15 September 2012 / Team DC's Night OUT with United pro soccer

News from Team DC:



United Night OUT
Saturday, September 15 at 7 PM vs. the New England Revolution

Pro soccer at RFK Stadium in one of the United's final home games that could have important playoff implications!  The third annual United Night OUT is hosted by the Federal Triangles Soccer Club.  More about them can be found at www.federaltriangles.org.  Stay tuned for pricing and ticket information.

19 August 2012 / Night OUT at the Mystics women's basketball match

News from Team DC:



Night OUT at the Mystics
Sunday, August 19 at 4 PM vs the Chicago Sky

Women's basketball at the Verizon Center where it will be nice and cool!  Also a great opportunity to bring your kids and let them experience pro basketball up close.  We are working to arrange a great pre and post-game events near the Verizon Center, so stay tuned for that.  You can get your tickets starting tomorrow (Friday) at the link on the Team DC website at www.teamdc.org.  The promo code is nightout.  Groups of 20 or more should contact Brent Minor at brent@teamdc.org.

20 July 20121 / Team DC Night OUT at the Kastles tennis match

News from Team DC:


Night OUT at the Kastles
Friday, July 20 at 7 PM vs the Orange County Breakers

Tickets are available NOW online HERE.  There are two prices to choose from:
$13 for reserved Grandstand seats (normally $15)
$28 for reserved Chairback seats (normally $30)

Tennis legend Chris Evert will be on hand before the match to meet and greet fans.  This will be on a first come, first served basis for all attendees.  The Kastles play at the Waterfront Tennis Center at 800 Water Street (easy walk from the Waterfront Metro) and tickets are moving quickly, so don't delay!

Then, join members of the Capital Tennis Association on Sunday, July 22 at 7 PM vs the Kansas City Explorers and featuring Serena Williams!  Tickets for this night start at $77 and you will get reserved Chairback seats up close to see Serena warm up for the Olympics.  As an exclusive part of the CTA Night on July 22, a special Meet and Greet with a Kastles player (other than Serena...sorry!) will be held.

As a special "Doubles" treat, anyone who purchases 4 or more tickets using the Night OUT/CTA link will be entered into a raffle for 2 free seats to the Kastles' finale on July 24. The link for both events is https://sites.google.com/site/kastlesgroup/.  These matches will definitely sell out, so if you want tickets, act now!

7 July 2012 / Team up to fight AIDS with the Washington Nationals

News from Team DC:

Team Up to Fight AIDS with the Washington Nationals
Saturday, July 7

To help recognize the return of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Washington, Whitman-Walker Health is working with the Quilt organizers to bring panels of the Quilt to Nationals Park when the Nationals take on the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, July 7 at 4:05 PM. You can get your tickets online HERE. Each ticket sold will include a $5 donation to the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Whitman-Walker Health. We urge you to purchase your tickets TODAY to ensure that the Quilt can be displayed!

A Washington angle to Nike LGBT Sport Summit

Les Johnson and Ashland Johnson at Portland Pride Parade

The Washington Blade looks at last weekend's Nike LGBT Sport Summit in Portland, where Team DC president Les Johnson represented the Federation of Gay Games, and where other Washingtonians also participated:

A transgender former George Washington University basketball player was among the nearly 30 people who took part in an LGBT sports summit at Nike’s world headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., from June 14-17.

Kye Allums, who came out as trans in a 2010 interview with the LGBT sports website Outsports.com, joined Team DC President Les Johnson and National Center for Lesbian Rights policy counsel Ashland Johnson, who also lives in D.C., at the confab. Campus Pride, ESPN, Nike and the National Collegiate Athletic Association were among the 20 organizations that sent representatives to the summit.

During the three-day gathering, participants drafted four broad goals on which they will work over the next four years to end harassment and discrimination against LGBT athletes and coaches. These include collaborations with major professional sports leagues to make them more LGBT inclusive, increased visibility of out collegiate athletes and coaches and the implementation of LGBT-inclusive policies in at least five adult and youth recreational leagues. The fourth objective is to have at least two million young people hear what summit organizers describe as an inclusive definition of “athletic champion.”

[...]


“We’re tired of just waiting around and progress being really slow so we got together,” said Johnson, who represented the Federation of Gay Games at the summit. “We’re trying to do something bold and get Nike behind us. And we’ve got some fresh ideas.”

Several summit participants also marched with the Nike contingent in the Portland Pride Parade that coincided with the end of the gathering.

“It’s the Nike LGBT Sports Summit, but it really is a collaboration between Nike and a bunch of us who want to get this done,” stressed Zeigler, referring to the sporting apparel’s support of the gathering. “Being yourself and maximizing your potential—these are all important pieces of Nike’s brand. What we’re doing is matching Nike’s brand.”

Read in full HERE.

19 June 2012 / NAACP President and CEO to be part of Team DC's Night OUT at the Nationals

From FGG member organization Team DC, an exciting update on Night OUT at the Nationals on June 19:

Over 3,300 tickets have now been sold to the 8th Annual Night OUT at the Nationals! Will we break the record of 3,523 tickets?????

Tickets are still available for $18 (normally $22 at the box office) and here is how you can get yours:
Go to Nellie's Sports Bar where tickets are on sale at the downstairs main bar.
Go to www.nationals.com/nightout and get your tickets NOW. Online sales start at $18.

We are extremely pleased to announce that Benjamin Jealous, the President and CEO of the NAACP, will join us that night to deliver the official Line-Up Cards that evening. As you probably know, the NAACP is one of the nation's oldest and most important civil rights organizations and has come out in support of full marriage equality. Team DC is proud to be associated with the NAACP and appreciative of their support of the LGBT community. Come meet Mr. Jealous and thank him for his support!

Please be sure to be inside the ballpark no later than 6:30 PM to watch the pre-game ceremonies with our other Special Guests, including:
Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) will join us at the Night OUT on June 19 to throw out the First Pitch. Congressman Polis is a true fighter for our community and as one of only 4 openly gay Members of Congress, he is a great example of what can be accomplished when you are OUT....just like we all will be that night!
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will sing the National Anthem that night AND be recognized that evening as the recipient of the Team Spirit Award from the Washington Nationals in recognition of their tremendous contributions to the Night OUT and our community. Way to go Chorus!!!!
Sgt. Brett Parson will open the game with "PLAY BALL". Brett is a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department and is the former head of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU). Brett has been a stalwart in our community for many years and we are excited to have him recognized that night.
We are also proud to have representatives of the AIDS Vaccine Trials Unit of NIH who will be at the Community Kiosk inside the ballpark that night. The work they do has a profound impact on our community. Thank You and let's hope they find some Nats fans who are interested in research trials!
And, don't forget, beers are only $5 up in our Scoreboard section up until the start of the game. Meet your friends and get there early and cheer loudly as representatives of our community are showcased throughout the ballpark that evening.


Be a part of the LARGEST LGBT Community Night in professional sports in the United States and see your first place Nats take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays

19 June 2012 / Update on Team DC and Night OUT at the Nationals

From Team DC:

Night OUT at the Nationals - Tuesday, June 19 vs. Tampa Bay....now over 3,000 tickets sold!

Over Pride weekend we surpassed the magical 3,000 ticket mark to the 8th Annual Night OUT at the Nationals! Tickets are available for $18 (normally $22 at the box office) and here is how you can get yours:

Go to Nellie's Sports Bar where tickets are on sale at the downstairs main bar.
Or visit www.nationals.com/nightout and get your tickets NOW. Online sales start at $18.

We are pleased to announce that Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) will join us at the Night OUT on June 19 to throw out the First Pitch. Congressman Polis is a true fighter for our community and as one of only 4 openly gay Members of Congress, he is a great example of what can be accomplished when you are OUT....just like we all will be that night!

We are also pleased to have The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington there to sing the National Anthem that night. Be sure to be inside the ballpark by 6:30 so you can hear them and CHEER LOUDLY FOR THEM!

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will also be recognized that evening as the recipient of the Team Spirit Award from the Washington Nationals in recognition of their tremendous contributions to the Night OUT and our community. Way to go Chorus!!!!

We are happy to announce that Sgt. Brett Parson will open the game with "PLAY BALL". Brett is a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department and is the former head of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU). Brett has been a stalwart in our community for many years and we are excited to have him recognized that night.

The DC Different Drummers will be playing on the main plaza when you arrive, so be sure to stop by and give them a Thumbs Up!

We are also proud to have representatives of the AIDS Vaccine Trials Unit of NIH who will be at the Community Kiosk inside the ballpark that night. The work they do has a profound impact on our community. Thank You and let's hope they find some Nats fans who are interested in research trials!

And (saving the best for last?) beers are only $5 up in our Scoreboard section up until the start of the game. Meet your friends and get there early and cheer loudly as representatives of our community are showcased throughout the ballpark that evening.

Be a part of the LARGEST LGBT Community Night in professional sports in the United States and see your first place Nats take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays.

19 June 2012 / Team DC Night OUT at the Nationals tickets selling fast

A message from FGG member organization Team DC:

Night OUT at the Nationals - Tuesday, June 19 vs. Tampa Bay....now over 2,400 tickets already sold!

Do you have your tickets to the 8th Annual Night OUT at the Nationals? Tickets are available for $18 (normally $22 at the box office). The $18 seats will likely sell out (just like the $16 section did...we told you!), but here is how you can get yours:

• Go to Nellie's Sports Bar where tickets are on sale at the downstairs main bar.
• Go to www.nationals.com/nightout and get your tickets NOW. Online sales start at $18.

Better yet, join us TONIGHT, Monday, June 4 between 6-8 PM Nellie's Sports Bar for a special Ticket Night featuring CLINT, the Nationals own in-park Host and heartthrob to all Nats fans!

We are also pleased to announce that Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) will join us at the Night OUT on June 19 to throw out the First Pitch. Congressman Polis is a true fighter for our community and as one of only 4 openly gay Members of Congress, he is a great example of what can be accomplished when you are OUT....just like we all will be that night!

Be a part of the LARGEST LGBT Community Night in professional sports in the United States and see your first place Nats take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays.

19 June 2012 / Team DC's Night OUT at the Nationals

Night OUT at the Nationals - Tuesday, June 19
Nationals vs. Tampa Bay

The 8th Annual Night OUT at the Nationals is coming and tickets are available NOW! Tickets start at only $16 (normally $20 at the box office) and this section will definitely sell out, so act now! Already over 1,000 tickets to this baseball game have been purchased! Here is how you can get yours:

All Star Partners (60 tickets or more) can order theirs now by contacting Brent Minor at news@teamdc.org. All Star Partners will get their name on the jumbotron that night, their name on the official "Nellie's Night OUT" Tee Shirt and several passes to the pre-game party.

Go to Nellie's Sports Bar where tickets are on sale at the downstairs main bar. They only have a limited number of $16 tickets left before they switch over to $18.

Go to www.nationals.com/nightout and get your tickets NOW. Online sales start at $18.

Be a part of the LARGEST LGBT Community Night in professional sports in the United States and see your Red-Hot Nats take on the Tampa Bay Rays.

19 May 2012 / Team DC Casino Night

Spring Casino Night - Saturday, May 19

Poker, Blackjack and Craps are back! Join members of local LGBT sports teams on Saturday, May 19 from 8 PM - Midnight at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street, NW) and win some nice Raffle Prizes and have some fun. Proceeds are split between the clubs dealing that night and get $100 chips for $10 or $250 in chips for only $20. And don't forget to bring your coupon for an extra $20 in chips that you received at the SportsFest! (Next Casino Night won't be until November 10!)

Other upcoming Team DC events (all can be found at www.teamdc.org):

19 May 2012 / Team DC casino night

Spring Casino Night - Saturday, May 19
Poker, Blackjack and Craps are back! Join members of local LGBT sports teams on Saturday, May 19 from 8 PM - Midnight at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street, NW) and win some nice Raffle Prizes and have some fun. Proceeds are split between the clubs dealing that night and get $100 chips for $10 or $250 in chips for only $20. (Next Casino Night won't be until November 10!)

Report on Team DC's SportsFest

A message from Team DC:


SportsFest a hit!

Over 400 people joined us on April 12 for the Third Annual SportsFest. Our thanks to all who attended as well as the 33 participating clubs and organizations. There was something there for everyone....I mean how often do you see a triathlete cycling a stationery bike in a furniture showroom?

Special thanks to Room and Board (1840 14th Street, NW) for once again hosting everyone. If you have never been to their 4 story showroom, then go and browse and tell em Team DC sent you!

And thanks to Nellie's Sports Bar and Miller Lite Beer for hosting the bar that night. Nothing says fun like athletes enjoying a Vodka Bar surrounded by beautiful furniture. A good time was had by all.

View photos from the Washington Blade HERE.

21 April 2012 / Learn to run a 5K with DC Front Runners

DC Front Runners are offering a GREAT course for those interested in running their first 5K race (3.1 miles). The 8 week course begins on April 21 and ends with you running in a race on June 21. To learn more or sign up, contact Blake at outreach@dcfrontrunners.org. To learn more about them go to www.dcfrontrunners.org. Better yet, join them on Friday, May 4th for their First Friday Happy Hour and meet them in person.

20 April 2012 / DC Aquatics Club bachelor auction

DC Aquatics Club Bachelor Auction
Friday, April 20, 2012
8:00pm in EDT

DCAC is putting some of its bachelor's up on the auctioning block to raise money to send swimmers to the International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Please come out with your friends for some fun with men in speedos!

Jr's Bar Grill
1519 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036

19 May 2012 / Team DC sponsor of new memorial race

A message from Team DC:
 

BKB Annual 5K Run/Walk - Saturday, May 19

As many of you know, our community lost a wonderful friend, fellow athlete and inspirational educator last year when Brian Betts was brutally murdered. In his memory, the first Brian K. Betts (BKB) Annual 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, May 19 at West Potomac Park. Team DC is proud to be a Sponsor of this event and we hope that you will join the many friends, colleagues and students of Brian at the event to support the Brian K. Betts Foundation which was created to "promote academic excellence and educational enrichment for students and faculty who seek to improve and progress in their education or career." More about this foundation and how you can register for the event can be found at www.bkbfoundation.org.

A look back at Team DC Fashion Show

Each year Team DC's Fashion Show and Model Search serves as a major fundraiser for the group's student-athlete scholarship fund.

View a video report on this year's event below!

12 April 2012 / Team DC SportsFest

A message from Team DC:


SportsFest is Back!

Join all of the region's LGBT sports teams and supporters for the annual Spring SportsFest on Thursday, April 12 at Room and Board (1840 14th Street, NW). Whether you are interested in swimming, ice skating, rowing, bowling, sailing, rockclimbing, ballroom dancing....well, you get the drift....representatives of all the teams will be on hand to answer your questions and find the right fit for you. Doors open at 7 PM with music, raffles and surprises.

Admission is free, but $10 gets you three drink tickets, so you can't beat that! Beer and Vodka Bar will be sponsored by Nellie's Sports Bar. Our thanks to Room & Board for opening up their beautiful showroom building for a FUN night.

Team DC same-sex dancers featured in Washington Blade

Kevin Majoros presents Terry Chasteen and Team DC's Lambda DanceSport DC in the Washington Blade: 


Just like many of us who have competed in the Gay Games, Terry Chasteen, founder of Lambda DanceSPORT DC, experienced a life-changing moment at his first Games experience.

Chasteen headed to Amsterdam in 1998 to compete in same-gender dancesport which was being contested for the first time in the history of the gay games. “I went there with no dance partner,” says Chasteen, “but they ended up pairing me with a gentleman from South Africa.

Without much practice, the duo was able to dance their way into the semi-finals in Latin dance. “Dancesport is huge in Europe and there many same-gender dance organizations such as Equality dance,” Chasteen says. “The ovations the crowds were giving us and the other dancers were amazing and it was definitely a life-defining moment.”

Keep reading HERE.

Washington DC dancers prepare for Cleveland 2014

Lambda DanceSport DC team is featured in the Washington Blade in an article by Kevin Majoros. The dancers perform and compete in Dancesport. The article can be read on the Washington Blade web site.

Click here to read the article titled "May I have this dance?".

Washington Blade looks at a successful year for DC sports groups

From the Washington Blade:

It was another incredible year for the Washington LGBT sports community. We continue to grow and are one of the largest and most organized LGBT sports communities in the world.

There were many things to celebrate in 2011 such as the District of Columbia Aquatics Club traveling to Honolulu where members won the large team title at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championships. It was the 10th time they have claimed the trophy. Next they’ll head to Reykjavik, Iceland to defend their title in June. Swimdcac.org.

Keep reading HERE about D.C. Strokes Rowing Club, Stonewall Kickball, D.C. Gay Flag Football League, D.C. Sentinels, Chesapeake and Potomac Softball League, D.C. Front Runners, Washington Renegades, Federal Triangle Soccer Club, Lambda DanceSport, and more.