The Group Chat: Love is a team sport
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports is an unfortunately hot topic — that’s why The GIST dreamed up the Love is a Team Sport tour. “This was really a great opportunity for us to lean in and shine light on our queer community, our queer fans, especially as I feel like we’re going backwards in time,” Bolden said, referencing the exclusionary political climate in the U.S.
- “A lot of brands are really pulling back on pride, and it kind of feels like this erasure. I want GISTers to know that you will never be erased at The GIST. …There’s a space for you here. You will not just be supported, you'll be celebrated.” Pass the tissues.
Sports are an especially crucial ground for community building during Pride. Boyd said, “Sports have introduced me to some of the most important people in my life and also helped me find the confidence to be who I am. Building community through sports creates spaces where people can feel seen and supported as their authentic selves.”
Planning two parties on opposite coasts was no small feat, but Bolden did it with intention, working with queer-founded and -run brands to produce everything from a photo booth to friendship bracelets with custom charms. And of course, women’s sports bars were the crucial ingredient to make it all come together (shoutout to Untamed Spirits in LA and Athena Keke’s in Brooklyn).
- “We decided to partner with women’s sports bars because those are generally a safe space for women’s sports fans, and for queer sports fans. It was really easy to pitch this idea because it’s what they stand for anyway,” Bolden explained.
Unsurprisingly, the vibes were off the charts. “It felt like a room full of people celebrating sport, community, and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences,” Boyd told us.
- Bolden agreed, “Everyone was so fun, and it really felt like a great community. It’s just pure, pure joy. I wish we could do this every week.” Same.
On what they hope GISTers took away from the experience, Boyd said, “I hope people left with new connections and a stronger sense of belonging. Seeing members of the queer community and allies come together through sport is a powerful reminder that there’s a place for everyone in the game.”
- Bolden also affirmed that queer joy and community-building are vital acts of resistance: “Just like in sport, progress or equality only happen when people show up, they support one another, and they move forward together.” Mic drop.
- Missed these two events? Not to worry — Bolden said she hopes to do more in the future, and we’ll be dropping the event-exclusive merch on our website soon. Watch this space.
