Although it’s hard to keep track of the days of the week nowadays, it’s Saturday, which means it’s time once again for Outsports to stop the clock for an instant reply of the week that was. It’s my way of memorializing the glorious victories, the ignominious defeats, and the players and personalities who made them, lived them or just couldn’t avoid them.
Once again, all the entries are now practicing social distancing, just as we all should. I realize my roster may differ from yours, and I welcome your comments, contributions and critiques. I read them all! Details on how to reach me are below, after our look at the week’s stay at home winners, ignoring the guidelines losers and hopefuls who wear masks if they have to go outdoors.
Winners: Everyone who joins Outsports this Tuesday for a conversation about mental health in a time of isolation
Mental-health professionals and athletes Taylor Vanderlaan and KC Cross will share their insights during this difficult time.
Loser: The U.S.T.A. for reportedly failing to protect minors sexually abused by a coach
A new report in The New York Times says The United States Tennis Association has asserted it can police itself when it comes to abuse cases. The story of Coach Normandie Burgosraises, a gay man who was convicted last May of 60 counts of child molestation, and is now serving a 255-year prison sentence, raises doubts. In response to the report, the U.S.T.A. told the newspaper, “…We are quite confident that we acted in the appropriate manner.”
Hopeful: Michael Gunning thought 2020 would be his first Olympics. Now he’s aiming for 2021
Swimmer Michael Gunning is quarantined by coronavirus, without a pool and with extra time on his hands.
Hopeful: This is how 16 out Olympic hopefuls reacted to the postponement of the Summer Games
The next Summer Olympics will have a record number of out LGBTQ athletes. That’s simply been delayed.
Winner: College basketball coach comes out as gay, because ‘I don’t want to die with the lie’
After 10 years and in a period of great uncertainty, Matt Lynch decides he could hide no more and strives to be a role model for other LGBTQ coaches.
Winner: Gay college baseball player opens up and finds teammates have his back
Brett Lysohir’s senior season ended abruptly, but not until after he showed his teammates the real him.
Winner (even though he lost): Jake Atlas debuts on WWE television
The celebrated wrestler took on Dexter Lumis on the latest empty arena edition of WWE NXT Wednesday night.
Winning Pranksters: Runners Nikki Hiltz and Therese Haiss fooled everyone with a wedding announcement on April 1
Hiltz and Haiss say they’re overwhelmed by all the love and support and look forward to marrying for real.
Losing Prankster: George Takei says it was an April Fool’s joke that he would be final torchbearer for 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Friends! I’ve been sitting on some big news for quite some time now. Unfortunately, given the current global situation,…
Posted by George Takei on Wednesday, April 1, 2020
it was all just a joke intended to be a “bit of levity in an otherwise dark time,” according to the gay Star Trek star, activist and internet celebrity.
Winner: For 49ers coach Katie Sowers, crisis shows ‘nothing in life is guaranteed’
Coronavirus impact: San Francisco 49ers coach Katie Sowers is watching film, learning to cook and raising money for others.
Hopeful: Outsports Pride evolves with slate of virtual events in June
For the safety, health and well-being of everyone in the Outsports community, we are sad to announce we will not be hosting Outsports Pride in Philadelphia this June. We did not come to this decision lightly, but it’s a decision we feel strongly is in everyone’s best interest. We are unsure at this time whether the event will occur later in 2020.
We are currently in the process of developing other ways to bring the Outsports community together virtually, and will be putting together a slate of virtual events in June.
Hopeful: WNBA postpones season because of pandemic
The league posted a long-awaited announcement on its website about putting both training camps and the regular season on hold.
Losers: Sports team owners who fail to support their employees during coronavirus pandemic
Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs has shafted most of his team’s employees, becoming the face of corporate greed.
Hopeful: Idaho ACLU’s policy director vows to fight anti-trans laws and encourages boycott
The most anti-trans discriminatory laws in the nation don’t go into effect for months, but the ACLU is ready to fight.
Loser: Idaho governor signs two anti-trans bills into law on eve of Trans Day of Visibility
Idaho’s ban on trans girls in high school athletics and ending gender marker changes are signed into law on the eve of TDoV.
Hopeful: Here’s how sports can stand up for the trans community as allies
With Idaho’s governor signing anti-trans bills into law, the first team that publicly allies with its trans fanbase will emerge as heroes.
Hopeful: Outsports celebrated the International Transgender Day of Visibility
Every year on March 31, trans people all around the world make their presence known in a world that too often ignores or spurns them. This is no less important during a pandemic.
Winner: For pro wrestler Candy Lee, trans visibility is an everyday mission
New Zealand’s pro wrestling diva holds being a source for trans representation even higher than her Impact Pro Wrestling New Zealand Women’s championship.
Hopeful: ‘In the fourth quarter of life:’ Caitlyn Jenner shares her thoughts on the coronavirus, the Olympics and more
Olympic gold medal decathlete and TV personality Caitlyn Jenner spoke exclusively with Outsports about the pandemic, the Summer Games postponement, philanthropy and the perception the trans community has of her.
Winner: NCAA Champion CeCé Telfer goes from Olympic dreams to the frontline working in a nursing home
NCAA Champion CeCé Telfer sees the pandemic up close as a worker in a New Hampshire nursing home.
Hopeful: Powerlifter JayCee Cooper relies on resilience amid uncertain times
Powerlifter JayCee Cooper remains ready to compete and speak out and but struggles with uncertainty
Hopeful: Trans high school athlete Andraya Yearwood: ‘We will all overcome this together, in spirit’
On the Transgender Day of Visibility, transgender teen Andraya Yearwood shared her story with Outsports.
Hopeful: First out trans male hockey player Harrison Browne: Day of Transgender Visibility shows better times are ahead
While it feels strange to celebrate anything during a pandemic, Browne says International Day of Transgender Visibility highlights the power of perseverance.
Winners: #BinTransphobia challenges soccer players everywhere to boot anti-trans bigotry
To commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility, Great Britain’s Football v. Transphobia campaign promotes a hashtag to kick anti-trans bigotry into the rubbish bin.
Hopeful: Why LGBTQ people face more problems during coronavirus pandemic, and how we can protect ourselves
A leading medical research professional explains why marginalized communities are especially susceptible to pandemics and other public health risks.
Hopefuls: Coaching husbands who say, ‘joy of working with young athletes has been stripped away from us’
For Coleman Lee, the shutdown has upended the rhythms of life for him and his husband, both volleyball coaches.
You Decide: Former NFL prospect says he’s not gay after appearing on The Bachelor
Colton Underwood shares his journey to sexual discovery mirroring that of a lot more men than will talk about it.
Winners: Participants in our three Zoom video chats
We’ve hosted 3 Zoom video conferences in the last two weeks for anyone and everyone who wants to join us in conversation, shared stories, and to feel connected. Another one is scheduled for next week, and every week, as we observe the national guidance to #stayhome.
Loser: WNBA co-owner Sen. Kelly Loeffler sold stock, invested in medical gear before coronavirus market meltdown
Loeffler is facing more accusations of insider trading following release of new financial disclosure forms.
Winners: Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe spend a night on Instagram Live, and advise: ‘don’t try to outdrink a UConn player’
WNBA and Team USA Olympic basketball superstar Sue Bird had some fun on Instagram Saturday night with her girlfriend, USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe.
That’s all for this week! I’ll bring you a fresh list of winners and losers next Saturday. Got a name I missed, or want to challenge my choices? Comment here or on Facebook or Instagram, tweet at us, message me via any social media, or just plain email me at [email protected] Thanks!
