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Chicago Red Stars exercise option for goalie Alyssa Naeher
--From a press release
CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2023) — The Chicago Red Stars has exercised the contract option for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for 2024. Naeher joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 from former National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club, ...
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Chicago Sky swept by Las Vegas Aces; Sky's season ends
The defending WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces continue to roll—at the Chicago Sky's expense. On Sept. 17, the Aces defeated the Sky 92-70 in Vegas to end Chicago's season and move into the WNBA semifinals. ...
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Chicago Red Stars tie Angel City in front of large crowd
After staging a second-half comeback, the Chicago Red Stars split points with Angel City FC in a 2-2 draw. Ava Cook and Cheyna Matthews scored goals for Chicago. Cook's second-half goal was the forward's third against ...
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Mets honor lesbian baseball icon Maybelle Blair
On Sept. 14 at NYC's Citi Field, the New York Mets recognized the life work of lesbian baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair, 96, with the inaugural Amazin' Mets Foundation Legacy Award, according to a Major League Baseball ...
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Chicago Sky routed in playoff opener
In Las Vegas on Sept. 13, the top-seeded and defending champion Aces had little problem with the number-eight seed Chicago Sky in the playoff opener for both, with Las Vegas prevailing 87-59, per ESPN. On the ...
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Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team
Chicago Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team CHICAGO (Sept. 14, 2023) — Chicago Red Stars forward, Cheyna Matthews, was selected to join the Jamaican Women's National Team for the team's Ol ...
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Univ. of Alabama condemns fans' racist, anti-gay slurs
The University of Alabama condemned its fans' behavior after they were heard shouting racist and homophobic slurs at three Texas Longhorn players during the football teams' Sept. 9 clash, ABC News reported. In a video that ...
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'Merchant of Death' talks about exchange with Brittney Griner
Russian Viktor Bout—the so-called "merchant of death" involved in a prisoner exchange for out WNBA star Brittney Griner late last year—told ESPN that, among other things, he followed Griner's case closely from federal prison in Illinois. ...
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Chicago Sky in playoffs for fifth straight time
Despite having a losing record (17-22), the Chicago Sky are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time. Kahleah Copper scored 20 points, Marina Mabrey added 19 and the Chicago Sky clinched the last playoff spot ...
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Chicago Red Stars midfielder selected to Canada Women's National Team
--From a press release
CHICAGO—Chicago Red Stars midfielder Bianca St-Georges has been called up to join the Canadian Women's National Team (CANWNT) for its upcoming CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying matches in Kingston, Jamaica and Toronto ...
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Openly gay football player Carl Nassib retiring at 30
On Sept. 6, openly gay free agent defensive end Carl Nassib announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons, Sports Illustrated reported. Nassib—who played for the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders and twice for ...
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Laura Ricketts talks about Chicago Red Stars deal, investor group, coming out
On Aug. 1, a group of investors led by lesbian Chicago Cubs co-owner/Chicago Sky minority owner Laura Ricketts announced that they had officially took ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League franchise. The ...
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Chicago Red Stars shut out Washington Spirit
In D.C., the Chicago Red Stars shut out the Washington Spirit 2-0 on Sept. 3. Yuki Nagasato and Bianca St-Georges scored goals for Chicago. The match also marked ...
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Laura Ricketts-led group of diverse investors buys Chicago Red Stars in $60 million deal
From an Sept. 1 press release: A diverse investor group led by Laura Ricketts and prominent Chicago women business and civic leaders has officially taken ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League ...
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Rapinoe's last international match to take place in Chicago on Sept. 24
Lesbian soccer icon and two-time Women's World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe will play her last professional match against South Africa on Sunday, Sept. 24, in Chicago, U.S. Soccer announced. The match (scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT) ...
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New women's pro hockey league to launch in 2024
The new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has been officially unveiled, according to ESPN. There will be six inaugural franchises and a 24-game regular season that begins in January. The PWHL will feature three teams in ...
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Chicago Red Stars tie North Carolina Courage
In Cary, North Carolina, on Aug. 27, the Chicago Red Stars tied the North Carolina Courage 1-1 in NWSL action. Orland Park native and defender Tatumn Milazzo provided the Red Stars' lone goal off of a ...
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WNBA Aces set win mark at Chicago Sky's expense
Defending WNBA champion the Las Vegas Aces upped its record to 30-4 by defeating the Chicago Sky (13-21) 94-87 on Aug. 24 at Wintrust Arena. According to Bleacher Report, the Aces set the record for wins ...
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Christina Kahrl Named the 2023 Recipient of the Jeanne Cordova Award
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. (August 23, 2023) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that Christina Kahrl is the recipient of the 2023 Jeanne Córdova Award. "We are thrilled to honor Christina Kahrl with the Jeanne ...
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TENNIS Chicago Women's Open taking place this week
One week before the U.S. Open begins in New York, the Chicago Women's Open tennis tournament is taking place through Saturday, Aug. 26, at XS Tennis Village, 5336 S. State St. The total prize money at ...
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Sha'Carri Richardson wins gold at world track-and-field championships
LGBTQ+ sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson—who has dominated the 100-meter race this year—won gold at the world championships on Aug. 21 in Budapest, Hungary. Richardson ran the distance in 10.65 seconds, besting ...
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Orlando Pride crushes Chicago Red Stars
In Florida's Exploria Stadium on Aug. 20, the Orlando Pride thrashed the Chicago Red Stars 5-0 in professional women's soccer action, according to WFTV. Four players scored for Orlando, led ...
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Spain wins first gold at Women's World Cup
Spain held off England 1-0 on Aug. 20 to win its first Women's World Cup. The win for Spain in just its third World Cup appearance prevented the Lionesses—the reigning European champions—from bringing the trophy back ...
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Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts to purchase Red Stars
An investor group headed by out lesbian Chicago Cubs co-owner/Chicago Sky minority owner Laura Ricketts reached an agreement to purchase the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, according to ...
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Chicago Triathlon marks 40th anniversary on Aug. 26-27
Chicago will host one of the largest urban triathlons in the world, the Life Time Chicago Triathlon, on Aug. 26-27 as the event marks its 40th anniversary. Approximately 8,000 participants will take part in the event, ...
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LGBTQ+ ally Dwyane Wade inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame
Legendary NBA player Dwyane Wade (who played with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls) was officially inducted into the 2023 class of the Hall of Fame. Wade and Dirk Nowitzki were among those ...
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Former lacrosse player files latest suit against Northwestern
An unidentified former Northwestern University lacrosse player has filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that the university failed to protect her from a sexual assault last year by allowing her attacker to enroll in the ...
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Chicago Red Stars down Houston 3-0
In local pro women's soccer action, the Chicago Red Stars closed the UKG Challenge Cup play in historic fashion with three goals all assisted by defender Casey Krueger, blanking the Houston Dash 3-0 on Aug. 5 ...
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U.S. eliminated from Women's World Cup
In its earliest elimination from the Women's World Cup ever, the U.S. women's national team (USWNT) lost to Sweden 5-4 after a shootout in sudden death on Aug. 6 in Melbourne, Australia. The Americans' worst finish ...
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Diana Taurasi becomes first WNBA player to score 10K points
Diana Taurasi—an LGBTQ+ WNBA player who was already the highest scoring athlete in league history—extended her record in a significant way. Taurasi (a teammate of Brittney Griner) became the first player in WNBA history to score ...
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EXCLUSIVE Legendary coach Dorothy Gaters on her career, being part of the LGBTQ+ community
One thing became apparent during a recent talk with iconic John Marshall Metropolitan High School girls' basketball coach Dorothy Gaters. She IS Marshall High School. Even though the talk took place in an office (alongside her ...
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U.S. (barely) advances at Women's World Cup
On Aug. 1, the United States National Women's Team (USWNT) finished as runner-up in Group E and advanced to the Women's World Cup round of 16 (the knockout round) after being held to a 0-0 draw. ...
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Red Stars battle Kansas City to a scoreless draw
The Chicago Red Stars walked away with a point after a gritty performance against Kansas City ended in a scoreless draw at SeatGeek Stadium on July 29. Goalkeeper Emily Boyd recorded her first career penalty save ...
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U.S. ties Dutch at Women's World Cup
On July 26 in women's soccer action, the United States settled for a draw against the Netherlands at the Women's World Cup. The game was a rematch of the championship game of the 2019 event, which ...
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Northwestern University volleyball player sues over alleged hazing
A former Northwestern University volleyball player has filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging university officials failed to properly address a hazing incident that took place two years ago, NPR reported. The anonymous plaintiff (identified as ...
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WOMEN'S SOCCER Red Stars fall; U.S. opens World Cup with win
On July 21, the Chicago Red Stars fell to the host Racing Louisville FC 2-0 in UKG Challenge Cup play. Racing Louisville had scored its two goals by the 19th minute of the match. The star of the match for Chicago ...
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Kevin Maxen becomes first male coach in men's pro leagues to come out as gay
Kevin Maxen—an associate strength/conditioning coach with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars—has become the first male coach in a major men's U.S.-based professional sports league to come out as gay, according to NBC News, citing Outspor ...
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Attorney: Hazing and sexual violence widespread within NU athletics
Noted civil-rights attorney Ben Crump said his law firm and other attorneys have received reports of hazing within Northwestern University's athletic program, impacting the school's football, baseball and softball teams ...
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Trans women cyclists banned from competitive events for females
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has banned transgender women who have undergone male puberty from competing in the female category of competitive events, ESPN reported. The union, cycling's governing body ...
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Dwyane Wade is newest Chicago Sky co-owner
Retired NBA champion and onetime Chicago Bull Dwyane Wade has joined the WNBA's Chicago Sky ownership group, ESPN reported. Wade told the sports outlet, "It's a great opportunity to be a part of the league in ...
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Northwestern University also dismisses baseball coach
On the heels of Northwestern University firing football coach Pat Fitzgerald around hazing allegations, the school has also let baseball coach Jim Foster go—because of allegations of bullying and a toxic environment within the program, ESPN ...
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WORLD Greece and marriage, Latvia, Japan ruling, Tanzania, soccer news
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in a Bloomberg interview that the legalization of same-sex marriage is part of his government's strategy, per The Pappas Post. "Same-sex marriage will happen at some point and it's part ...
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Chicago Fire scores convincing win; Sky loses
The Chicago Fire FC (7-7-8) defeated CF Montreal (8-12-2) 3-0 at Soldier Field on July 12. The Fire's first-ever win against Montreal at Soldier Field moved Chicago into ninth place, passing Montreal (10th place) and the ...
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Olympic runner Semenya wins case appeal but World Athletics won't budge
Olympic-champion track-and-field athlete Caster Semenya won her appeal on July 11 against track and field's testosterone rules when the European Court of Human Rights ruled she was discriminated against and there were "serious questions" about the ...
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Lori 'Ice' Fetrick reflects on the highs and lows of 'American Gladiators'
Before American Ninja Warrior and almost all other reality-competition shows, there was American Gladiators—a television program that ran from 1989-1996 and pitted everyday people in physical contests against extremely athletic ...
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UPDATE: NU fires football coach in wake of hazing scandal
Northwestern University fired longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald on July 10 amid allegations of widespread hazing within the football program, according to media reports. ...
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LGBTQ+ sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson wins national title
LGBTQ+ sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson—tossing her bright orange wig just before the race—won her first national title in the women's 100-meter race on July 7, per NBC Sports. She made an emphatic statement at the USA Track ...
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Megan Rapinoe to retire at end of 2023
Lesbian soccer icon/activist Megan Rapinoe plans to retire at the end of the year, according to media reports. Rapinoe, 38, has played for the U.S. women's national team since 2006. The upcoming Women's World Cup will ...
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Red Stars extend winning streak; Sky fall; original Sky player dies
On July 7, the Chicago Red Stars head into the National Women's Soccer League break on a two-game win streak after shutting out the Houston Dash 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium behind a goal from rookie ...
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Baseball team cuts player who defends anti-LGBTQ+ post
Last month, the Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass after he said he didn't think an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post he shared last month was hateful, NBC News noted. The move happened hours before Bass ...
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Red Stars prevail; Fire comes up short
The Chicago Red Stars got themselves back into the win column on July 1 with a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Wave FC. Defender Tatumn Milazzo and forward Ella Stevens connected in the first half ...
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Chicago White Sox hold Pride Night
On June 21, the Chicago White Sox celebrated its Pride Night. There was a lot of exuberance even though the home team lost to the Texas Rangers 6-3. The White Sox gave Summer T-shirts (created by ...
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Chicago Red Stars fall to Gotham FC
On June 25, the Chicago Red Stars put up a tough fight but ultimately fell to the host New Jersey/New York Gotham FC 2-1. Red Stars midfielder Cari Roccaro scored the team's lone goal. Roccaro's goal ...
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NHL to abandon themed jerseys because of anti-LGBTQ actions
NHL teams won't wear special jerseys for pregame warmups during themed nights next season—the result of a few players refusing to use Pride jerseys this past season, among other things, according to an NBC News item. ...
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Red Stars' Jill Aguilera called up to Puerto Rico Women's National Team
--From a press release
CHICAGO—Chicago Red Stars midfielder Jill Aguilera has been named to the Puerto Rican Women's National Team roster for the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador this summer. Aguilera will represent Puerto Rico at ...
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Chicago Fire scores historic victory over Portland
Chicago Fire FC defeated the Portland Timbers for the first time in Fire history with a 2-1 victory on June 21 at Providence Park. Striker Kei Kamara scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to ...
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Alyssa Naeher named to USWNT World Cup roster
--From a press release
CHICAGO (June 21, 2023) — Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will join the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) in Australia and New Zealand this summer for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This will ...
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Baseball bill highlights ties between some Ricketts family members and DeSantis, GOP
The name of the Ricketts family—which owns the Chicago Cubs—has been brought up in connection with Republican, anti-LGBTQ+ presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to Newsweek, DeSantis has signed a measure into law that ...
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Red Stars fall to Thorns during Juneteenth match
On June 18, the Chicago Red Stars (marking their Juneteenth match) used a second-half rally to pressure the Portland Thorns but fell just short, losing 3-2 at home. Ella Stevens got the Red Stars on the ...
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Chicago White Sox to hold Pride Night on June 21
The Chicago White Sox will celebrate its Pride Night on Wed., June 21, when the team will take on the Texas Rangers. Among the planned events are the following: —The White Sox will offer an exclusive ...
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Cubs hold 2023 Pride Night
The Chicago Cubs celebrated Pride Night on June 13 with activations, music, T-shirts and more. For the Pride Celebration at Wrigley Field, the Cubs recognized the Legacy Project, a Chicago-based cultural and education nonprofit dedicated to ...
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U.S. soccer win over Mexico marred by anti-gay chanting
On June 15 in Las Vegas, Christian Pulisic scored a brace (two goals) as the United States men's soccer team dominated Mexico 3-0 in a game ESPN called "chaotic." Among other things, the Concacaf Nations League ...
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Chicago Red Stars overwhelmed by the Current
On June 14, the Chicago Red Stars lost at the Kansas City Current 4-0. Chicago has now been outscored 9-0 in its last two games, including the June 10 Pride Night loss to the North Carolina Courage (where it fell 5-0). ...
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Lesbian mixed martial artist announces retirement
On June 10—after one of her most dominant performances in years—Amanda Nunes, considered the greatest women's fighter of all time, announced her retirement at UFC 289 in Vancouver, ESPN reported. The now-former UFC fighter beat Irene ...
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Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Red Stars lose Pride Night match-ups
On June 10—during an evening in which the Chicago Fire FC celebrated its annual Pride Night—the home team fell to the Columbus Crew 2-1 at Soldier Field. The result marked the Fire's first loss at home ...
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Toronto baseball player claims anti-LGBTQIA+ post wasn't hateful
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass said on June 8 he doesn't believe an anti-LGBTQIA+ social-media post he shared last month was hateful, ESPN reported. "I do not [believe it was hateful]," Bass said. "That's why ...
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Chicago Red Stars holding Pride Night on June 10
The Chicago Red Stars will celebrate Pride Nighton Saturday, June 10, when the team will take on the North Carolina Courage at 7 p.m. at SeatGeek Stadium. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Chicago Red ...
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Human-rights groups criticize PGA/LIV merger
On June 6, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan sat with Yasir Al-Rumayyan—the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is financing LIV Golf—on CNBC to announce that their golf circuits would unite to form ...
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Chicago Fire FC VP Evan Whitfield talks Pride Night, out athletes and the Olympics
Chicago Fire FC has marked Pride Month in at least a couple significant ways. The MLS team recently announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer ...
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Cubs' Pride Night on June 13
The Chicago Cubs will celebrate Pride Night on Tuesday, June 13. According to a release, there will be "a party at the ballpark, special entertainment, festive fan activities and other Pride recognitions." There will also be ...
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Chicago Red Stars defeat Angel City 2-1
On June 5, the Chicago Red Stars edged Angel City 2-1 in Los Angeles behind two goals from Ava Cook. Cook's two goals earned the second-year forward the first brace of her young career. She joins ...
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Alabama bans trans women, girls from sports at public colleges
Alabama has prohibited transgender women and girls from female sports teams in public colleges and universities, The Advocate reported. Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 261 into law on May 30. The state has had ...
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Chicago Red Stars fall to Racing Louisville FC
On May 31, the Chicago Red Stars lost to Racing Louisville FC 2-0 in the team's second UKG Challenge Cup match of the season. The team is now 0-2-0 in Challenge Cup play with four games remaining in the group stage ...
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Chicago Fire FC launches Play Proud League; Fire's Pride Night on June 10
Chicago Fire FC announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer (CFRS) programming. The league is being launched in conjunction with Common Goal's Play Proud initiative, ...
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British Cycling to ban trans competitors from female category
After a nine-month investigation and review, British Cycling will ban transgender women from the female category in a change that will be implemented by the end of the year, the BBC reported. Under a new policy ...
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