Queering Fields and Courts: LGBTQ Issues in Sport – January 28-29, 2015

On Wednesday evening January 28, 2015 the CSSJ hosted local filmmaker Doug Harris in a Q & A after the showing of the 2010 film he co-produced titled, Out: The Glenn Burke Story. The film, about 1970s Major League Baseball player Glenn Burke, details the homophobia he faced in the game, as well as his resistance to the discrimination he encountered. Approximately 170 people attended the film and the Q&A.

On Thursday afternoon January 29, 2015 a panel discussion on LGBTQ issues in sport was held in the University Union room 311. Approximately 125 people heard perspectives from panel members who represented gay, lesbian, transgender, and ally athletes and coaches. The panel was led by Helen Carroll, Sports Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Joining her were Layshia Clarendon (former Cal women's basketball player and current Women's National Basketball Player), Neil Virtue (Swimming Coach Mills College), Gabriella Ludwig (former Mission College basketball player and current coach), and Jabari Carr (former San Jose State football player).

Schedule

Wed. Jan. 28

10-11:30am – workshop to discuss action strategies for student-athlete leaders to maintain a respectful and inclusive team climate for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (Location: AE142)

Wed. Jan. 28

12:30-2pm – workshop directed at (current or future) coaches/athletic staff to discuss best practices and policies for the inclusion of student-athletes and coaches of all sexual orientations and gender identities on sports teams (Location: AE142)

Wed. Jan. 28

6-8pm – Showing of the documentary Out: The Glenn Burke Story and Q&A with the filmmaker, Doug Harris (Location: University Theater))

Thurs. Jan. 29

10-11am – open discussion with college undergraduates on creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ students (Location: UU311)

Thurs. Jan. 29

2-4pm – Campus/community panel. Focus – LGBTQ and ally leaders in the LGBTQ sports equality movement and LGBTQ athletes/allies talk about their perspectives on creating and maintaining inclusive athletic climates for athletes and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities. (Location: UU 311)

The CSSJ thanks the following for their support of these events:

  • The Department of Kinesiology
  • The College of Education and Allied Studies
  • The Office of University Diversity
  • The Department of Communication
  • The Department of History
  • CSU East Bay Athletics
Filmmaker Doug Harris answers questions from the audience Panelists from left to right: Jabari Carr, Gabriella Ludwig, Neil Virtue, Helen Carroll, and Layshia Clarendon. Layshia Claredon, WNBA player and former Cal standout, speaks to her experiences on the LGBTQ panel.