fGood morning from Chicago! Welcome to The Huddle for today, September 24, 2020. It’s Thursday, one step closer to Friday.
Your need to read time today is just about 2 minutes.
This Morning’s Sports Headlines:
Today’s Coming Out story: Queer drag performer finds sports a perfect outlet for bonding with peers
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), a part-owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, introduced the ‘Protection of Women and Girls in Sports’ Act, which would make participation in athletic programs that are designated for women and girls by a so-called “biological male” a violation of Title IX. And she’s got plenty of backers, one of whom is Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who like Loeffler is running for reelection in exactly 40 days. Hmm… Coincidence?
Proud to lead this effort in defense of women & girls.
— Senator Kelly Loeffler (@SenatorLoeffler) September 22, 2020
Title IX established a fair chance for girls of all ages to compete—Sports should be no exception.@SenMikeLee @MarshaBlackburn @SenatorLankford @SenTomCotton & I are ensuring a level playing field. https://t.co/stG06XTW52
Read our coverage of Sen. Loeffler’s rocky relationship with Atlanta Dream and other WNBA players by clicking here.
In other LGBT Sports news…
Canadian soccer sensation Quinn talked with the BBC about coming out as transgender
Sue Bird has some advice about playing for the UConn Huskies for up and coming Paige Bueckers
Ryan Russell reflects on his coming out for Bi Visibility coverage by Sky Sports’ Jon Holmes
Meet Sam Clarke, the bi journalist who handles communications for Football vs. Homophobia in London
South Dakota Republicans are pushing for state legislation that would force S.D.’s high school activities association to reconsider its policy allowing transgender students to compete in the gender with which they identify.
Also new this morning…
Much, much more than an “Oops”: Los Angeles Chargers’ team doctor punctures QB Tyrod Taylor’s lung before Chiefs game (Not intentionally, ESPN should have added to its headline!)
Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets players say Breonna Taylor ruling by grand jury ‘wasn’t enough’
UFC 253 pre-event facts: Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa is a historic title fight, so says MMA Junkie
And speaking of MMA… Dana White says UFC won’t censor Colby Covington or anybody else: ‘Who’s more about free speech than we are?’ TW: this story covers issues of racism, transphobia and homophobia
Remembering Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, known by many for movie ‘Brian’s Song.’ He was 77.
Scroll down to see how the stars of Brian’s Song remembered Sayers in Social Media Highlights, below!
OutShouts:
The GO! SPACE Facebook group featured Charles Wollin (he/him/his) in its weekly spotlight: Charles is a sports broadcaster and commentator originally from England who currently lives in San Francisco. Charles was recently featured in “Pride of the Terraces” where he talked about his experiences as an out male in sports. He is eager to connect with any individuals looking for resources in the sports broadcasting world. You can connect with him easily through this group, as well on Twitter (@cwollin) or Instagram (@djchuckywo).
If you’re an LGBTQ person in sports looking to connect with others in the community, head over to GO! SPACE to meet and interact with other LGBTQ athletes, or to Equality Coaching Alliance to find other coaches, administrators and other non-athletes in sports.
Highlights from Social Media:
Meet Ian Lah, who shared this picture from Crane Lake, Minn. in the #gayathlete hashtag on Instagram. He captioned it: “Start each day with a movement.” Wait, that looks like an outhouse behind him. Uhhh…
Switching gears, here are the stars of “Brian’s Song,” remembering Gale Sayers:
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend, Gale Sayers.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 23, 2020
Portraying Gale in Brian’s Song was a true honor and one of the nightlights of my career. He was an extraordinary human being with the the kindest heart.
My sincerest condolences to his family 💔#RIPGaleSayers pic.twitter.com/OyQRlwuznU
To one of the greatest ever an inspiration to so many. So proud to have known him. My love and condolences to the family. #RIPGaleSayers End of tweet pic.twitter.com/klmCCJv1W3
— James Caan (@James_Caan) September 23, 2020
And if you have never read or seen “Brian’s Song,” check this out:
Gale Sayers' bond with Brian Piccolo was something truly special. ❤️@ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/wYOKtBE8ZC
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 23, 2020
If you want your social media post to be included here, or to share one showcasing LGBTQ sports, email us the link at [email protected] or tag @Outsports on Instagram or Twitter!
Podcast Du Jour
Nearly every day of the week, Outsports has a new podcast for your enjoyment. Today it’s our Brian Bell with LGBT In The Ring, featuring the Bisexual King, “All That” Keita Murray. Click here to listen:
This and all Outsports podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and on every platform where you find Outsports!
Today’s Sports Calendar
NFL:
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars at 7:20 p.m. EDT on NFL Network
WNBA SEMIFINALS:
Seattle Storm vs. Minnesota Lynx at 6:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN2
Las Vegas Aces vs. Connecticut Sun at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN2
Los Angeles Lakers vs.Denver Nuggets at 8 p.m. EDT on TNT
NHL STANLEY CUP FINALS: No game scheduled
MLB NATIONALLY-TELEVISED GAMES:
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals at 7:05 p.m. EDT on FS1
Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals at 7:15 p.m. EDT on ESPN+
SOCCER:
Click here for ESPN’s schedule of soccer action today.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at [email protected]
Thanks for reading all the way to the end. The next edition of The Huddle will appear tomorrow morning on Outsports.com Stay safe!
