For Immediate Release
February 9 , 2006

Contact: Don Romesburg, 415.850.8580,

 EXTRA INNINGS FOR “SPORTING LIFE:
GLBT ATHLETICS AND CULTURAL CHANGE
FROM THE 1960S TO TODAY”
EXTENDED EXHIBIT AT GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

SAN FRANCISCO—Due to its timeliness and record-breaking attendance numbers, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society and Museum (GLBTHS) has extended its popular main exhibit, “Sporting Life: GLBT Athletics and Cultural Change from the 1960s to Today.”  Originally slated to end in January, “Sporting Life” will be extended through the summer as our community gears up for Gay Games VII in Chicago and Outgames in Montreal.   

“We’ve seen thousands of visitors inspired and entertained by ‘Sporting Life’s’ tales of sweat, passion, and collaboration,” said GLBT Historical Society Executive Director Terence Kissack. “By bringing the exhibit into extra innings, we want to motivate queer athletes and their fans as they prepare for a historic level of competition and play this summer.”

The GLBT Historical Society invites all individuals and teams planning to attend either the Gay Games or Outgames to hold free receptions in our galleries. These can be fundraisers for travel to the summer games, motivational celebrations for training accomplishments, or recruitment parties to attract new players.  Last year, groups including SF Cheer, the San Francisco Spikes, the Frontrunners, Golden Gate Wrestling, the SF Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation, SF Tsunami, and the SF Pool Association held successful events at the Historical Society’s galleries.
   
“Sporting Life” brings together the works of more than 34 photographers, 49 collections, and 28 athletic groups. It explores how Bay Area GLBT sports have challenged homophobia and created community. From early 1970s gay softball games versus the police to the launch of the now-worldwide Gay Games, the way we play has transformed society. Today, over 4,000 openly LGBT Bay Area athletes participate annually, breaking records and defying stereotypes.

WHAT: Extra Innings—The Extension of “Sporting Life”

WHERE: The GLBT Historical Society, 657 Mission St., Ste. 300 (btwn New Montgomery/3rd)

WHEN: February-August 2006, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 pm

“Sporting Life” Guest Curator Jim Provenzano is the author of the nationally syndicated gay athletics column “Sports Complex” and of the novel PINS, adapted for the stage in 2002. “Sporting Life” is made possible by the California Council for the Humanities. Additional sponsors include Fastsigns, the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation, the Golden Gate Wrestling Club, the San Francisco ’49ers, and San Francisco Spikes Soccer.

The GLBT Historical Society’s mission is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority individuals and communities. For more information about the GLBTHS, call 415.777.5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org.
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