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Sportsgram 2026 Vol 1

Sportsgram 2026 Vol 1

Our local LGBTQ+ sports updates and member news

Aaron & Miguel Ayala
January 09, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

Team DC family—January is coming in hot. This weekend, we’ll come together for our Annual Meeting and then turn the energy up for our Sin City Classic Send-Off with our friends in District Wrestling, as we cheer on the athletes and teams representing DC on a national stage. These moments are what Team DC is all about: building community, celebrating our people, and showing up for each other—on and off the field.

And we’re just getting started. In the months ahead, we’ve got more opportunities to connect—more events, more partnerships, and more chances to grow our leagues and welcome new athletes into the fold. Mark your calendars now for our biggest celebration of the year: Night of Champions in April, when we’ll honor the leaders who power our community and raise critical support for our work—including college-expense scholarships for graduating high school student-athletes.

We can’t wait to see you this weekend—and all season long.

With gratitude,
Miguel A. Ayala
President, Team DC

Every Team DC Member team and league should have a voting delegate present. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Time is running out to submit nominations. Nominations are due Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5pm ET.

🌟 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]

👕 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.

Join us and our friends at the Wanda Alston Foundation for the pre-game Block Party at District E, from 5-7pm.

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

On January 13, 2026, we are headed to the U.S. Supreme Court to declare We Win Together - Fight for The T in Team. JOIN US in support of Team Trans, defending sports, and schools for all!

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for two cases impacting the rights and lives of Trans and Non Binary (TNB) people across the country with potential impacts to gender justice broadly: W. Virginia v BPJ and Little v Hecox (BPJ and Hecox).

A national coalition led by ACLU, Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center (TLC) and GSA Network, are coming together to say clearly: We Fight for Team Trans Youth. And we need you with us!

We are hosting a rally at the Supreme Court on January 13, 2026, from 10:00am-1:30pm ET.

We are so thankful for all of you, and hope to see you there!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Interested in Volunteering for the event? Email [email protected]

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?

Join District Wrestling and Team DC for our second annual Sin City Sendoff! Whether you're one of the 5,000+ athletes traveling to Las Vegas next week for the Sin City Classic or just want to meet other members of DC's LGBTQ sports community, join us at Crush Dance Bar from 4-6pm on Sunday, January 11 to share a drink before Vegas!

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

Member News

Lambda DanceSport DC teaches International Style Ballroom & Latin classes on Thurs at DanceSport Dupont Circle in preparation for Gay Games Valencia, 2026. JOIN US! Beginner level competitors need only dance 3 dances in either Ballroom or Latin (or preferably both! 🤠) DanceSportDupont.com Terry ~ 202-596-4860

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.

Till next time,