Hello and welcome to On Deck Circle for today, Wednesday, March 17, 2021. In addition to this being St. Patrick’s Day, it was also the day the Equality Act was debated in the U.S. Senate. You can watch the hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee by clicking here.

Your need to read time today is 2-minutes.

Today’s LGBTQ Sports History Highlight:

Heavyweight Champion Tommy Burns weighed only 175 pounds when he boxed in 1908.

Ireland was the first nation in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote on May 22, 2015, and on this day in 1908, a boxing match in Dublin ended sooner than any world heavyweight contest in history: 1 minute 28 seconds. The loser was Irish boxer Jem Roche, and Tommy Burns, Canada’s only native heavyweight champion, defended his title.


Today’s Outsports Headlines:

Gay Texas high school athlete comes out to team and starts a Gay Straight Alliance

Britton Majure

Dwyane Wade takes heartfelt stand against anti-trans laws

Dwyane Wade speaks to the crowd during the 70th NBA All Star Game as part of 2021 NBA All Star Weekend on March 7, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga.

Gay slur from a fan and game of Hangman with teammates inspired college athlete to come out

Lindsey Farrell

Who sponsored North Dakota’s proposed trans student-athlete ban? No surprise: Supporters of leading anti-LGBTQ organizations

Synergy Pro Wrestling shutters after out owner Patrick Shea revealed to be registered sex offender

Patrick Shea

These two out college runners are demanding NCAA stand up for trans rights

‘Singled Out’ shines in depicting Glenn Burke’s heroism and his tragic end

New Operator Flores brings the rainbow flag to Rainbow Six Siege

Rainbow Six Siege

Other LGBTQ Sports stories making news…

Transgender teen testifies in support of the Equality Act

Kansas advances plan to bar trans athletes from girls’ teams

How This Founder Is Helping Sports Entities Implement Diversity And Trans Inclusion Programs


Today’s SB Nation’s top story…

2021 NCAA March Madness Brackets


Top LGBTQ News…

Marvel Reveals First Gay Teen Captain America

Belgian bishop lashes out at Vatican over gay unions decree


Today’s OutShout:

Football v Transphobia Week of Action is coming up next week, and here’s the hashtag: #TransFootyAlly. The organizers are asking people to post clips of themselves talking about why they are an ally of trans people in football/soccer. Find out more by clicking here!

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.


Social Media Spotlight:

Trans teen soccer athlete and trailblazer Bobby Jones is on TikTok, thanks to the Sports Equality Foundation! Watch by clicking here!

@sportsequalityfdn

I Am- Ep. 20 #trans#gay#gaytiktok#queerathlete

♬ Swaggy – Fluorescent Canyon

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!


Today’s Outsports Podcast:

Nearly every day of the week, Outsports has a new podcast for your enjoyment. Today, The Trans Sporter Room beams up Kansas State Rep. Stephanie Byer to talk about hateful anti-trans legislation in her state and across the country. Plus she’s a huge fan of Star Wars! Download and listen here:

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:

MLB Spring Training:

Exhibition games are underway! Click here for MLB’s guide to your favorite teams’ schedules.


NHL:

Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s pro hockey action today.


NBA:

Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s pro basketball action today.


NCAAM:

Click here for ESPN’s schedule of men’s college basketball action today.


NCAAW:

Click here for ESPN’s schedule of women’s college basketball action today.


SOCCER:

Click here for ESPN’s schedule of soccer action today.


Share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at [email protected]

A new On Deck Circle posts every weekday morning on Outsports.com