Sports
Lesbian softball lover builds championship team
D.C. Swag won 2018 championship D Division title
This week in the Game Changers series we meet an athlete from Chesapeake and Potomac Softball (CAPS) who has taken its women’s softball program to new heights.
Growing up in New England, Rhonda Jackson found a safe haven in sports as a three-letter athlete in basketball, softball and field hockey.
“Sports was a completely freeing experience and a place where I could express myself,” Jackson, who identifies as a lesbian, says. “It also gave me an avenue to connect to a community.”
After completing four years at Virginia Commonwealth University on a basketball scholarship, Jackson took a break from sports to refuel. She remained in Virginia and was soon asked to play softball with the Chesapeake and Potomac Softball League.
Playing on a CAPS team led to starting her own CAPS team in 2008. After the Sunday games, she would sit on the hill and socialize with other players before they all went home. Jackson found herself wanting a more complete experience.
Out of her team the Capitol Cougars, came the formation of their new travel team, D.C. Swag. Jackson had a vision of growing the CAPS women’s division and creating a more competitive environment.
“I often say to players that we want the CAPS to be your softball home. It’s important to build something that has value in your community,” Jackson says. “It’s not always about the sport, it’s about how you connect to people.”
At the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA) Softball World Series in 2018, D.C. Swag captured the championship title in the D Division. The women from D.C. fought their way back from a deficit in nine of the 14 games they played.
ASANA was created in 2007 as a non-profit organization comprised of women dedicated to promoting the participation of LGBT people in an organized softball competition.
“In the ASANA community, D.C. is known for our ability to be inclusive and provide access to a diverse group of people — deaf, sober, partnered, single — all are welcome,” Jackson says.
Last summer, CAPS hosted its largest MAGIC Tournament with over 40 teams participating, including its largest ever women’s division. Members are expecting another big women’s division this year as MAGIC has once again been named as a qualifying tournament for the 2020 ASANA Softball World Series in Norfolk.
Recently, D.C. was awarded the 2021 ASANA World Series with Jackson serving as co-chair along with CAPS Commissioner Tony Mace. They’re hoping to draw 60 teams from around the country with 1,300 athletes, friends and allies.
“D.C. is an amazing city filled with diverse, talented and vibrant people. The World Series will be an opportunity to highlight the best of the city,” Jackson says. “We want to give all of our participants a memorable experience.”
Jackson works as an epidemiologist in a program that evaluates standards for the military. She plays softball from April to November, three days a week at shortstop or third base.
“Sports is where I have found my comfort and it is where I am grounded,” Jackson says. “My spirit is collaborative and the sports community has given me a wonderful opportunity to connect with interesting people.”
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.
LGBTQ Ugandans targeted ahead of country’s elections
Trump-appointed EEOC leadership rescinds LGBTQ worker guidance
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Comings & Goings
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Hot rod heaven: Chevy Corvette, Dodge Charger
Two gay candidates running in ‘firehouse’ Va. House of Delegates primary in Alexandria
PHOTOS: Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026
McBride, other US lawmakers travel to Denmark
