I am not one that is usually known to cover the serious story, but when I heard about this endeavor, I had to get it out there to the people because it is so important. The partnership of C.B.L.S.L. (City of Brotherly Love Softball League) and The Trevor Project at first seemed like an unlikely pairing. The C.B.L.S.L. won the bid to host this year’s softball world series in Philadelphia, sponsored by ASANA (Amateur Sports Alliance of North America), and The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

It was after I sat down with the organizers of the union, that I understood how much sense these two organizations getting together makes. When I asked Ms. Cathy Harris, of the women’s division of C.B.L.S.L., why she picked The Trevor Project , she stated that she “had been looking to partner up with a non profit organization for a long time” and it was through talking to Ms. Jeanne McIntyre, chair of Philly Ambassadors of The Trevor Project, that the union was formed.

Ms. McIntyre stated to me “that sports promote self esteem, inclusiveness, respect and positivity” and that is exactly what LGBTQ youth need to get through the hard times of despair that is often experienced when questioning their sexuality or coming out of the closet. Sports can often “reduce anxiety” and is an invaluable source of camaraderie and team dynamic that can translate into their everyday lives. It is through sports that we all learn how to deal with wins and losses, gain sportsmanship, compassion, learn how to “play well with others” and have a sense of belonging.

There will be approximately 1,500 people coming to Philadelphia from August 20th through August 27th to participate, either as a player or a spectator, for “Bring the Love”, ASANNA’s Softball World Series (http://www.bringthelove2011.com). According to Ms. Harris, it is being billed as “the largest LGBT sporting event in Philadelphia’s history”. Philadelphia will have twelve teams participating in the games and there will be fifty five altogether. It was through the diligence of Ms. Harris, Mr. Bob Lenahan, current commissioner of the men’s competitive division of C.B.L.S.L., and Ms. Sue Gildea, director of volunteers for C.B.L.S.L., that the World Series is here and packed with events. I have included the list of events for this week of softball and The Philly Ambassadors of The Trevor Project will have a strong presence at almost every single event.

While the city will be inundated with visitors, it is the people of our community that are needed for this union. The Trevor Project’s closest call center to Philadelphia is in New York. The Philly Ambassadors would like to get enough people in the movement here to have a call center in Philadelphia, but it will take a lot of volunteers, exposure and interest to get this going. Their Facebook page is fourth in the county for “likes” and for reading the articles that are posted. The momentum is building here in the city and this union during the World Series could be what gets them the exposure that they need. This organization is needed here in Philadelphia and it is so close to happening through their diligent work. The local volunteer coordinators, Ms. Megan Foss and Mr. Daniel Watson, are working tirelessly with the C.B.L.S.L. to be represented at almost all of the events that will be taking place over that week of softball fun but they still need help from new volunteers. There are ways that you can help the local chapter. If you want to volunteer at any of the events, please email Ms. Foss at meganfoss_28@hotmail.com. If you would just like to make a donation to The Trevor Project, you can text to 85944 and $5.00 will be donated. If you are not able to volunteer and don’t want to make a cash donation, they are still looking for items to be auctioned off and raffled at the events during the world series. We are especially looking for local businesses to step up and contribute, whether that is with a gift certificate for a meal to your restaurant that can be raffled off or cases of water that will be needed during the days of outdoor events, anything that you can think of would so be appreciated. I know that in this day and age, we tend to walk with our heads down paying attention to our technology and ignoring activists on the street trying to get us involved in the community, but I am asking you, when you are at the fields or the amazing events, keep your head up, accept the flier that they want to give you and listen to what they have to say. You might not have been someone that could have benefited from a gay suicide prevention hotline when you were growing up and coming to terms with your sexuality, but you just might know someone that does and the more people that get involved, the closer we will be to having this invaluable resource here in our city.

In talking to Ms. Harris last week about this partnership, I don’t think that she could have been happier to have chosen this organization to partner with gay sports here in Philadelphia. While she is excited about the days of playing softball and the amazing events being held daily, she recognizes how important sports are to anyone, but especially gay youth that could be struggling with coming to terms with their sexuality. She has been working around the clock to make sure that that week in August will be fun, successful and a positive experience for all of the athletes and gay supporters that will be flocking to our city. As it will be “the largest LGBT sporting event in Philadelphia’s history”, she is also in great need of support. You can go on the “Bring the Love” website that I have listed above and click on volunteer. They will need countless volunteers for various things at each event. It is not only a way to get involved in your community, but a fun way to meet new people descending on our city. Who knows, you might just meet the love of your life while doing something good. The C.B.L.S.L., along with needing “man”power, is also looking for items for auction or things like cases of bottled water or snacks. Anything that you can think of would be appreciated by The C.B.L.S.L. in order to make this week here in Philadelphia a successful one. This is an epic event that will bring great exposure to our community here in Philadelphia on a national level. It is also one that promises to be more fun than you can handle. There is always a way to be involved and have fun, that’s what I always say.

Please check out the various links that I have included to find out how to be involved or to just get more information about the games and the events that will be happening during “Bring the Love 2011”.

Sunday, August 21, 2011
Ladies 2000 Kick-Off Event @ ICandy 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
254 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 324-3500

Monday, August 22, 2011
Happy Hour @ Knock 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
225 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-1166

Perch Pub Party 8 p.m. to midnight
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
1345 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 546-4090

Tuesday August 23, 2011
Golf Tournament
Walnut Lane Golf Club, 800 Walnut Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Opening Party and Registration @ the DoubleTree Hotel Pool Deck
5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

Opening Party After Party @ Sisters Nightclub
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
1320 Chancellor St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-0735

Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Round Robin Games Begin
South Philly QOTA Party on Passyunk Ave. 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Stogie Joe’s Tavern
1802 East Passyunk Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 463-3030

Adobe Café
1919 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
( 215) 551-2243
Adobe Café Party 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Karaoke and Great Drink Discounts

Tavern on Camac Party 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series
243 S. Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545- 0900

Thursday, August 25, 2011
Round Robin Games Continue
World Series/BarAids Bar Crawl
ICandy Happy Hour 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
254 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 324-3500

Tavern on Camac 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
243 S. Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
( 215) 545- 0900

Venture Inn 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
255 S. Camac St., Philadelphia, PA
( 215) 545-8731

Sisters Nightclub 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
1320 Chancellor St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-0735

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
McGillin’s Olde Ale House 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
1310 Drury Street, Second floor, Philadelphia, Pa 19107

Friday, August 26, 2011
Double Elimination Games
Phillies Gay Days!!
Watch Live at the Phillies Game
Enjoy Largest LGBT Tailgate Party at Citizens Bank Park 4:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.
$25 drink and food
F Parking Lot
Watch on T.V. @ Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug
200 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
( 215) 964-9675

Stimulus Swim Party!!! ~ 10pm – 2am
Discount admission with Tailgate pass
Drink discounts and great dance music
Bring your swimsuit!!

Saturday, August 27, 2011
Championship Games
@ Metropolitan Fields, West Deptford, NJ

Closing Party Carniball Street Festival 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Short walk from hotels in the heart of the Gayborhood
Games, Food, Vendors, Music and Awards
13th Street/Locust Street/Camac Street
Sisters, Uncles, Tavern on Camac and Venture Inn
Great Drink Discounts with Series Mug

After Awards Party
Voyeur Nightclub
1221 Saint James St., Philadelphia, PA 19107