Sports
Longtime male cheerleader joins rigorous Ravens squad
W.Va. native was scheduled to cheer first pre-season game this week
Luke Jackson (front and center) says his work with Cheer D.C. was a good launching pad for a slot on the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading team. (Washington Blade photo by Kevin Majoros)
Luke Jackson has been involved in every aspect of competitive and recreational cheerleading. Originally from West Virginia, Jackson was a varsity cheerl eader with West Virginia University for four years, cheered internationally in co-ed competitions and has coached throughout his career.
After moving to the D.C. area with his husband Andy, Jackson stepped into a leadership role with Cheer D.C., which utilizes cheerleading to promote spirit and elevate acceptance and equality for the LGBT community. He is also coaching at South County High School.
The only aspect missing was professional cheerleading and earlier this year, Jackson was selected to the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading team. The Ravens remain as the only NFL team to have a co-ed stunting team. The squad consists of 35 women who perform stunts and dances along with 23 men who perform stunts.
The Ravens Cheerleaders perform multiple types of stunts that range from three bases and a flyer to individual partner stunting. To get back into top shape, Jackson put himself through intense training leading up to his tryout.
“A typical session was running on the treadmill, throwing a training partner, running back to the treadmill and then throwing her again,” Jackson says.
The tryouts for the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders are a four-step process. On day one, Jackson threw one stunt with a female cheerleader and was invited back.
On day two he was paired with a veteran cheerleader for safety reasons and performed more stunts, tumbling and an interview session. He highlighted his work with Cheer D.C. during the interview and received positive feedback. Day three was another 20-minute interview.
The final tryout took place at the Under Armour practice stadium and was a grueling session of throwing stunt after stunt with every girl on the team. Jackson made the cut and was sent for the group picture.
“I have cheered for so many cheer organizations and the Baltimore Ravens are loving, kind and supportive of everyone on our team,” Jackson says. “From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, it is serious but also so much fun. Practices are hard and safety is a focus. After each training session, we do two-and-a-half hours of CrossFit.”
The Baltimore Ravens had their first preseason home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, the first game for Jackson as a Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader. He was hoping the moment brought back the same feelings he had in college.
“The Ravens have a marching band and I am looking forward to hearing the band music blowing, throwing stunts and that feeling of doing something you love in front of thousands of people,” Jackson says. “I am hoping for the same chills I got when I was a West Virginia Mountaineer.”
Sports
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Games to take place next month in Italy
“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.
HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.
The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
Egypt
Iran, Egypt object to playing in Seattle World Cup ‘Pride Match’
Game to take place on June 26
Iran and Egypt have objected to playing in a “Pride Match” that will take place in Seattle during the 2026 World Cup.
The Egyptian Football Association on Tuesday said it told FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström in a letter that “it categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (homosexuality) during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran, scheduled to be held in Seattle, USA, on June 26, 2026, in the third round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj told ISNA, a semi-official Iranian news agency that both his country and Egypt “protested this issue.”
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 5.
Iran is among the handful of countries in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.
The State Department’s 2023 human rights report notes that while Egyptian law “did not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, authorities regularly arrested and prosecuted LGBTQI+ persons on charges including ‘debauchery,’ prostitution, and ‘violating family values.’” Egyptian authorities “also reportedly prosecuted LGBTQI+ individuals for ‘misuse of social media.’”
“This resulted in de facto criminalization of same-sex conduct and identity,” notes the report.
The 2024 human rights report the State Department released earlier this year did not include LGBTQ-specific references.
Soccer has ‘unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs’
The June 26 match between Iran and Egypt coincides with Seattle Pride. The Washington Post reported the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee decided to hold the “Pride Match” before last week’s draw.
“As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” said SeattleFWC26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse in a statement the committee sent to the Washington Blade on Wednesday. “SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”
“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” added Tadeese. “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.”
The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death in the country. The 2022 World Cup took place in neighboring Qatar, despite concerns over the country’s anti-LGBTQ rights record.
Unconventional homes becoming more popular
Out dancer on Alvin Ailey’s stint at Warner Theatre
This queer comedy show will warm you up
Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ star and celebrated queer ally, dies at 71
AIDS Healthcare Foundation sues Fla. over ‘illegal’ HIV drug program cuts
Two gay men face deportation to Iran
Defunding LGBTQ groups is a warning sign for democracy
Blade welcomes spring intern
Van Sant returns with gripping ‘Dead Man’s Wire’
