moves me deeply. Everybody’s barriers are completely down and we all allow each other to be fully vulnerable. We call it the “LOVE BUBBLE” and it is something I look forward to every year.

WHAT IS IT THAT LED YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ALC AND IN WHAT YEAR DID YOU FIRST PARTICIPATE? I ride so those who test HIV-positive have the support, access and love needed to live a great future. I ride so kids in high school get access to important information about HIV/AIDS. I ride so those who are positive and survived for a long time continue to have a bright and healthy future. I ride so the beautiful souls we have lost are never forgotten. But mostly I ride for the future - your future and MY future. A future where living with HIV/AIDS is a future of living health, without stigmas and with a smile on our faces.

INTERESTS/HOBBIES: I am extremely lucky as my profession is indeed my passion. As the dedicated owner and executive chef at Il Tocco Food & Culinary Mischief, food and wine are an integral part of me that I share on a daily basis with each and every guest. One of my greatest passions is traveling. Being from Europe I have been exposed to an array of different cultures and backgrounds; in my opinion, unless we step into uncomfortable territory we will never know our deepest fears, limits and dreams.

CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Avid cyclist, enthusiastic swimmer and very passionate sailor!

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Phoenix and Los Angeles.

HOMETOWN: Firenze, Italy

AGE: 31.

To be included in our MVP section, e-mail: MVP@competenetwork.com

Centerfold photo by Costance Higley Top thumbnail photo by Costance Higley Bottom humbnail photo by AIDS/LifeCycle

INTERVIEW

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

LAYSHIA CLARENDON: A BRIDGE ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ATLANTA DREAM I KNEW THAT STAR WNBA PLAYER LAYSHIA Clarendon is widely known as an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ and black communities. Then I came across an article she wrote in 2015 for The Players’ Tribune, “Keeping the Faith.”* Written in response to NFL player Arian Foster saying in an ESPN The Magazine interview that he doesn’t believe in God, Clarendon’s article began simply, with the following two sentences: “Arian Foster doesn’t believe in God. I do.”

At a time when proudly announcing you’re a Christian can automatically pigeonhole you in a box you may not want, and then to say you're also LGBTQ can make you a target for everything from shaming and shunning to outright death threats, especially if you’re a professional athlete. One of the most troubling divides in the U.S. today is between those proclaiming a far-right evangelical version of Christianity and the LGBTQ community. Many gay people are devout Christians but the view of rabid evangelicals decrees that like it or not, gay people are sinners who are "doomed to hell."

From her written essays and our conversation, I discovered a strong young woman I admire greatly, one who is unafraid to advocate for her beliefs but who is also filled with love, empathy, understanding and compassion.

Clarendon is a bridge across this seemingly irreparable Christian/LGBTQ divide because she speaks her truth from a place of love instead of anger and fear. Fortunately, she has hasn't bought into Old Testament religious rhetoric of punishment, hell’s fire and damnation, instead accepting and living the inclusive spiritual message of unconditional love brought by God’s son, Jesus Christ, the one from whom Christianity took its name.

At age 26, Clarendon knows exactly who she is and what she came to do in our shared world. In typical fashion for this straight-shooting starting point guard for the

“I identify as black, gay, female, non-cisgender and Christian. I am an outsider even on the inside of every community to which I belong.

My very existence challenges every racial, sexual, gender and religious barrier.”

Atlanta Dream, she’s doing it by speaking out, by being an activist for social change. This self-described “rebel with a cause” has said: “I identify as black, gay, female, non-cisgender and Christian. I am an outsider even on the inside of every community to which I belong. My very existence challenges every racial, sexual, gender and religious barrier.”

Although Clarendon isn’t transgender, her deep faith and ability to walk in the proverbial shoes of others also makes her a powerful advocate for the transgender community, challenging the LGB portion of the community to remember and acknowledge the T portion. Describing herself as a gender-nonconforming queer person, she’s experienced what happens to those who don’t fit within social norms. For example, she’s been called “sir,” had TSA call a male officer to do a security pat-down on her and had women walk out of women’s restrooms thinking they’ve accidently walked into the wrong one. She says “That's what small boobs, a short haircut, boyish jeans, and androgynous boots will get you.”

(Contiunued on page 28)

www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 27

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

INTERVIEW

While she finds these incidents of misidentification upsetting, what really gets to her is the ongoing reminder that our society is ruled by a binary mindset concerning gender and sexual identity that has absolutely no room for those who don’t fit entirely into one mold or the other.

The same holds true when it comes to the rigidly-defined social roles and expectations for men and women. Vowing to share her own story because too many survivors suffer in silence, Clarendon has joined with Athletes United, a recently formed initiative enabling athletes to share their personal stories of sexual assault and offer support for women and men who are also lucky survivors.

Saying that as a sexual assault survivor “I walked alone in my shame for years,” Clarendon shared how surprised she was to realize how the culture around sexual assault victims and survivors had influenced her own perception of what had happened to her. “The truth is: none of us are immune to the social misconceptions around sexual assault. There is no immunity, only awareness. Because I didn't want to face this, I walked alone. Isolation is a place where shame thrives,” she wrote in an essay for Mic. Talking about the blame that society places on victims, she says “I've learned that it's important to speak shame aloud because its survival depends solely on secrecy, silence and judgment.”

While Clarendon has her life together at a relatively young age, it didn’t come about without a lot of struggle and self-reflection, trying to figure out how she fit into her varied communities. Born into a Southern California bi-racial family that is also athletic, her parents thought being gay was a moral sin. When her older sister Jasmine came out, Clarendon says it upset the whole family. Her

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dad, a high school basketball referee quit going to Jasmine’s basketball games at Pepperdine University while Layshia was in middle school. That experience wasn’t lost on Layshia who already knew she was gay. As a result she struggled through years of trying to reconcile her strong Christian beliefs with her sexual orientation.

While a standout player at UC Berkley, Clarendon attended The Way, a non-denominational, predominately black church where the focus included social justice issues in addition to lessons on faith. Finally she was able to merge what had originally appeared as differences and inconsistencies into a larger vision for her life. She now uses her voice in the service of those without one, speaking out not to attack and demean but to support and inspire a vision of diversity and inclusion in others. Her recognition of her Christian belief is the core of who she is and everything she does in life. In her own words from her Esquire essay, she asks each of us to become involved as well.

Not everyone is an activist. Not everyone has money to donate. But we can listen. We can all spend time around people who are different from us in order to better understand their issues. Listen to those voices in your own spaces. Understand ally as a verb, not just a noun. Have the courage to interrupt transphobic language. Advocate for gender-neutral restrooms anywhere you can. Respect people's gender pronouns. Amplify trans voices. If we all spent a little more time together, it would change the world.

And to that, I personally say Amen! * Keeping the Faith” by Layshia Clarendon is reprinted with permission from The Players’ Tribune: www.theplayerstribune.com

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AIDS/LIFECYCLE

ATHLETE

MINDY REED AGE: 50.

HOMETOWN: South Haven, Michigan.

DAY JOB: I own two restaurants in Palm Springs, California.

CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Cycling, Softball sporadically.

SINGLE OR PARTNERED: Single.

STRAIGHT OR GAY: Straight.

WHY YOU LOVE SPORTS: It makes me feel alive to push my body and mind farther than I think I can and that transfers over into the rest of my life.

WHAT LED YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ALC AND IN WHAT YEAR DID YOU FIRST PARTICIPATE? My first year was 2010. My boyfriend died in July of 2009 from cancer and in February of 2010 I realized that I needed to do something to feel alive myself and escape the depression I felt as well as defining my own identity away from my businesses and his ever looming shadow. Also because my best girlfriend got HIV from her fiancé who was already infected, on meds and who didn’t disclose his status until she discovered she had contracted it.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK TO THE ALC EACH YEAR? I’ve done it for four years for different reasons, from sheer first race euphoria to having friends enter and not wanting to be left out. In 2015 I started doing other charity rides at a slower pace. But Trump happened – the idea that we could return to a world where peoples’ freedoms and rights are being threatened and the chance of losing the human rights gains we’ve made over the years scares me. ALC this year is my way of fighting back, of saying that we all matter.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU RAISED OVER THE YEARS YOU’VE BEEN RIDING AND WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR THIS YEAR? My goal this year is $7,500 and lifetime combined I have raised over $47,000 just for Aids LifeCycle.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE ALC FOR THE FIRST TIME? Do It! You are so much stronger than you think you are if you only believe in yourself!

(Contiunued on page 32)

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| COMPETE | June 2017

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AIDS/LIFECYCLE

ATHLETE

TIM WOOD AGE: 49.

HOMETOWN: Palm Springs, California.

DAY JOB: IT Service Manager for Verizon Enterprise Solutions.

CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Road Cycling and Weight Lifting.

SINGLE OR PARTNERED: Married.

STRAIGHT OR GAY: Gay. WHY YOU LOVE SPORTS: I played football in junior high and loved the challenge but never thought of myself as an athlete.

I bought a $500 hybrid bike when I moved to LA but never really used it until AIDS/LifeCycle. Twelve years and 25,000 miles later, including over 40 countries, I ride because it FEELS good; it’s a way to experience the amazing capabilities of the human body and spirit.

WHAT LED YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ALC AND IN WHAT YEAR DID YOU FIRST PARTICIPATE? I participated in my first ALC in 2006 and I’m getting ready to ride in my 12th consecutive AIDS/LifeCycle. From the start I wanted to do something important, something really challenging.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK TO THE ALC EACH YEAR? The people, the experience, the family, the purpose. I’ve been HIV-positive since 2000. By 2005 I was on meds but I became addicted to IV methamphetamines. Thankfully, friends rescued me and I completed my first AIDS/LifeCycle just one month after quitting cold turkey. My life changed at that moment in a way I could never even imagine.

I joined a special group of riders called Positive Pedalers that gave me a new outlook on life and a new purpose. Their mission is to eliminate the stigma of HIV through our group’s positive public example. I ride every year to help HIV-positive people lead positive, amazing, inspirational lives free of the stigma, shame and fear that remain in our communities today.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU RAISED OVER THE YEARS YOU’VE BEEN RIDING AND WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR THIS YEAR? I’ve raised over $50,000 and I set my goal every year at a least $5,000.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE ALC FOR THE FIRST TIME? Go For It! The AIDS/LifeCycle has given me friends and heroes for a lifetime, each with their own special story of challenge, inspiration and hope.

(Continued from page 30)

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| COMPETE | June 2017

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SPORTS

2017 LIBERTY BELLE INVITATIONAL TURNS 29 GRAB YOUR BALLS AND GET YOUR BUTT TO Philadelphia this month for the 2017 Liberty Belle Invitational Bowling Tournament (LBI). Returning for its 29th year, it is one of the largest east coast tournaments on the International Gay Bowling Organization’s (IGBO) circuit.

Taking place every year over Philly’s annual 4th of July celebration, this year’s LBI tournament runs from June 30 to July 2.

Singles, doubles, 4-person team events and scratch masters competitions are all part of the tournament and all are mixed events, meaning that no gender-based divisions exist in the sport. With the LBI approaching its “Dirty 30s” of bowling, you can expect a fun and exciting weekend of bowling, social events, partying and overall fun. See old friends, meet new friends and come together for good times that are sure to be had by all. Here are some highlights of the planned happenings.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 8 Pin No-Tap and Storm/Roto Grip Match Maker Bowling Ball Demo are taking place at Laurel Lanes.

For non-bowlers, No-Tap is a version of play where a strike is awarded to a player knocking over equal or more than a specified number of pins. In 8 Pin No-Tap you need to knock over at least 8 pins (as opposed to the normal 10) to score a strike. This version helps level the playing field for weaker bowlers, giving them a chance to compete with more skilled players.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 1-2 Following early morning registration, competition begins for single, doubles, teams and scratch masters events. Then Sunday evening you can have fun at the annual Awards Banquet aboard the “Spirit of Philadelphia.” You’ll enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in the gorgeous views of Philadelphia from the water.

Celebrate with your teammates and fellow athletes at the awards banquet and then enjoy dancing the night away, topped off by fireworks going off all around Philadelphia. And if you decide to stay after the tournament ends, you can enjoy additional fireworks, concerts and festivals that are part of Philadelphia’s regular 4th of July celebration.

Each night the group will celebrate the day’s accomplishments out and about at a number of soon-to-bedetermined Philadelphia venues and additional special events will be announced later. So be sure to join in on the fun and meet new friends – after all, you already have something in common – BOWLING!

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If you’re interested in becoming a competitive bowler, check out IGBO’s website which is full of information and resources on how and where to find a local LGBT bowling team/ league in your area. Information on local, national and international tournaments are also included. www.igbo.org.

Credit: John Peterson

How’s your training coming along? Keep yourself fit and ready for the tournament so you can bowl at your best, have fun and maintain your fitness which is always good for overall health.

Here are a few tips to get you ready.

PROPER WARM UP IS KEY! • An essential warm up allows muscles to prepare to throw a heavy ball; it should include a stability and mobility element that engages the full body in all three planes of motion (front, sagittal and transverse).

• Exercises include: lunge with rotation, mummy kicks, pushups, bodyweight squats, one-legged deadlifts, rowing machine.

TRAIN BOTH SIDES OF THE BODY. • It is important to train both sides of the body together as well as individually. Known as bilateral and unilateral training, it builds proper functional balance that helps you keep your balance and strength equal on both sides. It also helps prevent injuries.

• Exercises include: Kettlebell swings (both single and two arms), rows, lunges.

TRAIN YOUR CORE. • The core is the most important element in developing proper approach and delivery. It is key to maintaining good posture by strengthening back muscles as well as muscles within the belly that maintain torso stability. And developing abdominal and oblique muscles will better generate power from the core, giving you a stronger throw.

• Exercises include: planks, back extensions on Fit Ball, sit-up with a medicine ball, throw, glute bridge, rotating side plank, spiderman plank.

PREVENTING INJURIES. • The wrist is a bowler’s most important tool. It is important to maintain strength in your wrist as well as the elbow and shoulders (remember to train both sides).

• Exercises include: wrist pulley (both supine and prone), wrist rotation with weight, shoulder external rotation.

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SPORTS

2017 SECOND CITY TENNIS CLASSIC TURNS 30 ANOTHER ANNUAL LGBTQ SPORTS TOURNAMENT is celebrating a special birthday this month – the 2017 Second City Tennis Classic turns 30 this year. Participants from all over the world will descend on Chicago for the annual event being held this year during Chicago Pride Week. So mark June 23-25 on your calendar and make plans to visit the Windy City and make it all part of your 2017 Pride celebration. For the second year the tournament is being held at the Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago. It will be an extra special tournament to celebrate Second City Tennis’ 30th birthday bash.

Starting in 1987 SCT began as a small group of LGBTQ tennis players and enthusiasts participating in various local, regional, national and international tennis tournaments, including the Gay Games and the World OutGames.

The organization, now grown to over 1,000 members, offers opportunities for everyone to play tennis, ranging from beginners to elite athletes, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, race, religion or nationality.

SCT is affiliated locally with the Athletic Alliance of Chicago (AAC) and globally with the International Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) that holds tournaments throughout the world during the entire year. The

organization not only provides an “open, safe, inclusive space and community that is committed to promoting and developing amateur tennis in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender) Community,” it also has a strong ongoing relationship with its straight counterpart, the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

If you’ve never played tennis before, SCT has teamed up with the USTA for a program called Start/ Restart Tennis. It provides new players and players returning to the sport a fun and productive environment in Credit: Ken Jensen

Pictured above, Henry Beam, Beam Law, PLC

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| COMPETE | June 2017

SPORTS

which to develop new skills and become comfortable with match play. There is also a division for beginners who are encouraged to take part by playing against others at their level. SCT offers singles and doubles play throughout the summer and winter in conjunction with the AAC that culminates in the Second City Classic, an annual stop on the GLTA world tournament tour.

CONTUNUED

Athletes taking part in the Second City Classic can get ready for a fun weekend of tennis, hosted dinners and social events throughout Chicago as well as a banquet on the last day to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and close out the tournament in style. And since it’s being held this year the same weekend as Chicago Pride, it will certainly be an event to remember.

How’s your fitness level? Here are some exercises to add to your training routine at the gym to get fit for the Second City Classic.

DEVELOP YOUR CORE. • Tennis takes endurance, balance, mobility and power. A strong core helps you develop the skills, power and stamina to move quickly and hit the ball with increased power.

• Exercises include: rotating side plank, diagonal chops, twisting wall toss with medicine ball, plank on Fit (or BOSU) ball, bird dog, medicine ball slams, Russian twists.

BALANCE IS KEY. • Having strong balance and posture is key to helping you stay focused on the ball and not tripping over yourself.

• Exercises include: 1-legged deadlifts, side lunges on BOSU ball, squats on BOSU ball, BOSU circles, agility ladder drills, Hop Scotch (yes, you heard that right).

DEVELOP POWER, SPEED AND AGILITY. • Your goal is to score a point by hitting the ball where your opponent can’t get to it in time. Your focus will always be on the ball so you won’t see where you’re going. Practicing speed and agility drills will train your body to move quickly and efficiently around the court and you’ll develop proprioception, the instinctual awareness of where you need to go and how to get there.

• Training for power can really help develop an unbeatable serve and backswing. A swift and powerful swing starting from your core muscles, through your shoulder, arm and wrist enables you to hit the ball at speeds potentially reaching 90-120mph.

• Exercises include: fast feet speed and agility drills, agility ladder drills, speed cone drills, clapping pushups, sit ups with medicine ball toss, ball slams, wall balls.

PREVENT INJURIES. • All this maneuvering and swinging can cause injuries unless you build strength and stability in your shoulders and upper body.

• Exercises include: shoulder external rotation, rows.

www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 37

COMMUNITY HERO

SPORTS

Cat Daniels Eastmond Azure Partner Channel Development Manager, Microsoft Sports: Softball, Kickball his month’s Community Hero is Catherine “Cat” Eastmond, although those in the business world know her better by her maiden name of Daniels which she uses professionally. Currently serving as the host city director for the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America’s (ASANA) Softball World Series being held next month in Austin, Cat says that over the years “I’ve made countless friends and memories at series thanks to the hard work of some very dedicated volunteers. This year I’m excited to showcase the great city of Austin and make sure everyone has a fantastic series!”

Serving as assistant commissioner for Softball Austin’s women’s division, in 2016 she was inducted into Softball Austin's Hall of Fame for all her many efforts. Cat is also a member of the Austin Women’s Kickball Association and has served as president of the Central Texas Kickball Association.

Although she was born in Carrollton, Texas, by age three the family moved to Farmington Hills, Michigan outside of Detroit due to her dad’s job transfer. After college, in 2005 the Texas gal moved back to Austin even though she didn’t know anyone in the area. But what better way to meet people than to join a sports team. “I saw an ad in the Gay Place in the Austin Chronicle for Softball Austin, our local LGBTQ league and thought it would be a good way to meet people."

She's been here 12 years, saying that "Almost every person I’ve met and befriended over the years is somehow connected to the softball league.” Describing Austin as a very open city, Cat says “I play in both the gay league and straight co-ed leagues, and with our beautiful weather you can play 362 days a year (we take Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s off, of course.")

Cat first played on a Softball Austin D division team named the “Closers” after arriving in Austin. Later founding the Love Monkeys, first an open division team in 2007 and later an inaugural women’s division team in 2012, she has served as Softball Austin’s delegate to the ASANA organization since 2010, representing Austin as a member of ASANA’s ethics and IOG committee. During her role as the first women’s division commissioner for Softball Austin, she successfully bid for the 2017 ASANA World Series in Austin.

Standing just 4-foot-10, it’s evident that Cat isn’t afraid to take on big challenges, proving that good things often do come in small packages. When asked about challenges she’s overcome, Cat says it is “Hosting back-to-back World

T

Series [in Austin] (2016 NAGAAA World Series and 2017 ASANA World Series) has been exhausting. I’m extremely grateful for all the amazing people and generous support of the Austin community.” This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ASANA World Series and its estimated city-wide economic impact to Austin Photo courtesy Cat Daniels Eastmond stands at $1.5 million dollars based on an expected number of over 1,500 players, coaches and fans planning to attend.

Growing up Cat played hockey, basketball and softball although she dropped basketball once she quit growing and the other kids didn’t. Her dad started her in baseball at age six and says “his advice was crouch low so I didn’t have a strike zone – and I played that in both middle school and high school for Detroit Country Day Schools. I made the varsity team my freshman year, and over the next four years played left field, catcher and third base."

And thanks to working at the 2011 ASANA World Series in Philadelphia, she met her wife, Winter. As a friend of a friend, after hearing about the tournament being in town, Winter stopped in at a party and to quote Cat, “the rest is history ;) There’s an earthquake, Hurricane Irene, and a sixmonth long distance relationship in there, too. She moved to Austin in 2012 and we married in NYC in 2014.” But the icing on the cake for a softball lover like Cat? “Winter is a genuine softball bad-ass. After we first met I went to one of her co-ed games in Philadelphia. When she got up to bat all the male outfielders backed up the fence. I was like, ‘wow, who is this woman?’

“I found out later that Winter was LaSalle University’s starting shortstop and had played on travel and elite softball teams her entire life. She’s an incredibly patient teacher and a wonderful student of the game.” Cat also notes that “my batting average has improved noticeably since we married ;) We both love sports and that’s one of the cornerstones of our relationship. You should see our house during the Olympics.”

So congratulations to you, Cat Eastmond for all the work you do with Softball Austin’s LGBTQ and ally teams, ASANA and the City of Austin to promote sports diversity.

You are truly a community hero!

DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY HERO? Community Heroes is a regular feature in Compete Magazine. Nominate deserving individuals by emailing us at heroes@competenetwork.com and include a brief biography of or a link to your nominee.

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BY DR. JOHN SUTHERLAND

HEALTH

LESSONS LEARNED FROM SPINNING OUR WHEELS IF YOU’RE RIDING IN THE AIDS/LIFECYCLE this month you’ll bike 545 miles over seven days. By my calculation that means you’ll be spinning your (bicycle) wheels 421,744 times on the ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It’s a daunting task; even those who consider themselves to be champion athletes might not feel up to it.

But there are still four takeaways from this event for all of us.

TYPES OF ENDURANCE There are two types of endurance we should consider trying to cultivate. First is cardio-respiratory or aerobic endurance. This is a measure of the ability of the lungs, heart and blood vessels to transport oxygen to working muscles and then the efficiency with which those muscles can use the oxygen.

Muscles contain stored fuel enough to run for only 1.5 minutes on their own so we all depend on the aerobic system to get anything done. This is also why aerobic exercise, commonly referred to as cardio, is so important to try to maintain continuously.

YOUR "MR. THRIFTY" BODY Our bodies respond to any type of activity by revising their functions in order to accomplish the given task while minimizing energy expenditure. This is great because it allows us to do more and more without fatiguing. But it also means that to continue enhancing our aerobic capacity, we have to keep upping the ante. If we go for the same walk every day, we’ll get better at it but the conditioning effect will diminish rapidly over time.

AIDS/LifeCycle recommends training “in small increments of increasing intensity” and that’s a good general rule. After all, endurance is a relative term – this same approach will apply no matter what our age or our physical condition. The thousand mile journey does indeed begin

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with a single step ... and then another, and another, and another... well, you get the message.

MUSCLE ENDURANCE Muscle endurance is a localized phenomenon. It’s the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert force against resistance on a repeated basis. Muscle strength is the ability to exert force (overcome resistance) in a single effort; muscle power is strength applied with speed. At various times we’ll want specific muscle groups to possess all of these attributes. A cyclist, for example, will need his glutes and hamstrings to keep contracting for miles on end and still be able to give that extra push to power up any hills he’ll encounter en route. On the other hand, a distance runner will need to focus on the muscles that keep his ankles stabilized. Your sport determines which muscle groups need to be trained for motor endurance, strength and power.

DON’T PEAK TOO SOON Remember these words of athletic wisdom – don’t peak too soon (oh, stop snickering!).

Even a hamster on a rotating wheel learns to pace himself.

It’s easy to let our heads run away with our exercise schedule but our muscles respond better to a gradual buildup. This applies to the day of the event as well. You want to save that last push for the time it’s most needed.

If anything, it’s wise to take a training break before any concerted physical effort and then a longer one afterwards before resuming training at a less hectic pace.

These same rules apply to any activity. Keep improving your cardio workout, train for your specific local motor endurance needs, vary your level/incline terrain and pace your periods of activity. And one more very important thing: enjoy the ride!

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Boasting 3600 lumens and 6 CREE® LEDs at 6000k, the Pro 3600 Enduro offers 4 brightness settings and a daylight flash mode that are factory-tuned to optimize riding in any condition. Paired with a long-lasting 8-cell battery that doubles as a USB portable charger, it makes this lighting system perfect for long night rides, high speed MTB descents or backcountry touring. Light housing is highly durable with Dupont® Fiberglass reinforced nylon.

The system includes: an LED headlamp with remote switch; Li-ion battery/USB portable charger; a handlebar mount and fits up to 35mm; AC adapter and a nylon storage pouch. It weighs just 839g and is backed by NiteRider’s lifetime warranty that covers any defects in material and workmanship, mechanical components (housings, covers, mounts and fasteners) and LEDs. $549.99

Converse, now part of Nike, has unveiled its new limited edition collection of annual Pride sneakers honoring LGBTQ Pride. “Through this collection, Converse says YES TO ALL, standing with the belief that whatever your gender, sexual orientation, or identity, everyone is free to be who they are,” according to a company press statement. All net proceeds from the 2017 Converse Pride Collection will support LGBTQ youth organizations.

The Chuck Taylor All Star High Top allows you to show your Pride by customizing it to your taste in three steps: 1. Pick Your Colors: be as bold as you want to be with your choice of colors.

2. It’s All in the Details: decide between a variety of laces, eyelets, patches, rubber sidewalls and exclusive prints to add a special twist to your design.

3. Make It Yours: Add your name, number or an inspirational message with a personal ID. The shoe is listed on the website at $85; it’s custommade and ships to you free in less than three weeks. Free shipping and free returns for Nike+ members.

For help, go to http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/help

www.niterider.com LUMIERE ROCKY ROAD JERSEY This men’s Rocky Road cycling jersey is part of Lumiere’s Sweet Collection and features a pastel blue base with navy, cream and pink patterning. Made in Australia of top end MITI fabrics, it uses Lumiere’s signature cut that looks amazing and feels like pure luxury on the bike. It is a true pro fit with high stretch and is designed to be worn against the skin. It comes in sizes XS, S and M; if you are between sizes, size down. Also comes in women’s sizes 2XS and XS. Key features include: high-wicking Italian MITI fabrics; signature Lumiere race cut intended to be worn slim; longer sleeve length; dropped collar; micro mesh back and side panels for enhanced breathability; reversed YKK zip with camlock puller and UPF 50+ sun protection factor. $132.54

shop.cyclingtips.com

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store.nike.com WOMEN'S LOVE IS LOVE T-SHIRT This Bella+Canvas classic baseball jersey T-shirt is cute, comfortable and has been cut just for women.

Made from 100 percent super-soft ring-spun cotton

by Bella, it includes sideseams and double-needle stitched sleeve and bottom hems for lasting quality.

Select a design from our marketplace or customize this one to make it your own!

Sizes go from adult S-XL; 2X is available for additional $5; shirt runs small - order 1 to 2 sizes larger than normal; side seamed construction for a better fit; machine wash warm, non-chlorine bleach, tumble dry low. Colors are white/ black; baby blue/navy; white/ green; white/pink; white/red and white/true royal. $31.20

www.zazzle.com

OVERTIME

EVENTS

CURRENT EVENTS IN JUNE FOR A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT COMPETENETWORK.COM/EVENTS

BOWLING

SOCCER

Rose Bowl Classic Portland, June 2 Cleveland Gay/Lesbian Invitational Fellowship Tournament Parma, Ohio, June 10 Charlotte Invitational Bowling Tournament Charlotte, N.C., June 16 HUGS Lakewood, Calif., June 17 Denver Int’l Gay & Lesbian Invitational Denver, June 23 Houston Invitational Houston, June 30 Liberty Belle Invitational Philadelphia, June 30 City of Palms Invitational Tournament Ft. Myers, June 30

IGLFA Unity Cup Miami, May 28

CYCLING AIDS/LifeCycle San Fran to LA, June 4-10

FLAG FOOTBALL Pride Bowl X Chicago, June 23-24

RODEO IGRA Dance Event Dallas, June 8-11 Keystone State Gay Rodeo Harrisburg, Penna., June 23-25

RUNNING Seattle Frontrunner’s RunWalk with Pride 4K, 10K Seattle, June 4 Los Angeles 36th Annual Pride Run, 5K, 10K Los Angeles, June 10 Denver PrideFest Big Gay 5K Denver, June 17

SOFTBALL MAGIC Tournament

Washington, D.C., June 30-July 2

Badgerland Classic

Madison, Wis., June 30-July 2

TENNIS Rocky Mountain Open 2017 Denver, June 2-4 MCTC 2017 – Master Series Event Southfield, Mich., June 10-12 2017 Hilton Head Island Legends Hilton Head Island, June 23-25 Second City Classic 2017 Chicago, June 23-25

MULTI-SPORT TOURNAMENTS WORLD OUTGAMES Miami, May 28-June 3

CAMP PRIDE SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY BUILDS FUTURE LEADERS CAMP PRIDE’S 2017 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IS scheduled for July 18th through the 23rd at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte. Launched in 2007, the mission of the Summer Leadership Camp is to build leadership capacity among LGBTQ and ally college student leaders, providing them tools to help create safer and more inclusive campus communities within their respective schools.

Undergraduate students from two-year, four-year, rural, southern, HBCU, TCU and religiously-affiliated colleges and universities come to Camp Pride from all over the country. For that week student campers develop social justice and leadership skills to use upon their return to their individual campuses in the fall.

Being held at the same time is the Advisor Bootcamp that is intended for professionals working on-campus with LGBTQ college students. Through a separate education track, advisors, faculty, staff and professionals expand their knowledge, enhance their skills and collaborate with others who share a passion for advising and creating safer, more welcoming communities.

Campus Pride, the Academy’s parent organization was founded in 2001 as a non-profit educational foundation to offer support and services for LGBTQ and ally college and university students and/or campus organizations to create safer, more welcoming and inclusive institutions of higher learning. Its executive director and co-founder is Shane Windmeyer, a nationally recognized LGBTQ leader in higher education and a bestselling author.

For more information on Camp Pride or Campus Pride, go to: www.campuspride.org.

Sports Club

Pat Gamble

Graphic Design and Marketing

at

Your Uptown Fitness Experience! www.sportsclubatcitysquare.com (Indian School Rd and 2nd Ave)

602-285-2929 44

| COMPETE | June 2017

patgamble.com pgamble@mac.com

p (623) 252-5MAC

BY BOBBY CILETTI

STYLE

SUMMER STYLE TRENDS SUMMER IS ALWAYS A GREAT TIME TO BREAK out your favorite warm weather-wear staples. And if you are looking to enhance your summer style, an array of new trends for the summer 2017 season will give you plenty of options to accent your current style when you go shopping.

BOLD COLOR Powerful hues are popping up everywhere. This is the best trend for summer 2017 because it is the easiest one to personalize. While some of you will hesitate to embrace color to meet this bold scale, it is still a design element that is more accessible than you think. You may not be comfortable sporting the shocking pink seen in many designer collections but there is a color that can work for you, whether that is one of the bold blues or electric yellows.

Think saturated. The sub-trend here also suggests mixing and matching these colors for an even more eye-catching look.

THE 80S Are we finally moving away from the 70s trend? Slowly but surely it seems so. And that is thanks to the resurgence of some 80s style notes. Think metallics – shine plus an increased use of brighter, bolder color combinations. But

keep in mind that these elements are better for evening attire than for daytime wear.

FLORALS Fashion continues its love affair with florals, and this season it works from head to toe. It has become more and more common to find floral shirts with matching pants or shorts. The best part of this trend is that you can buy the separates to wear together now, and once this trend begins to simmer down you can wear them as separates. If florals aren't your thing, consider finding a pattern you like and wear it in a head-to-toe look.

STRIPES The spotlight was on statement stripes at all this year’s big fashion week shows. Stripes were seen in just about every possible variation and combination. Once again, designers were not shy about mixing and matching. So if you're not into florals or head-to-toe patterns, then this trend may be a way to incorporate a graphic look into your summer wardrobe. Just remember it’s not meant to be subtle.

SHEER One of the best summer trends is also the sexiest … when it is done correctly. The combination of warm weather and beachy destinations welcomes netted garments and apparel that is less than opaque, all of which leave little to the imagination. However, when it comes to wearing sheer clothing do consider the situation in advance to determine the impact of your style selections.

Layering a sheer top with a jacket can still provide intrigue without completely baring your chest.

BRANDED This trend is one you will love to hate so proceed with caution. This is a trend associated with NOW, not summer, specifically. The logo love is back but it is probably for a limited time. So invest your summer wardrobe dollars with caution as pricey designer tees and sweaters can set you back an easy $600, with some reaching over $2,000. If you can spare the cash and won’t hate yourself in a year when you can no longer wear GUCCI across your chest without shame, go for it. If not, back away slowly.

BOBBY SAYS: Summer trends can have a short lifespan so do not go overboard on shopping, spending and eliminating your current wardrobe without putting some thought behind it. Shop your closet first to find pieces you love that can speak to the current trends. Unless you love to shop, save by making bigger investments in fall styles which typically have longevity from season-to-season.

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| COMPETE | June 2017

A Celebration of Diversity 4 - 12 August 2018 #GayGames #Allequal

14+ cultural events

Register now! @Paris2018

36+ sports

Paris2018.com