Sportsgram 2025 Vol 24

Our local LGBTQ+ sports updates and member news

In partnership with

Happy Holidays, Team DC Family! 🎉

As we close out the year, we’re filled with gratitude and pride for everything we accomplished together. This year was one of growth, visibility, and community—from showing up for our athletes and leagues to strengthening Team DC’s role as a national leader in LGBTQ+ sports and inclusion. None of it happens without you.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come in the new year—new opportunities, renewed energy, and continued momentum as we build an even stronger Team DC. We hope you’ll consider supporting that work through an end-of-year donation, and by sporting your Team DC pride with some of our merchandise—every contribution helps fuel our mission and sustain our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our holiday party at Trade—it was the perfect way to celebrate the season together and reflect on a great year. We can’t wait to keep the conversation going and look ahead together at our Annual Meeting on January 10th.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a powerful start to the year ahead. Here’s to what we’ve built—and what’s next.

With gratitude,
Miguel A. Ayala
President, Team DC

🌟 Save the Date: Team DC’s 2026 Night of Champions Gala!

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Night of Champions Gala will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at a new venue - the Georgetown Marriott on 22nd St. NW. Our annual gala gives us an evening of celebrating community leaders and the next generation of LGBTQ+ student-athletes. Join us for an inspiring evening of cocktails, dinner, and awards — all in support of Team DC’s Scholarship Program.

Don’t miss this elegant night of celebration, community, and pride — it’s the highlight of Team DC’s year!

P.S. Scholarship applications are open. If you know any teachers, coaches, or others who work with high schools in the DC area, make sure they know about our scholarship program and have them encourage students to apply - [Learn more here]

Sports Council Meeting January 10

Help Shape the Future of Team DC — Run for the Board! 💪🏽🏳️‍🌈

Team DC is powered by passionate leaders from our member organizations—and we’re now inviting committed, visionary individuals to step forward and help guide our next chapter by serving on the Team DC Board of Directors.

This year, we are seeking candidates for the following leadership roles:

  • Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Fundraising Chair

  • Outreach Chair

  • Night OUT Series Chair

  • Social Media Chair

Serving on the Board is a meaningful opportunity to shape our mission, strengthen LGBTQ+ sports in DC, expand our visibility, and build a more connected and inclusive community.

🗳 Elections will take place at the Sports Council Meeting on January 10.
📅 Candidacy declarations are due by 9:00 PM on January 5, 2026.

If you’re ready to lead—or want to learn more—please submit a resume and brief statement of interest to [email protected]. Questions are always welcome.

Your voice, your leadership, and your ideas matter. Step up, get involved, and help lead Team DC into an exciting year ahead.

👕 Show Your Team DC Pride — On and Off the Field 🏳️‍🌈

Supporting Team DC has never looked so good. Our Team DC shop has a few items designed to help you show up, stand out, and represent—whether you’re heading to team practice, warming up before a game, cheering from the sidelines, or just repping your league around town. And you can get your Nats Night Out Jersey if you missed the game this year (or somebody already “borrowed” it).

These items are more than merch—they’re a statement of pride, visibility, and commitment to LGBTQ+ sports in DC. Every purchase directly supports Team DC’s programs, events, and advocacy work that strengthen our community year-round.

They also make great gifts this season—but don’t wait for a special occasion. Wear them to practice, travel days, league socials, or wherever you want Team DC to be seen.

👉 Shop, rep, and support Team DC:

Wear it proud. Wear it often. Support the team behind the teams.

2026 NIGHTS OUT

The Washington Capitals have scheduled a Pride Night for January 17, 2026 vs. the Florida Panthers.

We are proud to be working with the Wizards on planning for the Night OUT at the Wizards on March 19, 2026.

We are working on details for the night and look forward to another great Night OUT with the Wizards. Use the link above and share on your platforms, emails, newsletters, etc. Tickets are available in these sections and price points:

Ticket information coming soon!

Partner News

The Gay Games are an 8-day international event that combines sport, culture, and community. They were created with a clear objective: to celebrate the diversity and visibility of LGBTQIA+ identities together with all allies.

In València 2026, you will have an unforgettable experience:

  • You will compete in your sport and have the chance to reach the podium in your category.

  • You will march in the opening ceremony and enjoy unique concerts and shows.

  • You will enjoy music, culture, workshops, and social activities.

  • You will make friends from all over the world in the Gay Games Village, the heart of the event.

Your athletic ability doesn’t matter here: the essential factor is to participate, share, and enjoy.

VALENCIA GAY GAMES

Are you planning to go to the Gay Games in Valencia this summer?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Are you going to Las Vegas for the Sin City Classic?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Member News

Registration about to open! If you’ve ever considered joining Stonewall Billiards, registration opens December 8 for the next season that runs from January through June! Learn more by signing up to receive emails about registration. https://stonewallbilliards.leagueapps.com/pages/joinus

Join DC Gaymers for Potion Hour, an LGBTQIA+ D&D social where you can unwind, roll some dice, and share adventures over pizza and drinks, alcoholic or otherwise.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just curious about the world of tabletop roleplay, it’s a space to connect, laugh, and celebrate community. Catch us every first Monday of the month at 6:00 PM at Crooked Run Fermentation DC.

Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association

ASGRA’s holds monthly horseback rides. The horseback ride takes place at Piscataway Trails, LLC in Clinton, MD (see map). The ride is an hour long. All horse, tack and some basic instructions are provided. Experienced and novice riders are welcome.

 Horseback Ride costs are:

—$45 for non-members

—$40 for members

 To RSVP or for more information, contact ASGRA President, Patrick Hunter at [email protected].

Every first Thursday of the month, DC Lambda Squares (DCLS) hold 30-min introductory dances for anyone interested in square dancing. No appointment or registration is needed, anyone can simply show up, learn how to dance for free, or just socialize. Free snacks and beverage are always provided by the club.

November 7-10, our club hosted an annual square dance weekend called "Harvest Festival Hoedown" in Harrisburg, PA. About 140 new and experienced square dancers from around the country and Canada attended the event. It was the 29th year of the club hosting the event.  

Since August, we have hosted a weekly beginner square dance class. The class introduces newcomers to square dancing and to members in the DC metro area. Class fees are less than $10 per 90-minute class, and financial aid provided by the club is available. Graduates of the class will also receive free DCLS annual membership for 2026 and discounted rates to future events as first-time attendees.

And we dance every Thursday from 7-9pm at the National City Christian Church.

🎯 Help Team DC Finish the Year Strong!

Your support powers scholarships, supports athletes to the Sin City Classic next month, and prepares Team DC for international competition in Valencia this summer. It also helps us host our Gala and continue building an inclusive sports community.

Every gift counts—make your year-end donation today and help Team DC create opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes on and off the field. Donate Now

Till next time,

TEAM DC

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