For Immediate Release
December 1 , 2006

Contact: Don Romesburg, 415.850.8580

 CLOSING DAY—THE FAREWELL PARTY
SPORTING LIFE:
GLBT ATHLETICS AND CULTURAL CHANGE
FROM THE 1960S TO TODAY

Finale for Acclaimed GLBT Historical Society Exhibit to Feature
Free Preview Screening of the Gay Games VII DVD

 SAN FRANCISCO—“Sporting Life,” the world’s first gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (GLBT) athletics exhibit, will close at the end of 2006. To celebrate its almost two-year run, which has attracted thousands of visitors from around the world, the GLBT Historical Society will host “Closing Day,” a special reception on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, from 6:00–9:00pm.  As an added bonus, the party will feature an exclusive sneak-preview screening of the official DVD for Gay Games VII.

“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.

“This exhibit represents the wide range of talents and diverse athletic goals our community has achieved,” said Guest Curator Jim Provenzano, who brought more than 40 sports groups together to loan and donate items for the exhibit.  “Visitors–even some gay athletes—have been surprised by the depth and range of Northern California ’s GLBT athletic achievements.” Provenzano is the author of the nationally syndicated gay athletics column “Sports Complex” and of the novel PINS, adapted for the stage in 2002.

Items in the exhibit include rare baseball cards of Glenn Burke of the Oakland A’s; a San Francisco 49ers helmet loaned by former head trainer Lindsy McLean; the discuses used by Gay Games founder Tom Waddell when he competed in the 1968 Olympics, plus photographs and memorabilia from hundreds of GLBT athletes.

Among the celebrity athletes to have visited “Sporting Life” are tennis legend Billie Jean King,  former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, and figure skater Rudy Galindo. King and Tuaolo were honored guests at this year’s GLBT Historical Society annual gala.

Other prominent sports leaders participated in the exhibit’s affiliated “Jock Talk” speaker series, including former basketball coach Helen Carroll, who has been pivotal in working to counter homophobia and discrimination in athletes with the National Center for Lesbian Rights; Sara Waddell Lewinstein, who gave a talk on the early beginnings of the Gay Games movement; author Dan Woog (Jocks); and Chris Morgan, British Powerlifter.

Sports groups that hosted receptions included International FrontRunners; Cheer SF, who brought nearly 100 cheerleaders from several cities during 2005’s Pride Week; Golden Gate Wrestling Club, the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation; the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club; Tsunami Masters Swim Club; San Francisco Sailing Club; and the Federation of Gay Games.

Due to its timeliness and record-breaking attendance numbers, the GLBT Historical Society showcased “Sporting Life” for a full year longer than originally scheduled.  The exhibit was extended through 2006 as our community geared up for Gay Games VII in Chicago and Outgames in Montreal . A September reception saw more than 70 athletes who competed in either of both events attend the unveiling of a new display case showcasing medals and memorabilia from Gay Games VII and Outgames I.

“We’ve seen thousands of visitors inspired and entertained by ‘Sporting Life’s’ tales of sweat, passion, and collaboration,” said GLBT Historical Society Co-Chair Don Romesburg. “By bringing the exhibit into extra innings, we hoped to motivate queer athletes and their fans as they prepared for a historic level of competition and play last summer.”

WHAT: “Closing Day,” the Farewell Party for “Sporting Life: GLBT Athletics and Cultural Change from the 1960s to Today.”

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

WHEN: Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Sporting Life has been made possible by a grant from the California Council for the Humanities, as part of the California Stories initiative. Additional sponsors include Fastsigns, the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation, the Golden Gate Wrestling Club, and San Francisco Spikes Soccer.

The GLBT Historical Society is turning 21! The mission of the organization 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, call (415) 777-5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org.