The Gay Softball World Series will be, without question, an economic boon for Lakeview, Andersonville and the entire City of Chicago.
The six-day tournament, which starts Aug. 29, will be the largest LGBT sporting event of the year and likely the largest Series ever.
Local organizers are expecting about 175 teams from across the United States and Canada to participate and more than 4,000 attendees, which includes players, their partners, family members and friends.
Last year's Gay World Series had a $6 million economic impact on Columbus, Ohio, the host city. Chicago's economic impact will be greater because the tournament is larger, the city is a more popular destination for vacationers and the tournament ends days before Labor Day, so organizers predict many attendees will stay a few days after the tournament. Some also will arrive early, organizers predict.
Games will be played on multi-field complexes in suburban St. Charles, Schaumburg and Elmhurst.
"Things are coming along well, really well. We're definitely on pace financially, so we're happy with that," said Ted Cappas, president of Chicago's Gay Softball World Series' eight-member Board of Directors. "It's been a long year and a half in terms of fund-raising and building support, but we've had nice, steady progress all the way through, so we're pretty fortunate with that.
"We're prepared and ready. We're just waiting for the athletes to show up, and the games to begin."
Series 2011-Chicago, Inc., the local host, held its World Series Summer Kickoff Party on June 29 at Sidetrack—two months to the day before the opening ceremony, which will be held in the grand ballroom at Navy Pier, it was announced this week.
The opening ceremony will start at 5 p.m., featuring a top-notch talent lineup, including Leslie Jordan, Ben Cohen, Pandora Boxx; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong and Matthew Harvat.
"We can't think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the opening ceremony," Cappas said. "The venue is tremendous, a great way to showcase the city. We're very excited about having Ben Cohen involved, and having Leslie Jordan here will be entertaining.
"The opening ceremony is really going to be unique."
The opening ceremony will carry a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation.
"This event is about more than just softball; it's about community, it's about building partnerships and relationships for the LGBT community," Cappas said.
The local organizing committee is filled with experience, many of whom, such as Cappas and Joe Cappelletti, had key roles in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.
"We don't want this to be just six days of softball and no lasting legacy. We want this World Series to leave a lasting legacy, without question," said Cappas, who will be commuting between the three complexes during the event, making sure things are running smoothly.
He also wants to play. "I'm hoping to be picked up by a Chicago team, so I can get at least one at-bat," he said with a smile.
The highlight of the Kickoff Party was the give-away of a trip to New York City, including airfare and lodging at the Benjamin Hotel, along with tickets to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Chicagoan Brian Harder won the trip, set for July 24-26.
"I am over-the-moon excited to have won the trip to New York," Harder said. "I nearly spit my drink out when they called my name. I am happy that I am able to support the Gay Softball World Series, but winning this trip makes it even more special. Thanks to Diageo and Rokk Vodka for providing this awesome opportunity."
Cappas said his biggest worry at this point is the unknown, "and that's the case with any event, regardless of how prepared you are."
Heran the annual Coady Classic for years, the nation's largest annual LGBT basketball tournament, held in Chicago.
Cappas said the pre-Pride vandalism to parade floats, coupled with recent attacks in the Boystown neighborhood, also are a concern. "The last thing you want is, someone to come to our city and have a bad experience," he said.
To that, Cappas confirmed that board members have been meeting with aldermen in Lakeview, Andersonville and Rogers Park, as well as representatives from the mayor's office and police officials.
There will be security at all three venues, Cappas said.
The World Series also might have a legal battleground, as it was after the 2008 Series in Seattle.
A federal judge in late May refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by three men who claim they were disqualified from the 2008 Series for not being gay enough.
The men, members of a San Francisco team, say they were questioned in front of a room full of strangers about their sexual preferences after a protest was lodged alleging their team had violated a rule that limited to two the number of heterosexuals on any team.
The three men, who are bisexual, say the questioning was intrusive and allege in the lawsuit that the event's sponsor and its rule violate state anti-discrimination laws. The State of Illinois has similar laws.
U.S. District Judge John Coughenour found that the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association ( NAGAAA ) , which sponsors the yearly event, can keep its rule. According to media reports from earlier this year, the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of expression and association allow organizations like the softball association to limit membership to individuals with like-minded beliefs in order to promote a broader agenda—in this case, ensuring gay athletes have a safe and accepting community in which to play, he ruled.
The case is scheduled to go to trial Aug. 1.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, which had framed it as a push for bisexual rights, backed the lawsuit.
"That is completely a NAGAAA issue. We have nothing to do with that. Chicago and CMSA will not ask," [ about a ] player's sexuality, Cappas said.
NAGAAA officials have been unavailable for comment, despite repeated attempts to contact them.
Following is the press release for the World Series:
Rugby star Ben Cohen featured celeb at Gay Softball World Series in Chicago
The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series ( GSWS ) , which will take place in Chicago from August 29 through September 3, 2011, is pleased to announce it has selected the Grand Ballroom of historic Navy Pier for its' Opening Ceremonies, which will officially kick-off a week of softball and social events. Opening Ceremonies will take place on Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m.
"We can't think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. "We've assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike."
The GSWS Opening Ceremony will feature a top-notch talent lineup ( see attached bios ) , including Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Ben Cohen, Rugby World Cup Champion and founder of the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer.
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation.
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 29, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master's. Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships ( Schaumburg Complex ) on Saturday, September 3.
Series 2011, Inc. is currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and donations ( financial and in-kind ) . Visit the tournament website to learn more — chicagoseries2011.com
Leslie Jordan
With hundreds of television shows, films and commercials to his credit, Leslie Jordan has become a familiar face on the national entertainment scene. Leslie is the 2006 Emmy Award Winner for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series" for his delicious portrayal of "Beverley Leslie" on "Will and Grace." Television recurring roles: "Boston Legal," "Ugly Betty," "Reba," "Sordid Lives: the Series." Film: "Sordid Lives," upcoming DreamWorks feature "The Help," and Independent "Magnus." Stage: Ovation Award, Garland Award, and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for "Southern Baptist Sissies." Autobiographical shows: "Like a Dog on Linoleum," "Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies..." Book: My Trip Down the Pink Carpet, which formed the basis for the one-man show that had a 45-city tour, a twelve-week off-Broadway run and a four-week run at the Apollo Theater in London.
Ben Cohen
Ben Cohen, MBE ( Member of the British Empire ) , is one of the world's greatest athletes, recognized as a rugby World Cup champion and second in all-time scoring for England. He also is known as a staunch advocate for LGBT equality, retiring from professional sports in 2011 to start the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, for which he serves as Chairman. The Foundation is the world's first to focus solely on raising awareness and funding to combat LGBT bullying and homophobia in sports. Mr. Cohen, who is married and the father of twin girls, is the first straight sports superstar to dedicate his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of LGBT people. He started the Foundation after learning of the anti-gay bullying suffered by some of his worldwide fans, a painful reminder of his own father's beating death after he tried to protect and stand up for an employee being attacked. The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation is supported by individual donations, corporate partners and profits from StandUp brand merchandise.
Pandora Boxx
Pandora Boxx has been entertaining the masses for more than a decade. She most recently appeared as a contestant on the smash hit RuPaul's Drag Race ( Season 2 ) . Despite not winning, Pandora proved to be the breakout star and was named by Entertainment Weekly "as their America's Next Drag Superstar." That popularity led her to becoming a drag professor on the spin-off show RuPaul's Drag U ( Seasons 1 & 2 ) . Pandora also hosted One Night Stand Up: Dragtastic NYC, which aired on Logo. This "Drag Superstar" has been traveling the country since Drag Race ended spreading love, laughs and glitter everywhere he/she goes. And, Pandora's first single is about to drop very soon!
Amy Armstrong
Originally from Detroit, Amy Armstrong has been a professional entertainer since she was a young child. Her powerful and soulful voice mesmerizes listeners while her hilarious and risqué humor keeps them doubled over with laughter. Amy made her home in Chicago in 1995 and quickly became one of the Windy City's hottest talents. Since that time, Amy she has captivated audiences for more than 15 years, gracing the stage from coast to coast and in over 20 countries. She has had the pleasure of opening for and sharing the stage with Kathy Griffin, Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Phyllis Diller, Bea Arthur, Jennifer Holiday and many others. Amy has also performed with RSVP Vacations since 1999. When not on tour, she is a featured headliner in Chicago with Freddy Allen, her accompanist and music director. Together, they have produced four successful albums; Amy and Freddy- the debut, Life is a Cabaret, Naturally Flawless and Feeling Good.
Matthew Harvat
Matthew Harvat designs events and environments, from the intimate to the grand and from the enduring to the spontaneous. As principal and lead designer of two of his own Chicago based companies, Circuit MOM Productions, Inc. and e.melone floral.home.events, llc, Harvat has transformed both public and domestic spaces for more than twenty years. His event production includes venues like House of Blues Chicago, Aragon Ballroom, Uptown Theater Grand Lobby, Sidetrack Video Bar and others, where he has worked as artistic director, actor, performance artist and DJ. Concurrent with this evolution, over the last 15 years, Harvat developed the alter-ego drag superstar Circuit Mom and became an iconic presence in dance music festivals around the world. Gay and straight audiences alike embrace Harvat's unique combination of DJing, production and performances that fuse glamour, wit and audacity.
