Do you or someone you know meet the following criteria?

• Self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender;
• A graduating high school senior or current college student and have demonstrated academic success;
• Actively involved/participate in interscholastic athletics or a competitive sport (club sport, recreation league, etc.);
• Reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to include: the District of Columbia, Prince George’s County (MD), Montgomery County (MD), Calvert County (MD), St. Mary’s County (MD), Arlington County (VA), City of Alexandria (VA), Fairfax County (VA), and Prince William County (VA); and
• Intend to enroll full-time in an undergraduate program at a fully accredited two or four year college/university no later than fall 2013.

If so, check out Team DC’s Student-Athlete Scholarship (CLICK HERE) and complete all pertinent information by JUNE 1, 2013!

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 30, 2013 — Team DC, the association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) sports clubs in the greater Washington region, announced its strong support for Jason Collins who publicly disclosed his sexual orientation in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.

“The impact of Jason’s announcement cannot be overstated” said Team DC Executive Director, Brent Minor.   Minor added, “Collins’ courage to come out is an example to others and helps to shatter the misconceptions some people have about gays and lesbians in professional sports.”

“I think this story will have a huge influence, particularly on young people who enjoy playing sports and identify as gay or lesbian” said Bud Rorison, Chair of the Team DC College Scholarship Committee.  He added, “There is still a stigma for many young gay and lesbian athletes and, perhaps, Jason Collins can serve as a positive role model not just for those students, but for their teammates, coaches, teachers and parents.”  The Team DC College Scholarships are awarded annually to local gay and lesbian student-athletes with scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 per student.

Team DC also sponsors the Night OUT Series which organizes LGBT community nights at all of the local professional teams including the Night OUT at the Nationals which drew over 4,000 participants last year.  “No doubt, there will be a huge cheer for Jason Collins at the Night OUT at the Wizards next year” said Night OUT Series Chair, Matt Lewis.

Team DC President, Les Johnson, said “It will be interesting to see the long-term impact of Jason’s announcement on fans, sponsors and opposing players.  So far the response has been generally quite positive, but we will be watching this situation closely to make sure that Jason or any other player in any other sport that decides to come out will be treated fairly and with respect.”

Minor added, “We applaud the NBA and the Washington Wizards for their support of Jason Collins.   There will undoubtedly be others who come out in other sports and we hope that they will also find a strong and supportive community ready to cheer them on.”

CONTACT: BRENT MINOR / (703) 836-1162

Thanks to those that joined us for the Spring Casino Night on Saturday, April 27 at Buffalo Billiards at 1330 19th Street, NW.  Proceeds benefited the 8 local sports clubs that ran the tables that night.

The Fall Casino Night will take place on Saturday, November 16 and will be held at Buffalo Billiards.  The 2013 Casino Night Series is sponsored by:

• Metro Weekly (www.metroweekly.com)
• J James Braeu, Residential Specialist at Coldwell Banker (www.jamesbraeu.com)

Congrats to the winners of the Spring Raffle Prizes:

• #1 – 2 Tickets to the “Bite of DC” Event – Steve Benzek
• #2 – 4 Ice Skating Passes and a $50 Gift Card to Bailey’s Pub – Andrew Colsky
• #3 – 2 Tickets to the DC United vs. Portland Timbers soccer match – Darren Brown
• #4 – Deluxe Wine Basket – A.J. Schuler
• #5 – 4 Tickets to a Washington Nationals game of your choice – Lewis Hoge
• #6 – Two Nights at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City – Mark Swansiger
• #7 – $50 Gift Card to the Looking Glass Lounge – John Crowe
• #8 – Five Tanning Sessions at Hollywood Tans plus a $50 Gift Card to City Sports – Aida Velasquez
• #9 – $50 Gift Certificate to Radius Pizza in Mount Pleasant – Rob Shumowsky
• #10 – 4 Tickets to the Night OUT at the Nationals II on August 27 – Nick Napolitano
• #11 – Buffalo Billiards Gift Pack – Patrick Grother
• #12 – 2 Tickets to the Gaylarious Comedy Show and a $50 Gift Card to Odeon Italian Cafe – Liz Cunningham

Join us on Thursday, April 11 for the 2013 SportsFest at Room & Board (1840 14th Street, NW) starting at 6:30 PM.  Meet representatives from 30(+) different LGBT sports clubs as well as reps from all of the professional teams associated with the Night OUT Series.  No cover charge!  Purchase 2 drink coupons for just $10 or drink all night for just $20!

The first 50 attendees will receive a nice canvas Room & Board tote bag.  Be sure to enter the different FREE raffles for various prizes as well!

Let us know you’re coming and spread the word on our Facebook Invite (HERE)!

The Fifth Annual SportsFest is sponsored by:

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Room & Board

Thanks to all who attended Team DC’s second annual Night OUT at the Wizards on Friday, February 8.  The Wizards beat the Brooklyn Nets no doubt in part because of the great start given by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington as they sang the National Anthem.   We appreciate your support of the Night OUT Series!