'CLLAW XXV' July 30
The Chicago League of Lady Wrestlers ( CLLAW ) is back at "CLLAW XXV: The Summer Showdown" on Saturday, July 30, at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave.
CLLAW's 25th benefit match will feature lady-identified arm wrestlers, live musical entertainment and a cash bar. Doors open at 9 p.m., with the first match beginning at 9:30 pm.
Tickets are $10 in advance ( at CLLAW.org ) or $15 at the door.
OutGames launches
early registration
World OutGames Miami—the 10-day event that will bring 34 sports and more than 450 events across the areas of sport, culture and human rights—has launched advanced registration.
Thousands of athletes, participants, spectators and thought leaders from around the globe will converge on Miami for World OutGames IV May 26-June 4, 2017.
Registration is available online at OutGames.org . Athletes who register before Sept. 1, 2016, can save $100. The registration package includes credentials, welcome bag, admission to opening and closing ceremonies, official shirt, access to OPEN sports and culture events and souvenir program book, participation medal, transportation pass and unlimited access to Festival Village.
NCAA sets anti-bias
policy for championships
The NCAA has created an anti-discrimination policy for championship bids, including cities that want to host the Final Four.
The NCAA Board of Governors adopted a new requirement for sites bidding on championship events to show "how they will provide an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination, plus safeguards the dignity of everyone involved in the event," an NCAA news release stated.
"The NCAA has sent a very clear message that unfair and unjust discrimination against LGBT people will not be tolerated by the association, and we hope lawmakers are listening," said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin in a separate statement. "In order for cities to even qualify to host these major sporting events, they must now have commonsense, LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination protections. We commend the NCAA Board of Governors for taking this critically important stand in favor of fairness and equality."
This announcement could have major implications for states such as North Carolina, which has hosted NCAA events 17 times in the past two decades. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and state legislators have been coming under increasingly intense pressure to repeal the anti-LGBT law HB 2.
'Puck & Grind'
July 23
Local athlete and burlesque performer Ali Lawrence is hosting "Puck & Grind," a unique and LGBT/ally-empowering event that will start with a hockey tournament at Johnny's Ice House, 2550 W. Madison St., followed by a burlesque show after-party at Lincoln Tap Room, 3010 N. Lincoln Ave., at 8 p.m.
The puck drops at noon at Johnny's Ice House for a three-on-three hockey tournament featuring four co-ed teams of mixed skill level.
Both events are free admission ( donations welcome ), and there will be raffle tickets and drink wristbands sold at Lincoln Tap Room.
Visit PuckAndGrind.com or email PuckAndGrind@gmail.com .
Chicago Fire to hold
Pride Night July 31
The Chicago Fire will host the 3rd annual Pride Night when the New York Red Bulls visit Toyota Park on Sunday, July 31.
"The Chicago Fire Soccer Club's values are built on diversity, inclusion and respect," said Fire COO Atul Khosla. "Recent events have reminded us how important these principles are as we continue to support the the LGBTQ community and celebrate Pride Night once again next month."
The club's partner for the July 31 Pride Night is Center on Halsted. In support of the Center, fans can purchase Corner Kick tickets for $21 ( at community.centeronhalsted.org/fire ), with $5 from each ticket sold going back to the Center.
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus will sing the national anthem in support of Pride Night. Additionally, the Fire's in-stadium and digital platforms, on game day, will reflect the club's support of the LGBTQ community.
