The Chicago Sky WNBA basketball team hosted the Los Angeles Sparks July 30, and the game showcased area LGBT youth groups working on anti-bullying efforts. While the Sky came close to overcoming a 20-point deficit, they eventually lost the game 88-84. Erin Thorn came off the bench to score 17, while Sylvia Fowles and Epiphanny Prince had 16 points each.
During halftime, Windy City Times' Windy City Gay Idol runner-up Shaun J. Rajah sang for the crowd, and representatives from five LGBT youth groups read a pledge against bullying, hoping to "Make It Better" for all youth. The pledge stated: "I ... believe that everybody should feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of color, race, gender, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and nationality. I will support organizations that are working to make schools, communities and lives safer. I will help to recognize hurtful behavior and respond to conflict in a fair and compassionate manner. If I see bullying or am being bullied I will say something to a proper authority to help stop the cycle. I will be a vital part to help end bullying."
The groups that were represented at the game, including with booths, were: Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Affinity Community Services, Center on Halsted, Trevor Project and Broadway Youth Center. For details on upcoming Sky games, see www.chicagosky.net .
Photos and text by Tracy Baim