Compete May June Pride Issue by COMPETE Magazine

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Shangela! PRIDE ISSUE • MAY-JUNE 2018 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

PRIDE ISSUE MAY-JUNE 2018 COMPETENETWORK.COM FEATURE

ONE-ON-ONE:

16 W ell, Halleloo Shangela!

18 The Continuing Relevance of Pride MVP 24 Jarvis Brown SPORTS 32 WNBA Shows Its Pride 34 NBA's Reggie Bullock: Transgender Activist SPORTS DIVERSITY 27 Robert Goman and NIKE's BETRUE Project SDLC CHANGE CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT 30 'Camp' Camp FROM COMPETENETWORK.COM 36 C elebrating Mother's Day with Nance Wernes GYM BAG 38 Hot Items You Shouldn't Do Without EVENTS 40 Calendar of Events STYLE

Photo courtesy of Degenkolb Entertainment

42 C elebrating Pride in Style BEDROOM SPORTS 44 Watching "Love, Simon"

Celebrate pride with

Shangela! PRIDE ISSUE • MAY-JUNE 2018 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

Compete Online Do you love to Compete? Get with the game and shop our online store, subscribe to Compete Magazine, read the hottest news blogs and check out the latest videos online at CompeteNetwork.com. COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Degenkolb Entertainment

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MILLENNIAL ON SPORTS: FROM THE SPORTS EDITOR

MILLENNIALS ON SPORTS: SPONSORSHIP AT PRIDE BY DIRK SMITH

s the season approaches for Gay Pride, we certainly have a lot of movement to celebrate. But we still have a lot to fight for if we are going to achieve true equality for all LGBTQ+ people. There has been a significant increase over the past five years in the amount of corporate sponsorship and participation in mainstream Pride festivals. At my local Pride event in Denver, I’ve seen everything from AMC Theatres to Walgreens and Walmart adopt rainbow versions of their logos, all done in the name of “LGBTQ+ Support.” But how many of these corporations are simply tapping into the pink dollar versus truly showing support for gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender and queer people in our community? It’s one thing to have a rainbow logo and a presence at Pridefest, but if it wasn’t for their company presence at the festival, I might not believe or even notice that those corporations would even bother with the LGBTQ+ community. However, with gay and lesbian people having some of the highest levels of disposable income in the country, it is no shocker that these companies suddenly see rainbow-colored dollar signs. They see it as economically convenient to spend $500 for a booth at Pride in the name of LGBTQ+ equality while beyond the festival itself, they conduct business as usual. On the other hand, there are a small handful of corporations that have made a more significant effort to show that their support for the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just about increasing sales and business. NIKE, for example has shown to be a very LGBTQ+ friendly and supportive company. Not only did they release the BETRUE line but also became one of the first sponsors of an openly transgender national team athlete. NIKE also hosts workshops and conferences for LGBTQ+ youth and student athletes as well as supports LGBTQ+ charities and organizations fighting for human rights. Sometimes companies will show their support in ways we may not even recognize. When Greg Louganis came out of the closet in the mid-90s, it caused a major stir that led all his sponsors to immediately drop him with the exception of Speedo. Speedo chose to continue its sponsorship of Greg despite the homophobia and fear-based rhetoric because of his HIV status. Throughout all Greg’s struggles Speedo supported him, and by extension they also supported the gay community when everybody else was turning away. That kind of support means more to me as a gay man and a swimmer than a rainbow logo at my local and increasingly commercialized pride festival.

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

6 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

LESS THAN 100 DAYS TO THE OPENING CEREMONY

THE CATBIRD SEAT: FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WE CAN ALL SHOW OUR PRIDE

Pride issue is always emotional for us at Compete; we’re a mixed bag of people with internal differences in gender, sexual preference, race, age and life experiences that can occasionally elicit conflicting opinions. But what consistently unites and defines us is our passion for making the sports world open for everyone who loves sports and wants to play. And Pride is the annual overarching concept intended to ensure that everyone is included in ALL the world’s daily interactions, treated with dignity, respect, equality and accepted without bias or judgment. We’re each a microcosm of the Pride celebration. This issue looks at people and organizations using their varied talents to promote the vision of Pride and sports diversity, like Shangela, the drag queen best known for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” appearances. There’s an interview with Robert Goman from NIKE and the BETRUE campaign, a story on NBA player and transgender activist Reggie Bullock. There’s also one on Nance Wernes, a lifelong athlete who grew up and founded a women’s tackle football league in Kansas City. Every individual can make a difference! But Pride is also meant to be fun, a positive celebration of what’s meaningful to us. So to add some “cheeky” fun, shown here is a fabulous illustration of Lena Waithe wearing her rainbow cape at the recent Met Gala (see High Five). It’s done by London-based fashion illustrator (and dinosaur lover) Dominic Evans, aka DOM&INK. Adding to that, we even have a story on ‘Camp’ Camp, a summer camp for adults that’s geared to lots of fun camp activities minus the angst of prior childhood camp nightmares. At Compete we believe that Pride is still an important celebration, that in 2018 positive visibility and action are still needed for the LGBTQ sports community and beyond. If you aren’t already taking an active part to promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance within your personal sphere of influence then join us and be part of the action AND the fun!

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

8 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

Courtesy of @domandink

Keep Smiling,

COMPETE EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR David "Dirk" 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 graduate of Harvard and the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. John Sutherland is a board certified internist and cardiologist and the founder of the North Mountain Cardio programs for health and wellbeing. FITNESS EDITOR Jake Tommerup A graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Jake Tommerup M.S. is an exercise physiologist, an ISSA-certified Master Trainer and the founder of RxErcise.

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 Advisory Board Ian Johnston, Uber Dr. William Kapfer, JP Morgan Chase Angela Smith, ASANA Jake Mason, USA Dodgeball SDLC Executive Advisory Committee Eric Carlyle, SDLC Patrick Higgins, SDLC, Connect Sports Catherine Kelly, SDLC, NAGAAA MISSION STATEMENT Compete unites the world through sports. COMPETENETWORK.COM FACEBOOK.COM/COMPETEMAG @COMPETESPORTS COMPETE MAGAZINE INSTAGRAM.COM/COMPETEMAGAZINE

10 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

PUBLISHER/CEO Eric Carlyle • eric@competenetwork.com COMPETE MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief Connie Wardman • connie@competenetwork.com Sports Editor Dirk Smith • dirk@competenetowork.com Health Editor Dr. John Sutherland • johns@competenetwork.com Fitness Editor Jake Tommerup • jake@competenetwork.com Style Editor Bobby Ciletti • bobby@competenetwork.com Art Director Heather Brown • heather@competenetwork.com Graphic Designer Kristi Wayland • kristi@competenetwork.com Contributors Harry Andrew, Ian Colgate, Ryan Evans, Jared Garduno, Aurelio Giordano, Kelli Kulick, Miriam Latto, Bryan Lee, Clay Partain, Brian Patrick, Benjamin Roussey, Elaine Wessel , Andy Winder. Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens • ariel@competenetwork.com COO/Consultant Barbara Harwell • barbara@competenetwork.com Sales & Operations Vice President Jared Garduno • jared@competenetwork.com Administration Bethany Harvat • bethany@competenetwork.com SDLC Program Coordinator Raleigh Dombek • raleigh@sportsdiversityleaders.com Copyright © 2018 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved. All Mail PO Box 2756 Scottsdale, AZ 85252 • (800) 868-5906 Corporate Office 6991 East Camelback Road, Suite D-300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 West Coast Office 3415 South Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90034 East Coast Office 100 Church Street, 8th Floor New York City, NY 10007 Compete is a trademark of Media Out Loud, LLC

Sports Diversity Leadership Council, Sports Diversity Leader and SDL are trademarks of Media Out Loud, LLC. Compete is available by subscription, online, on the Compete app, at local and national events and at 250+ pick up locations nationwide.

Upcoming Webinars • Power of Numbers: Using Numbers to Tell the Story and Drive Results Thursday - June 12, 2018 11:00 a.m. PST/2:00 p.m. EST

• Power of Relationships: Leveraging Relationships Thursday - July 12, 2018 11:00 a.m. PST/2:00 p.m. EST

• Power of Resources: Taking Inventory and Identifying Resources to Drive Results Tuesday - August 14, 2018 11:00 a.m. PST/2:00 p.m. EST

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WITH YOU: FROM THE PUBLISHER

TAKE PRIDE IN COMPETE

ou may be reading this during Pride month, a busy time of the year for Compete. This year is especially busy as we are preparing to relaunch Compete with our July-August issue. Over the past few months you might have noticed some changes at Compete. We’ve redesigned our magazine and website, upgraded our paper and binding, expanded our digital reach and watched the formal launch of our sister company, Sports Diversity Leadership Council, LLC (SDLC). And through all of these changes we have intentionally remained true to our roots – sports diversity. When we launched originally, our motto was “The Best Gay Sports Magazine in the World.” I think that remains true today but we’ve updated our mission, vision and motto to coincide with our big relaunch. ISSION: To serve as the premier voice for diversity, inclusion, equality, acceptance and M excellence in sports. VISION: To facilitate meaningful and collaborative discussions that enrich, develop and empower athletes, sports organizations and their communities. MOTTO: Uniting the World Through Sports™ As we celebrate Pride month and work on the next issue of Compete, we would like to ask for your help in “Uniting the World Through Sports™." If you see Compete on your local street corner, at your favorite library, community center, business or retail location, please pick it up and read it (and snap a picture for social media, too). We’d also like to promote your sporting event in our sports calendar or online at CompeteNetwork.com. In order to help support our print initiative we ask that you subscribe online, as well. Additionally, we would like to hear about a local athlete who inspires you, a celebrity that you follow or a breaking news story in your community. We want more opportunities to honor our audience and that includes YOU! We would love to hear from more of you –it’s how we continue to keep Compete current and meaningful for our readers. So celebrate Pride with Compete and watch for our relaunch in our July-August issue.

With You,

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

12 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

COMPETE READER SURVEY & GRANDSTANDING

WHICH PRIDE WILL YOU ATTEND?

35%

LOS ANGELES

30%

SAN FRANCISCO

LETTERS to COMPETE GRANDSTANDING Southern Charm (April Travel Issue) I saw your recent travel issue online and I was impressed with your feature article on Richmond. When I think of lesbian and gay friendly cities, absolutely no city in Virginia would come to mind. That is until now.

20%

I’m glad to see a Southern city so progressive and more than willing to put itself out there as a lesbian and gay travel destination. I haven’t booked my flight yet but it’s certainly someplace I’d consider visiting. And I will have to try the possum.

15%

Tamara Ngo Oakland, California

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

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

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HIGH FIVE

HIGH

As an early leader in the sports diversity movement, Compete Magazine gives out High Fives each month to deserving athletes, teams, leagues, organizations and corporations as well as high profile celebrities for their contributions to promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance for all. Here are five who get a High Five for a job well done!

ADAM RIPPON

… has become the first openly gay winner of "Dancing with the Stars." Taking on other athletes this season, he and dance partner Jenna Johnson set the dance floor on fire. But the figure skater has also been the first openly gay athlete to make Team USA, he’s won an Olympic medal, been named as one of TIME magazine’s most influential people of 2018 and launched a fundraising campaign for GLAAD to help advance equality and speed acceptance for LGBTQ youth. If that weren’t enough, he thrilled the audience at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards by bringing on his Olympic pal Gus Kenworthy and sharing a great kiss. You can watch it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIe6awzfFm8 Adam Rippon Tweets: “To all those who tweet at me saying that they ‘hope I fail,’ I have failed many times, many times in my life. But more importantly, I’ve learned from every setback, proudly own up to my mistakes, grown from disappointments, and now I’m a glamazon bitch ready for the runway.”

LENA WAITHE … as the first black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing, the out lesbian attended the recent Met Gala wearing a rainbow Pride cape and spoke about “reppin’ my community” and being proud doing it.

SHAQUEM GRIFFIN … the AAC Defensive Player of the Year who lost his left hand at age four has been drafted into the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks where he’ll be playing alongside his twin brother, Shaquill.

DANIEL KOENIG ... from Power 10 Films for being awarded a Telly Award for his powerful documentary "This is How We Roll" featuring adaptive college athletes at the University of Alabama (see our April Travel Issue).

BILLIE JEAN KING … the tennis legend and LGBTQ+ activist will be grand marshal at this year’s New York Pride parade on June 24, proving that she’s still as relevant in the quest for LGBTQ+ equality and acceptance as ever. Photo credit: Author: Luu https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2016%E2%80%932017_Grand_Prix_of_Figure_Skating_Final_Adam_Rippon_IMG_3987.jpg

14 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

ONE ON ONE We were both fortunate to be able to interview the fabulous Shangela (aka D.J. Pierce)! For the few, if any, who aren’t familiar with her, she’s possibly best known for her appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and other TV shows and appearances. But Pierce is a real force in the entertainment world through his drag management company, Say What Entertainment. And now, here’s Shangela! Dirk Smith & Jared Garduno, aka Compete: You’ve competed in not one, not two but now THREE seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Will the third time be the charm? Shangela: I definitely hope so! I came back smarter, stronger and with a fire to win. I wanted to showcase to RuPaul and to my fans how I’ve grown over the last six and a half years and how strong a competitor I can truly be. Compete: What have you been up to since Season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars?”

Well, Halleloo

Shangela! BY DIRK SMITH WITH JARED GARDUNO

S. After Season 3 I put a lot of dedication into being the best drag entertainer that I could be – the most well-rounded drag entertainer that I could be. I went on to appear in scripted and unscripted television shows; I worked as an actor in film; I released music, including my hit “WERQIN' GIRL” (Professional), Photo credits: Degenkolb Entertainment

16 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

Shangela! “Uptown Fish,” and I also worked with the House of Edwards on a holiday album.

I’ve toured the world and now have performed on six of the seven continents; Antarctica is the only one remaining. I really have worked hard to create a career based on being the best entertainer that I can be. I also started a business called Say What Entertainment that manages other drag talent from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” So, with all of that, I’ve been busy, honey! Let’s just say that I’ve been busy working! C: We absolutely loved you in “Hurricane Bianca” which was such a fun movie. Did you have a good time filming it? S. The best! I mean I love Bianca Del Rio. They’re great friends off-camera so to be able to bring that chemistry on-camera was easy. It was like hanging out with your buddy and there just happened to be a script, as well.

C: Will you be returning in “Hurricane Bianca 2: From Russia with Hate?” Please tell us you’ll pop out of a box again. S. Stay tuned! You should know that no box is ever safe with Shangela around! C: Compete Magazine is focused on sports and we’re crazy about Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy who we think stole the show at the Winter Olympics. If you had to pick one of their sports, which would you choose? S. Oh, I’d want to be a figure skater and I’d want to be pulling my good ole’ Adam Rippon realness! You get to wear fabulous costumes, you get to have a sickening musical number and you get to fully perform – and that’s what I want to do … as long as no one tries to “I, Tonya” me. C: So what do you think of our latest LGBTQ+ sports icons, Gus and Adam? S. I celebrate every person who is living their truth to the fullest. And to know that Gus and Adam are

part of our queer community and represented us so well in Korea, I was thrilled. But you know who my real crush was? She wasn’t even competing in the Olympics but she was there as a commentator, and that was Lesley Jones. I watched most of the Winter Olympics not just for the athletes but also for her commentary because she is HILARIOUS … and I think we would have so much fun on a date together. I just love her to death. C: After “All Stars 3,” what will you do?

S. Shangela has been busy for the last six years and she doesn’t plan on slowing down now. With regards to television and film, first of all I will be appearing in the sequel to “Hurricane Bianca,” “Hurricane Bianca 2” out this summer. I have a role in the new film, “A Star is Born” with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper that will be out this fall in theaters, so I would love for people to go and check that out. Also, I have new music starting with my newest single, “Pay Me” – a dance track featuring producer Ryan Skyy that will be available on iTunes anywhere music is sold. In addition to that, I’m going to be continuing touring the world this year and I have a brand new comedy show called “Shangela is Shook” in which I’ll be touring in the U.K. and later this year in Australia, with more to be added. From all of us at Compete and from our readers, we thank our superstar entertainer Shangela for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with us. If you’d like to learn more about her, please check out her website at shangela.com.

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THE CONTINUING RELEVANCE OF PRIDE

THE CONTINUING

RELEVANCE OF

PRIDE At Compete, we hear people ask the same question every year – they want to know if, in 2018 a Pride celebration is still relevant. So this year the question is answered by three Compete writers: Dirk Smith, our gay millennial sports editor who is a fitness coach; Connie Wardman, our ally and adult educator who has both a gay son and grandson; and Ty Nolan, our gay Native American community editor who’s an experienced LGBTQ community counselor. While each has a different set of life experiences and each shares a different piece of the Pride question, they all come to the same conclusion – Pride is still relevant!

18 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

THE CONTINUING RELEVANCE OF PRIDE

WHY PRIDE IS STILL RELEVANT BY DIRK SMITH

"...with the country’s current political climate we’re learning that “post equality America” is simply a myth. For all the gay rights we’ve fought for, there are people who are fighting back."

We are living in a “post equality America,” right? Nope. After marriage equality passed in 2015, many people asked why we still need Pride, or gay ghettos, gay games, gay bars or anything else that’s gayspecific. Many Millennials in particular wonder if we’re striving for equality, then what good is it for us to separate ourselves with our own cultural and sports events, bars, neighborhoods and other things. However, with the country’s current political climate we’re learning that “post equality America” is simply a myth. For all the gay rights we’ve fought for, there are people who are fighting back. Remember the whole transgender bathroom issue not long ago? How about transgender people serving in the military? Did you know several states are succeeding in passing anti-LGBTQ religious freedom laws? Basically, there are still a lot of people out there who are homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, sexist and racist who will do whatever it takes to strip of us our rights. It is still not entirely safe to be openly LGBTQ+ in America! Why do we celebrate Pride? It’s more than just an excuse to strip down to our undies and dance around. The history of Pride begins with the 1969 Stonewall Riots that energized a generation of LGBTQ+ activists who decided they weren’t going to stay silent anymore. Hundreds of activist organizations formed and took to the streets to speak out against abusive anti-LGBTQ+ culture, laws, businesses and people. Have you ever wondered why there’s no celebration of “Straight Pride?” Actually, that occurs every day. By and large, people have never had to fight against police harassment for being straight or for attending a bar and dancing with another person of the opposite sex. Straight people have never had organized systematic campaigns designed to instill fear in the rest of the population that they are pedophiles and perverts; this, despite the fact that the statistical majority of convicted pedophiles, including priests, are overwhelmingly straight. The LGBTQ+ Rights movement has been a struggle; to name a few, think Anita Bryant’s national homophobic campaign, the AIDS crisis that began in the 80s and continues today, plus a frightening annual rise in the number of transgender individuals killed. Pride is still important because it reminds us that we must unite as a community to celebrate ourselves and each other. Most importantly, we must come together to continue the fight for our rights as an organized group. Even though we share the same cause, there is a lot of internal homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexism and racism within the LGBTQ+ community. We can’t come together as a community to stand up for what’s right if we don’t take a hard look at ourselves. Pride is one of the rare opportunities where we can truly come together as a community, letting others know we deserve dignity, inclusion, equality and acceptance just like every other human being – we aren’t going away! As you can imagine, this is a loaded topic so so my Compete colleagues Connie Wardman and Ty Nolan will also be sharing their perspectives on this important question. Stay tuned for the follow ups examining the relevance of Pride on a worldwide scale as well as how it all ties into the relevance of small- and large-scale LGBTQ+ sporting events like Gay Games.

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Photos courtesy of photographer Kelly Linskey and AT&T

THE CONTINUING RELEVANCE OF PRIDE

MEGAN RAPINOE, PRO MLS PLAYER & OLYMPIC MEDALIST

ROBBIE ROGERS, RETIRED MLS CHAMPION

ROBBIE ROGERS REVEALS HOMOPHOBIA’S TOLL ON LGBTQ ATHLETES BY CONNIE WARDMAN

I spoke with Robbie Rogers about the recent release of the trailer for the powerful feature-length documentary, “Alone In The Game” premiering on June 28. In it he, Megan Rapinoe and Gus Kenworthy as well as other collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes and athletic administrators share their feelings of isolation and frustration at being trapped in a longaccepted sports culture of discrimination. Viewing the trailer was a deeply emotional experience and we both confessed to crying over the power of the stories being told. While he loved playing soccer, Robbie shared that his current life with husband Greg Berlanti and their son, Caleb is wonderful, a life that for years he could never dream of living. Many people wonder why he waited so long to come out. However, he believes it’s such a personal journey that you can’t give advice to someone else about coming out. Calling it a universal truth, he also said that coming out isn’t a big deal if it hasn’t happened to you or someone you love. How true! You become exquisitely vulnerable when you come out; every area of your life is put at risk without knowing what the outcome will be. When three elite openly LGBTQ athletes like retired Major League Soccer (MLS) champion Rogers, Olympic medalist/pro soccer player Rapinoe and freeskiing Olympic medalist Kenworthy are now open about their sexual orientation, it may still come as a surprise and shock at how deeply they’ve been impacted along the way

20 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

GUS KENWORTHY, FREESKIING OLYMPIC MEDALIST

by playing in environments that are potentially unsafe unless you are closeted. This is the ugly, hidden side of competitive sports few have gotten to see until now. An original AT&T AUDIENCE® Network documentary, it also includes powerful commentary from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, former ESPN President John Skipper, former NBA center Jason Collins, former NFL lineman Ryan O'Callaghan, NFL draftee Michael Sam, trans triathlete Chris Mosier, journalist LZ Granderson and a number of younger LGBTQ athletes who are still facing prejudice and exclusion based on their sexual orientation. The creative brainchild of David McFarland (also the documentary’s director and executive producer), it reveals that since Robbie's retirement from MLS there are currently no openly LGBTQ athletes in the five major U.S. professional team sports in spite of the progress that has been made since Collins shared his powerful 2013 coming out announcement in Sports Illustrated.

Interviewed by McFarland not long before his retirement from pro sports, Robbie says that to him, this whole experience “just felt right,” that McFarland was making a deeply positive impact for all LGBTQ athletes who continue to want to be included, accepted in the game they love and treated like everyone else. I couldn’t agree more – there could be no more powerful argument than this documentary that Pride is more relevant than ever!

“Alone In The Game” will premiere on Thursday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE on DirecTV NOW and DirecTV Ch. 239. You can also watch via streaming services on DIRECTV NOW, DIRECTV, and AT&T U-verse Apps. To watch documentary trailer: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aolQEcFp_QA&feature=youtu.be

THE CONTINUING RELEVANCE OF PRIDE

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS CELEBRATING PRIDE Here are some professional sports teams celebrating Pride Nights in June. Hopefully you’ll get to enjoy some of them in person. WNBA Pride Events by Dates:

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNIZING GENDER FLUIDITY

BY TY NOLAN Do you remember when ten percent was tossed around when discussing gay issues? Well if you do, you’re probably older than today’s average Millennial. That designation originated with Alfred Kinsey’s seminal work in human sexuality. But it was never an accurate figure; it tried to average out gay, lesbian, and bisexual experiences in the subjects Kinsey interviewed more than half a century ago. He didn’t even have a category for transgender reality. Less known, however, was that Kinsey found it was so common for men to report having same-sex relations as adolescents that he didn’t bother to count them until they had more than three encounters to the point of orgasm after the age of 16. Even then he ended up reporting only 37 percent of men had sex with same-gender partners in their lifetime. In the 21st century researchers have gotten better with surveying youth. They’re finding evolving concepts of gender that move beyond binary measurements of male or female. Just so, a recent survey found 48 percent of Generation Z (those between the ages of 13-20) self-reported as being “exclusively heterosexual.” This compares to 65 percent of Millennials (those between the ages of 21-34). The American study is very similar to the United Kingdom’s research showing 49 percent of those between the ages of 18-24 stating they’re “not 100 percent heterosexual.” Western society has a long history of being uncomfortable with the idea of bisexuality, hence the continuing need for Pride.

But with the concept of gender fluidity, sexual orientation can become delightfully complex and confusing. For example, if you’re sexually engaged with someone who doesn’t identify as male or female, is a “homosexual” act even possible? It’s a brave new (and exciting) world, friends!

Los Angeles Sparks – June 6 Indiana Fever – June 9 Washington Mystics – June 9 Connecticut Sun – June 10 Dallas Wings – June 16 Phoenix Mercury – June 16 Minnesota Lynx – June 17 Atlanta Dream – June 23 New York Liberty – June 23 Seattle Storm – June 23 San Antonio Stars – June 30 Chicago Sky – July 8 MLB Pride Events by Dates: San Diego Padres, April 27 Colorado Rockies, June 1 Washington Nationals, June 5 Boston Red Sox, June 7 Cincinnati Reds, June 8 Los Angeles Dodgers, June 8 Oakland Athletics, June 8 Pittsburgh Pirates, July 8 Tampa Bay Rays, June 8 Toronto Blue Jays, June 8 Chicago Cubs, June 10 & Aug. 26 Seattle Mariners, June 16 Milwaukee Brewers, June 21 San Francisco Giants, June 21 Atlanta Braves, June 22 Baltimore Orioles, June 27 Philadelphia Phillies, June 28 Arizona Diamondbacks, June 29 Minnesota Twins, July 9 New York Mets, Aug. 4 St. Louis Cardinals, Aug. 17 Chicago White Sox, TBA Kansas City Royals Pride Night is a grassroots event; Date July 22.

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Photos by CNG Photography

MVP

JARVIS BROWN First and Last Name: Jarvis Brown.

Favorite Team: Los Angeles Rams.

Age: 22.

Interests/Hobbies: Exercise, meditation, video gaming, travel, fashion, photography/modeling.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois. Best Physical Feature: Body. Current Sport(s) Played: Football, wrestling and track. Relationship Status: In a relationship. Favorite Athlete: Tavon Austin.

24 COMPETE Pride Issue â&#x20AC;˘ May-June 2018

Why You Love Sports: I love sports because it's a stress reliever. I'm passionate about being the center of attention and I love supporting and being supported by the team.

MVP MAY-JUNE 2018 How Did You First Get Involved in Sports: I got involved in sports when I first entered high school and wanted to try something new. Other Sports Played: Baseball and basketball. What’s Your Day Job: Starbucks. Greatest Personal Achievement: Graduating high school, traveling at a young age, modeling at a young age, winning science fairs and getting an amazing physique. Greatest Athletic Achievements: Being co-captain of each team and being one of the most consistent and better players on the team. What’s your personal story? Tell us something about you, what interactions you have had with the sports community, LGBTQ community, etc. I grew up on the south side of Chicago with a single mother who fought tooth and nail to get me and my siblings to where we are today. I was always the one being bullied in school but always remained humble through it all. I campaigned for our former president Barack Obama when I was 16 and got to meet Cyd Ziegler from the NIKE LGBT Summit where he let me tell my story to the panel of athletes and amazing attendees. I also got to meet Jason Collins and talk with him about my story. I had some major financial setbacks with college but I remained optimistic and got a job to promise that I will not fail no matter what life throws at me. I've been with my partner DAndre Campbell for three years and he has helped me to stay humble and grounded.

If given the chance, what would you tell/teach your younger self? And/or is there anything you hope to teach the younger generation that may be looking up to you. If I was given the chance to speak with my younger self I would definitely tell myself to always smile and keep pushing forward because everything is a lesson that needs to be learned; you have amazing potential; never let anyone bring their insecurities on you. And every opportunity that you come across, take it and run with it because you'll never know where you'll end up. What are your future goals? My future goals are to be financially stable, have my own house and car, and hopefully be married. I wish to become a huge influence on not just the young generation but also the adults because we all have something to learn from one another or someone to look up to. What are your thoughts about the LGBTQ community’s inclusion in sports diversity? My thoughts about LGBT inclusion on sports is to move in silence but never silence your truth.

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SPORTS DIVERSITY

ROBERT GOMAN AND NIKE’S BETRUE PROJECT

Photo courtesy of Robert Goman

BY BRIAN PATRICK

hen you think of major companies today that are actively working to change our sports culture that’s been ingrained not only by homophobia but also biphobia, transphobia racism and sexism, NIKE is one of the biggest advocates. Through its corporate diversity programs and employee passion projects the company is promoting much needed change by both word and example. And when you mention NIKE and the LGBTQ sports community, the first person who automatically comes to mind for the untold numbers of LGBTQ athletes, coaches, educators, organizations and media who have spent valuable time at the NIKE Campus at one of the company’s LGBTQ Sports

Summits is Robert Goman. We were happy to talk with Robert and learn more about him and his role at NIKE and their BETRUE campaign. Compete: Thanks so much for taking time to talk with us, Robert. Since you work for a company

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COMPETE

SPORTS DIVERSITY geared to sports and competition, were you an athlete growing up? If that’s the case, how did you first get involved in sports and what did you play? Robert Goman: I was part of a summer swim team as a kid and then in junior and senior high school I was involved in Cross Country and Track & Field. I also tried freshman Basketball in high school until I realized I wasn’t coordinated enough for the game. C: What do you consider your greatest athletic achievement then? RG: Well, in high school I received the “Coaches Award” in Track & Field. Interestingly, this achievement made me realize the importance of being a team player. Individual contribution to a team is one thing but being seen as a strong supportive team player for the overall team is something I value today in my everyday work and life. C: Please tell us about your work at NIKE. For those of us who have been involved with NIKE and its popular BETRUE project, you tend to be the face of it. Is it your fulltime job at NIKE? RG: My fulltime job at NIKE is Senior Director of Global Product Presentation for NIKE Direct Brand Marketing. BETRUE is a passion project that gives me the opportunity to bring the voice of the LGBTQ sports community and athletes into the corporate conversation of brand building and social marketing. C: What is the process you go through to produce your annual BETRUE campaign? RG: Each BETRUE season begins with a story or an insight about the ever-evolving LGBTQ community and the world of sports. We spend a great amount of time in the details. It isn’t about slapping a rainbow onto product and pushing it into the market. It is thoughtful and connected. As an example, the colors used in the 2018 product connect back from an historical standpoint when the color lavender was used as a subtle way to

28 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

identify to others and how the pink triangle became an important LGBTQ symbol. There is power in storytelling and the history of our LGBTQ community – these details influence our work and vision for BETRUE. C: Tell us something about you, Robert. What meaningful interactions have you had with the NIKE LGBTQ sports community? RG: BETRUE has provided many meaningful interactions and conversations with LGBTQ NIKE athletes. Each of these moments has been meaningful as each story has its own personal narrative. Everyone has his or her own journey, experiences and influences. Each one of these moments is full of personal struggle, personal growth and personal investments in the future of LGBTQ athletes and sports C: What do you consider your greatest personal achievement, Robert? And as a role model for the LGBTQ community, what insights would you share with your younger self? RG: Being part of the BETRUE LGBTQ leadership at NIKE and seeing what a shared vision and passion can create to move the sports world forward is my greatest achievement personally. LOL – I don’t consider myself a “role model.” If I could go back and tell my younger self anything it would be simple: “respect the past – know the history and story. Listen to those who have paved the path that you are walking on and continue to pave that path for the future “you” because you’re going to LOVE who you become.” C: What are your future goals for the BETRUE campaign? RG: To continue to leverage the power of sport, mentorship and equality for LGBTQ athletes to be their true and authentic selves on and off the field of play. C: Thanks so much for sharing your time and wisdom with us (after all, many of us think of you as a role model).

SDLC CHANGE CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

'CAMP' CAMP: A SUMMER OF

ENCHANTMENT BY BRYAN LEE

In the gorgeous hills of Southwestern Maine, approximately 45 miles west of Portland lies a mystical and magical fairy land. Inhabited by 200-250 people every August for the past 21 years, this land of enchantment is known simply as ‘Camp’ Camp. ‘Camp’ Camp has been America’s premier summer camp for LGBTQ adults since its inception in 1997. Yes, a summer camp where you can spend a week with other LGBTQ campers and actually make friends and have fun camping. If you’ve ever gone to a sleep-away camp when you were younger, the structure of this camp won’t sound uncommon. Not only do they offer programs of great outdoor and athletic activities as well as interesting arts and craft options, they also offer a wide array of fun and entertaining evening social events. But this is NOT the same kind of camp that prompted your childhood nightmares! This campground includes a theater, a small weighttraining center, five tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, studios for crafts and performing arts, a climbing wall, adventure course, a large sports field and two sand beaches. As if that weren’t enough, all of these amenities surround the Main Lodge containing two levels of interior space and a massive stone fireplace where campers gather for meals and evening activities. The Grand Poobah of ‘Camp’ Camp is none other than Kerry Riffle. Kerry has held a number of positions on the camp staff since it opened in 1997, including theatre instructor, rainbow group leader, staff training supervisor and now owner and director. 2018 will mark his 22nd year with ‘Camp’ Camp, thus giving him the dubious distinction of being one of only two people who has been at ‘Camp’ Camp every year since it began.

30 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

When asked what kind of people come to Camp, the answer is as varied as the type of people who choose this all-inclusive LGBTQ vacation. Campers tend to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people who enjoy being active outdoors, playing sports and exploring their creative side. Most campers enjoy being around other people, even if they are intimidated by meeting lots of strangers, and camp tends to attract those who enjoy trying new things and challenging themselves. If you’d like to enter this summer land of enchantment, the new season runs from August 19-26. For more information on ‘Camp’ Camp or to register, please visit www.CampCamp.com or email them at info@campcamp.com.

JOIN US TODAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THE POWER OF SPORTS COMMUNITY

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SPORTS

WNBA SHOWING ITS

PRIDE BY DIRK SMITH

32 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

The Women’s National Basketball Association, otherwise known as the WNBA, has always been a leader in establishing and promoting a strong professional sports presence for women. When the league was formed by the NBA, it was created specifically for female athletes to play basketball on a pro level. As the leader in promoting diversity and inclusion of women in sport, it was the first professional sports league to have an openly LGBTQ+ athlete on its roster. Sheryl Swoopes was the first player signed by the newlycreated WNBA in 1997, and seven years later she was one of the first professional league athletes to come out as openly gay. While it didn’t create quite the discussion or controversy that Michael Sam and Jason Collins would experience years later, it did have an impact that helped to lead the way for those athletes to come out. Facing an uncertain future after coming out, Swoopes soon found that her family at the WNBA welcomed her as their teammate and friend. She continued to represent both the WNBA and Team USA Basketball throughout her enormously successful playing career until her retirement in 2011. While the league tiptoed around the issue for many years, it finally started to embrace its LGBTQ+ fans and players by becoming the first professional sports league to adopt and promote “Pride Nights” at their games in 2014. While not all players were initially comfortable with this level of inclusion, Layshia Clarendon of the Atlanta Dream has been working with the league to educate about inclusion and support of their LGBTQ+ fans and players. WNBA players have continued to be more outspoken on social issues, including Brittany Griner expressing her opposition to an antitransgender bathroom bill that the Texas legislature attempted to pass last year. While there’s still a lot of progress to be made, the WNBA has shown its support for the LGBTQ+ community by continuing to represent its LGBTQ+ players by sponsoring many PRIDE nights throughout the month of June, participation in Pride festivals and parades and featuring Pride-themed merchandise. They are continuing to lead the way by breaking down walls and barriers for female athletes and openly lesbian athletes as they continue their mission for equal representation in professional basketball. Diana Taurasi, now in her 14th season with the Phoenix Mercury, is one of the leading examples of an elite openly lesbian player in the WNBA. The eighttime All-Star and two-time Finals MVP just became the first WNBA player to reach 8,000 points. And in 2017, less than 24 hours after marrying her former teammate Penny Taylor, Taurasi played in the Mercury’s season opener. Some of the WNBA’s Pride Nights coming up include LA Sparks on June 6th, Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics on June 9th, Connecticut Sun on June 10th, Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury on June 16th, Minnesota Lynx on June 17th, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty and Seattle Storm on June 23rd, San Antonio Stars on June 30th, and Chicago Sky on July 8th. Check out www.wnba.com/pride for more information and to buy tickets.

SPORTS

NBA GUARD

REGGIE BULLOCK

ADVOCATES FOR THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY BY TY NOLAN

etroit Pistons guard Reggie Bullock knows all too well the devastating results of transphobia – his sister, a transwoman, was stabbed to death in 2014. Bullock has been a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for most of his professional life in the NBA since he was drafted in the first round of 2013. He has sported basketball shoes with LGBTQ printed across the top with the name of his sister, Mia Henderson written on the sole.

Recently, he’s displayed a more permanent memorial – a tattoo on his left calf reading “LGBTQ” and his sister’s name. Bullock has hosted a Pride night and continues to find other ways to be publicly supportive. According to the Daily Beast, Bullock has reached out directly to the NBA, hoping to make his dream of players wearing rainbow jerseys a reality in his lifetime. The NBA has had a spotty history when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Compete reported on the experience of Jason Collins, the first active NBA player to come out as gay in 2013.

34 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

Playing for the Washington Wizards at the time, Collins’ announcement of his sexual orientation was openly embraced by both now-retired NBA commissioner David Stern and current commissioner Adam Silver. He also received lots of positive support from the Wizards and individual athletes and fans. He ended up playing briefly for the Nets and took his retirement soon after. While Collins might not have felt popular with some individuals at the time, his jersey became one of its bestsellers and the proceeds were donated to LGBTQ+ charities.

Photo courtesy of GLAAD

Bullock’s call for inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is critical. With increased visibility and media coverage of the trans community, violence against trans people has spiked. Although marriage equality became the law of the land in 2015, with 28 violent deaths in 2017, research showed that it was the deadliest year for the transgender community. But it’s 2018. Last month the New Zealand Blacks of rugby fame donned rainbow logo jerseys as a statement against homophobia. A number of organizations, including the NBA have been listening. On their social media accounts the NBA posted a video showing Bullock being honored at the GLAAD Media Awards on May 5 where his message on "Inclusion is for everyone" was met with a standing ovation. Also an Athlete Ally ambassador for LGBTQ+ inclusion, at the March Transgender Day of Visibility Bullock and WNBA star Breanna Stewart spoke about the fact that “…everyone should have equal access, opportunity and experience in sport regardless of their gender identity." Both Bullock and Stewart are working to ensure that all transgender athletes have an opportunity to reach their full potential in sports, the same as every other athlete. So can NBA rainbow jerseys become a reality in 2018? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, check out Reggie’s “Fly” video from GLAAD at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3FaCQXI9Cw.

Photo courtesy of Nance Wernes

FROM COMPETENETWORK.COM

CELEBRATING

Mother's Day WITH NANCE WERNES BY DIRK SMITH

36 COMPETE Pride Issue â&#x20AC;¢ May-June 2018

FROM COMPETENETWORK.COM

his year for Mother’s Day our sports editor Dirk Smith caught up with our good friend Nance Wernes who is not only a great mother but also a longtime advocate for female representation in sports and founder of the Kansas City Storm, an all-women’s professional tackle football team. Nance was also the recipient of the 2017 Jared Garduno Sportsmanship Award at our November Petey Awards.

Dirk Smith: Tell us a bit about yourself, where you grew up and what inspired your passion for women’s athletics? Nance Wernes: I grew up in Des Moines playing any sport I could. I would rather be outside playing than inside watching TV any day. So sports have always been a big part of my life. In high school, I participated in 16 sports seasons (four sports; four years) and earned nine varsity letters. I continued in college with volleyball.

"The inspiration came from the limited professional female athletes of the time, golfers and tennis players, mostly; Nancy Lopez, Billie Jean King. It was before you saw a lot of team sports for women like you do today, basketball, softball, soccer. I guess the passion came from the positive experiences; the coaches that truly cared, the teammates that became great friends and feeling the support of my family."

DS: What kind of barriers did you face when you founded the Kansas City Storm? How were you able to overcome them? NW: One barrier was financial. Football is an expensive sport, as is evidenced by it being dropped by a lot of high schools and colleges. Sponsors tend to support children's teams but not adult teams; couple that with football being a non-traditional sport for women and support is difficult to secure. We combat it with taking matters into our own hands through fundraising and making wise decisions with our money, like reducing league fees,

scheduling games as close as possible to Kansas City to reduce travel costs. We also work hard to be a good community member and build mutually beneficial relationships. DS: Tell us about your son, Bobby. What kind of sports is he involved in? NW: He grew up playing many sports but today he’s focused on baseball. He’s with the Colorado Rockies Double-A Affiliate, the Hartford Yard Goats. DS: How did your role as a mother, coach, athlete and advocate factor into your son’s athletic pursuits? NW: Seeing me in those roles provided focus and validation for him in his sports career. Sports are valued in our family and provided a wholesome family activity for us. He supported the Storm as a ball boy and then later as an announcer. He definitely has an appreciation for all the behind-thescenes and off-field work that is required in sports and I think it helps him keep his perspective that many people contribute to the success of a team, not just the athletes. DS: What message would you like to send to your son and to everybody out there for Mother’s Day? NW: Take time out today to appreciate all the special women in your lives and most important, let them know. Everyone loves to hear that they’ve made a difference to someone special to them. Don’t be selfish with your words! DS: Thanks Nance for all that you do! Check out the Kansas City Storm at www.kcstormfootball.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KansasCityStorm.

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38 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

Kapow Meggings If you haven’t tried on a pair of Kapow Meggings, you really should. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort and wear that even the largest men will feel when they slip on these tight pants. A great form of self-expression and confidence, Meggins also gives the wearer a greater sense of mobility and range of motion that works well for just about any workout. There are many awesome styles to choose from; everything from more subtle colors to really flashy colors and great designs. Ditch the baggy gym shorts and replace them with a solid pair of Kapow Meggings. From $49.99-79.99. Save 15 percent on any pair with code Compete15 at www.kapowmeggings.com Gay Pride Bow Ties® Gay Pride Bow Ties® aren’t just any bow ties; they’re meant to empower the entire spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies by sending a message of unity, equality, compassion and coexistence. Intended to unify people to make a difference in this world, it also helps support the LGBTQ+ community by donating $5 back to supporting nonprofit LGBTQ+ organizations for every tie sold! www.gaypridebowties.com

EVENTS: FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.COMPETENETWORK.COM/EVENTS BASKETBALL

MULTI-SPORT EVENT

Seattle Classic 2018

NBA FINALS

Summer X Games 2018

Liberty Open 2018

May 31 start, Houston or Oakland

WNBA Phoenix Mercury May 18, Phoenix

BOWLING Rose Bowl Classic Portland, June 1

Cleveland Gay & Lesbian Int’l Fellowship Tournament Parma, Ohio, June 9

Denver Int’l Gay & Lesbian Invitational

Minneapolis, July 19-22

Seattle, June 22-24 Queens, N.Y., June 30-July 2

RODEO

VOLLEYBALL

Keystone State Charity Rodeo

Red, White & Blue Ball 8

Dillsburg, Penna., June 22-24

Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo Denver, July 6-8

RUGBY

San Francisco, June 30

SELECTED MAJOR PRIDE EVENTS 2018 Chicago Pride Fest

2018 Bingham Cup Amsterdam, June 8-10

June 16-17

RUNNING

2018 Los Angeles Pride Festival & Parade

Lakewood, Calif., June 23

Stonewall PRIDE Run

Liberty Belle Invitational

Cleveland, June 1

New York City Gay Pride 2018

Philadelphia, June 29

Seattle Frontrunner’s Run/Walk w/ Pride 4K, 10K

Denver, June 22

HUGS

City of Palms Invitational Ft. Myers, Fla., June 29

Seattle, June 3

Houston Invitational

Philly Pride Run & 1.5 mi. Run Run

Houston, June 30

Philadelphia, June 10

CAR RACING

Proud to Run

2018 Indy 500

9th Annual Pride 5K

May 27, Indianapolis

Chicago, June 23 St. Louis, Mo., June 24

CYCLING

SOFTBALL

25th Annual AIDS LifeCycle

Scissortail Shootout

San Francisco to Los Angeles, June 3-9

FLAG FOOTBALL

Oklahoma City, June 22-24

Liberty Classic Long Beach, June 30-July 1

Pride Bowl XI Chicago, June 22-23

Badgerland Classic

GOLF

MAGIC Tournament

U.S. Open

Madison, Wis., June 30-July 1 Washington, D.C., June 30-July 1

Southampton, N.Y., June 11-17

TENNIS

HORSE RACING

MCTC2018

Belmont Stakes 2018 Elmont, N.Y., June 9

Southfield, Mich., June 9-11

Boston Tennis Classic 2018 Boston, June 15-17

40 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

June 9-10 June 15-24

San Francisco Gay Pride 2018 June 23-24

STYLE: BOBBY SAYS

CELEBRATING PRIDE IN

STYLE BY BOBBY CILETTI

June is one of the most anticipated months of the year. It not only marks the official start of summer, it’s also Pride month in the U.S. and around much of the world. Members of the LGBTQ community and their friends who want to show their Pride are increasingly finding help from retailers and major brands. Check out these options for showing your Pride style. Budget Pride can be an expensive time of year. Take advantage of collections from H&M’s first ever Pride collection. Called Pride Out Loud, it's 70s-inspired and features a campaign with heartthrob and Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy and Drag Race superstar Aja. H&M’s collection will be available at 148 stores and online with 10 percent of the proceeds going to the United Nations Human Rights Office Free & Equal Campaign. Target is also helping you celebrate Pride with its #TakePride initiative. Long lauded for supporting and including the LGBTQ community, Target also offers Pride merchandise and encourages its employees and customers to take pride all year long, not just at Pride. Target aids in this mission by supporting numerous company programs aimed at education, inclusion and volunteerism. hm.com; target.com/c/pride/-/N-5589f Hats This Pride’s hottest headwear might just be the rainbow Mickey ears. This is the first Pride month the ears will be available. The rainbow striped ears sit atop a red cap embroidered with two hands in the shape of a rainbow-filled heart. Disney says the Rainbow Love ears are available exclusively in parks for $17. In addition to the Mickey ears, Disney has unveiled the rainbow Mickey collection which will donate 10 percent of proceeds to GLSEN. shopdisney.com/collections/rainbow-mickey-collection Footwear Of course having a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes is paramount for Pride. Whether you are marching in a Pride parade, dancing for hours or just want another excuse to enable your shoe obsession, think about buying new shoes. NIKE will be relaunching its annual #BeTrue collection which features a variety of footwear along with clothing and accessories. Adidas, another footwear giant typically offers its own collection of Pride products. nike.com/betrue; adidas.com/us/pride_pack Charity This is also a great time to express your Pride by supporting LGBTQ causes. Consider making a double statement by grabbing merchandise from some of your favorite organizations. HRC has a rainbow collection and It Gets Better has a store. What is your favorite LGBTQ organization? See if they have any merchandise you want to wear to show your support of their missions. shop.hrc.org/featured-shops/rainbow.html; store.itgetsbetter.org Bobby Says … Some brands have drawn criticism for only caring about the pink dollar. If you want your purchase to have purpose here are a few things to consider. Are the products you are purchasing made in a country where LGBTQ rights are recognized? Are a portion of the sales being donated to LGBTQ causes, charities or organizations? How do a company’s programs and values support and include the LGBTQ community? And remember – however you decide to express your Pride style, a friendly smile will always be your best Pride accessory!

42 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018

BEDROOM SPORTS

WATCHING

BY RYAN O’CONNOR, GUEST COLUMNIST

am crying! As a thirty-something adult male, I have tears of joy streaming down my face. Did I just win the lottery? Did I just welcome a new child into the world? No. I just walked out of the movie theater.

I met a blind date at the theater. The good news is that he paid for the movie. The bad news is that I paid for the popcorn. That means he was already ahead a few bucks before the movie even started. I waited a few weeks to see “Love, Simon.” It’s a typical high school love story … with just one twist — Simon is gay. The hardest thing to believe about this move wasn’t Simon’s sexuality. It was that fact that Simon and his onscreen friends were actual high schoolers. The truth is they are all in their twenties. I guess that is typical in Hollywood “teen” movies and TV shows. I mean did you ever really believe Patrick Dempsey was a high school student in “Can’t Buy Me Love?" Well, I guess that was slightly more believable than Luke Perry in “Beverly Hills, 90210.” If you’ve read my column before, you may already know I dated my sister’s boyfriend in high school. So I think my high school dating life would make a great movie, too. I am not sure who I’d like to play me but Chris Pratt comes to mind (sorry, 90201 fans but Luke Perry is eligible for AARP by now). Yeah, Chris Pratt will do. But getting back to Simon; the movie was cute. I didn’t just cry at the romantic ending; I also laughed my way through most of it. Watching the movie I was always two steps ahead of the plot. It had the typical plots and twist (I won’t spoil them all here) but we always knew Simon would turn out OK. Well, even more than OK. They now have to set him up for a sequel, right? 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.

44 COMPETE Pride Issue • May-June 2018