Lambda Archives of San Diego is hosting “Coming Out to Play,” on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at The Center as the second in its Out at the Archives series.
“Coming Out to Play” will feature a brief history of some of the LGBT sports organizations, a panel discussion featuring past and current league leaders, Q&A from the audience, followed by a reception with light refreshments. The event is free, but donations are appreciated.
“Our first Out at the Archives event in April drew 75 people so we knew there was interest in these sorts of programs,” Lambda Archives office manager Walter Meyer said. “We took an informal survey and ‘sports’ was the topic most people suggested. When we reached out to the leaders of the various leagues, they all responded enthusiastically and wanted to get involved.”
Many of the LGBT sports organizations will have representatives on hand to answer your questions about how you can join their leagues and get it in on the fun.
Some early organizations including Finny Dippers, Rainbow Cyclists and the Frontier Club are no longer with us, but others including Front Runners and America’s Finest City Softball League both were founded in 1981 and continue to flourish. The San Diego Tennis Federation followed in 1982 and still boasts a vibrant and active membership. Pride Fit was just started in 2013 and is finding its place in the community. From skiing and swimming to flag football and wrestling and bowling, sports have long been a way for lesbian, gay and transgender people to get to know each other and make friends.
For this event, Lambda Archives has pulled out photos and memorabilia from its collections and borrowed some items from the various sports organizations to exhibit at the Out at the Archives event. The exhibit will then move to Archives Park Boulevard location for anyone to visit during regular hours Monday-Saturday noon-5 and open late on Thursday until 9.
“We know our history of LGBT sports groups is incomplete and we’d like to add to our collections,” Meyer added. “This event will bring together a few of the sports leaders past and present and we’ll have a chance to engage them in a lively discussion to learn more.”
The Center is located at 3909 Centre St, San Diego, 92103. Call the Archives for more information or to volunteer: 619-260-1522. Please RSVP on Facebook or via email to info@lambdaarchives.org to guarantee a seat.
