Level Playing Field - A LGBT sports podcast

After a month away to reassess and regroup. WE. ARE. BACK!!!!! Our host Karleigh Webb is rested and ready for TDoV was special report to tell some stories from voices in sports you may not have heard of Julie Ann Curtiss -- When England's Rugby Football Union banned transgender women for playing at all levels of the sport, Curtiss decided to fight for her right play. She is suing the RFU and she was beamed up to talk about why she getting in the scrum and why she loves to play. Lex Horowitz -- A a varsity squash player at NCAA Division III Bowdoin College, Horowitz was one of 34 out transgender collegiate athletes. Their experiences being non-binary in a sporting landscape that is all-too binary are the catalyst for they are doing as an inclusion consultant who is actively working to make spaces in sports safer, inclusive and has their eye on the games of the tomorrow. Charlotte McEachern -- Wrestling is who she is and it has her studying hard on the art of the grapple at the iconic Monster Factory. Legendary heroes and heels have made their beginnings there, and the finishing school is the subject of a new Apple TV documentary series. McEachern, a trans woman in the squared circle, talks about being a part of the film, a part of the school, her budding career path, and she even gave us one of those cool pre-match intros! Arthur Webber -- On TDoV, TRUK United FC ("The Official Association Football Side of the Trans Sporter Room") will continuing making history. In 2022, TRUK United fielding the first-ever all-transfeminine eleven in the history of FA and UEFA competition against Fifth Division Dulwich Hamlet FC. This week, TRUK United will again field an all-trans woman side, and in a doubleheader event, they will field a first-ever all-transmasculine side to battle with a team of Dulwich Hamlet supporters. Webber, a young trans man who lives and breathes the pitch, will wear the captain's armband and lead the lads into the fray. His story is a comeback story. Last year, after giving up sport in frustration while finding his truth, he return to play after 11 years away. Also This Week Tears In Nashville Florida to legislate bathrooms. Yes, they really are. The World Athletics ban Protest And Deny: Posie Parker "The Nature Girl" Karleigh Webb? Oh by the way, IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!

This is not the end of the road, but it is the end of "The Sports Kiki," at least in its current form under Outsports. On this week's show, Alex talks about ESPN's Izzy Gutierrez giving a shout-out to LGBTQ sports leagues, an MMA coach offering security for a drag brunch and his takeaways from three years of hosting this special podcast. Follow Alex on Twitter for updates, @AlexReimer1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's our last ride alongside Vox Media. Thanks for all the fish. After this week. The Trans Sporter Room is taking a 4-week hiatus to transition into some new digs, but we'll end the "Vox Era" with a standout trio that gets all "A"s. This week our host, Karleigh Webb, sits down with Advocacy -- Ash Hall -- Ash is one of a young gritty generation who are taking the torch of late Texas trans titan Monica Roberts. They beam up to talk about to ugly fight there, but also about how they keep hope amid the Greg Abbott onslaught. Advance -- D.F. Pendry -- Like our host, D.F. is a sports journalist, and they also like out D.F. sports was a way through and way forward, and the Glaive Sports correspondent gives us the ins and out of Premier Hockey Federation playoff chase, and a look into the recent NHL retrenchment regarding pride nights in the league. Art and Allyship -- Barry Deutsch -- The political cartoonist/comics author-illustrator whose credits include the excellent Hereville, and Superbutch series is a favorite of Karleigh's who has cited his work on cartoons on LGBTQ rights, including using one his best strips as part of an Outsports Awards piece in 2021. In this interview we delve into how an ally uses what they have to help move things forward Also This Week Florida legislation goes from bad to worse Leigh Finke: Freshman Phenom Truk United's Historic Doubleheader Karleigh's Last Call Calls Out A Lie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! It's the end of an era in more ways than one this week as welcome back "The Business" Billy Dixon. He and Brian Bell discuss the end of Pro Wrestling VIBE, what led to that decision and what Sunday's #BRAUMATICA event represents for the legacy of the company. Dixon also opens up about his return from retirement, the reaction to the Killian McMurphy-Edith Surreal storyline and taking over GCW For The Culture at this year's Mania weekend. Follow Billy Dixon on Twitter: @TheBillyDixon Follow Pro Wrestling VIBE on Twitter: @PWVibe Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two things we like in our sports at the Trans Sporter Room are beauty and speed, and in a perfect world our host Karleigh Webb always seeks BOTH! BEAUTY: Ed Fox and Phoebe Martin of the Union Omaha FC "Proud Owls" Last year Fox and Martin started the Proud Owls, the LGBTQ supporters group for the USL League One Union Omaha FC. They started the supporters' group to provide a safe space for LGBTQ and Ally fans of the 2021 USL League One champions. Last Week, as their state began hearings on anti-trans discrimination and protest were called, they went to the state capital to show support. They were their to give support and be there. To them it was an evolution of what they started their group. SPEED: Zach Herrin and Kevin Jennings Zach Herrin has been in pro motorsports since he was a 16-year-old on the pro motorcycling circuit, and had potential, but finding his truth as a gay man and his chosen profession was since as a bridge too far. Herrin left the racing saddle to attend to himself. Along the way, the only answers he could have? Yes, you are gay and yes, you are a racer! Herrin began his road back. Leading up to an opportunity to drive in an ARCA Menards Series car at Daytona this week thanks former driver and current ARCA Series team owner Andy Hillenburg For a sponsor Herrin turned to a group who doesn't like to lose. When it comes to fighting for LGBTQ rights, Lambda Legal bats close to a 1.000. Together, driver and sponsor face one of the greatest challenges in sports: 200 miles on the high banks at 200 miles-per-hour at Daytona! Also This Week: The latest on a homicide that shook trans communities worldwide Razorback rudeness Karleigh's Last Call: Eulogy for a mentor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LZ Granderson receives all of his flowers from D.Gil on this special Black History Month shoutout episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex discusses whether the Super Bowl is losing its cultural relevance. He also talks about Tony Dungy pulling out from speaking at an anti-gay preacher's event, and Nets guard Cam Thomas saying he was just "being playful" when he said a gay slur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week we close out Journo January (a little late) by welcoming Colette Arrand and Joseph Montecillo of the new wrestling blog Big Egg. They and Brian Bell discuss how Big Egg came together in the wake of Fanbyte's closure last year, their unique approaches to discussing pro wrestling and their goals for the blog going forward. The trio also chat a bit about the 2023 Royal Rumble, Mad Dog Connelly, C.R.E.E.P.S. and Mountain Dew Pitch Black. Check out Big Egg at bigegg.substack.com Follow Colette Arrand on Twitter: @colettearrand Follow Joseph Montecillo on Twitter: @josephweirdness Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Bowl LVII. Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia Eagles. Two young star quarterbacks. Mahomes, the playmaker. Hurts, hardscrabble battler. A track meet offense against an old school NFC East defense. A old coach chasing legend. A young coach making a mark. We bring back the Gridiron Girls to break it down. TSR NFL Analyst Shauna Adkison, TSR College Football Analyst Chelsea Poe, and our host Karleigh Webb give you the lowdown on Super Sunday. From the game, to the halftime, to the commercials, to the grub we got you! Also This Week Congrats Kim Petras! Legislative Battleground: Virginia Anatomy of an anti-trans lie Karleigh's Last Call: How not to talk to an affirming parent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Solidarity is about people, not principles. You can have the greatest principles in the world, but if you don't use them to help anybody they are completely worthless." As a baseball writer Sheryl Weikal has always put her pen in line with her principles. She not only spoke stats, but also spoke out on issues that matter and didn't shy away from social critique at the intersections of sport and society. She cut so close to the quick at times that one team said she wasn't welcome to attend a game at their park. Weikal approaches what she sees as her life's work with the same passion. She a Chicago-based lawyer who specializes in being advocate for those who otherwise wouldn't have one. Her practice centered on consumer protection. Some speak of being "for the little guy". This tough trans woman does so. This week our Karleigh Webb beamed up this battler, and talked about the ol' ball game, the pitch-and-catch of legal system, living in trans joy through solidarity and connection, and how her spouse, automotive writer Mercedes Streeter, could be a serious rival to Starfleet's greatest engineers. Also This Week: Where the Trans Sporter Room goes next Nothing quiet on the legislative front The backlash tide on sports and pride Karleigh Last Call: It's was 35 years ago today when Doug Williams came to slay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex talks about the anti-LGBTQ vitriol from Tony Dungy and Ivan Provorov defenders, and how they're telling on themselves with their extreme rhetoric. Follow Alex on Twitter, @AlexReimer1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blake Bonkowski and Kino love Gymnastics. They go to meets. They watch the sport. They can spot a good Yurchenko and tell you why it's good. They start Half In, Half Out Podcast as a homage to a sport they love. It's become a hot spot for LGBTQ figures in the sport to talk about floor, beams, vaults and finding their place in a demanding sport looking to move forward. Karleigh Webb sat down with them both for a lively discussion on their podcasts, themselves, and looking at an eventful college season thus far, how you build a newbie Trekker and yacht rock floor exercise. Also This Week: Legislative "Show-Me" Showdown In Missouri World Athletics: The Next Domino? Karleigh's Last Call: Pride Nights Matter..and I'm GLAAD They Do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D.Gil addresses "woke" sports fans after the recent Damar Hamlin, Devin Willock, and Chandler LeCroy incidents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex speaks with Philadelphia Flyers writer Madeline Campbell about the team's disastrous handling of Ivan Provorov. Alex also rips Tony Duny for tweeting about kids identifying as cats, and NBC for its continued silence. Follow Alex on Twitter, @AlexReimer1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! Journo January keeps rolling this week as we welcome Grit & Glitter co-host and Pro Wrestling Torch contributor Harley R. Pageot! He and Brian Bell discuss growing up as a wrestling fan in Canada amid Bret Hart's heights, the unique focus of Grit & Glitter's pro wrestling coverage and the community-building aspect of that work. Pageot also delves into their own exploration of gender and how Ring of Honor led to his entry into wrestling media. Follow Harley R. Pageot on Twitter: @yrechoheart Follow Grit & Glitter on Twitter: @gritglitterpod Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2021, a rising junior collegiate swimmer made a decision: Team ahead of self for a chance to complete a collective goal For Yale University sprint specialist Iszac Henig, it means going fast alongside his mates on Yale's women's swim team. With the goal of bringing an Ivy League women's team title back to New Haven for the first time since 2017. It also meant putting a critical piece of his transition on hold. 2021-2022 was as successful in the pool for Henig as it was controversial for the sport. Among those he would swim against last season was certain senior at Penn named Lia Thomas. Yes. That Lia Thomas. Through the headline clickbait, Henig swam fast and had fun, even through a difficult season of having to leave a piece of himself on hold. He ended the year with his first individual Ivy League title and became one of only three transgender student-athletes in NCAA to earn Division I conference title, and only one of three to earn All-American honors. After last season, Henig made the next choice. His senior season, would fully be his. He became part of the men's team at Yale. Karleigh Webb sits down with Henig, and takes glimpse at how this story has come full circle and the future holds for a self-described "cool dude who likes swim fast and have fun". Also This Week Anti-Trans Bills: How low can they go? Starmer's Stammer The First Shout Outs of 2023 Karleigh's Last Call: What would MLK say about our world today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex talks about Tony Dungy's history of vehement anti-LGBTQ commentary, and whether he should still be part of NBC's NFL coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! Journo January continues as we welcome former Pro Wrestling Torch and Grit & Glitter contributor Chuy Harris to the show! They and Brian Bell discuss their love for Southern Wrasslin', why Arn Anderson is the best, how they found their way onto the Pro Wrestling Torch and their passion for covering pro wrestling differently. They also chat about their time as a member of the Glitterati and how that period changed how and what pro wrestling Chuy now finds the most meaning within. Follow Chuy Harris on Twitter: @CochinoChuy Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After two weeks of looking back, we launch forward into a new year at the Trans Sporter Room. Boxing -- The World Boxing Council is talking about "inclusion", but a trans pioneer in the sweet science is sour on the plan. Bulldogs -- The big dogs from the SEC ate hearty in college football's National Championship and Karleigh Webb brings the Gridiron Girls, Shauna Adkison and Chelsea Poe in for a post mortem on Georgia's 65-7 win over TCU, and what to come for Week Zero 2023. The Road To The Bowl -- 32 NFL teams are paired down to 14 with the playoffs opening this week, and our trio looks at the Super Wild Card Weekend as the fight for Super Bowl LVII begins Balance Beams -- Karleigh's Last Call this week looks at how will and welcome yields growth for a sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year! On this week's show, Alex talks about how sports leagues can step up their LGBTQ support in 2023. At this stage, just throwing Pride Nights isn't enough. We need more substantial action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! The Wrestle Kingdom tradition continues as we welcome back Rachel Giuliani to unpack New Japan's pinnacle event, Wrestle Kingdom 17! She and Brian Bell discuss the brutal story of Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay, the pristine nature of Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White, the debut of Mercedes Moné and so much more, including some outstanding looks and a "tempehy" Zach Sabre Jr. Also, powerwalking. Follow Rachel Giuliani on Twitter: @EffingBoring Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! It's a new year, which means another trip into Journo January, our interview series with queer members of the pro wrestling media, and we're kicking things off with Tag Talk co-host Haley Anne (Fightful, Wrestling Muse). She and Brian Bell discuss her journey in wrestling media, overcoming personal obstacles to add podcasting to their skillset and why covering TV and comics prepared her for covering wrestling. Haley also chats the personal impact of Total Divas and the origins of "Tagussy." Follow Haley Anne on Twitter: @haleyanne_ Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we head into 2023, we take a fun dive back into 2022. It was Karleigh Webb's first full year as host-producer-editor-reporter-whatever additional titles we can create of this podcast and it was a lot of work that was a lot of fun. This podcast celebrates a grand year but building the best team in sports: The All-Karleigh Team. Thanks to all our supporters in '22, and we look forward to boldly go again in '23! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each year has a sport story or stories that define that year. In 2022, the discussion and debate over inclusion took a larger stage, mainly because of a college swimmer in the Ivy League. It's been 9 months since Lia Thomas, then at the University of Pennsylvania, won an NCAA championship, but her name still causes reactions whenever the issue of trans people in sport is discussed. In this special year-end edition of the Trans Sporter Room, we look back at the timeline, the tales and how the twists and turns have affected the larger issues in sport and our society. Lia Thomas taking a starting block as a collegian changed more in sports that we could imagine. How much change? We have yet to see, but the reactions to this point have been seismic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex speaks with The Athletic's Adam Crafton about his experience covering the World Cup in Qatar as an out gay man. This is the final "Sports Kiki" of 2022. Thank you for listening, and talk to you next year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! QWI season officially comes to a close today as we announce the winners of the 2022 QWI Awards as voted by you, the listeners! Em Fear and Harley R. Pageot of Grit & Glitter join Brian Bell to reveal and discuss the winners in 16 different categories, including Moment of the Year, Personality of the Year, Best Look, International Wrestler of the Year, Wrestler of the Year and many others! Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from all of us at LGBT In The Ring! Follow Grit & Glitter on Twitter: @gritglitterpod Follow Em Fear on Twitter: @ForkedPgh Follow Harley R. Pageot on Twitter: @yrechoheart Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! It's a special day on LGBT In The Ring as we're discussing the 2022 QWI 200 list with PWI columnists Lo McGrath and Pollo Del Mar! They and Brian Bell chat about their thoughts on the rankings, why AC Mack ranked at #1 and what the vast expansion of the number of out wrestlers means for the composition of the list. They chat about talents from all of the world, where they may disagree with the rankings and what the list means in the larger scope of the world of pro wrestling! Follow Lo McGrath on Instagram: @leaux__leaux Follow Pollo Del Mar on Twitter: @TheGlamazonPDM Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022 was a rough, eventful, victorious, joyful, frustrating, upsetting, and beautiful just the same. This week, our Holiday Special Edition looks at three things we considered to be the "big gifts" under our special tree and great guests, reports and features this year, in addition to many others who made this year a joy. Under the tree: "Trans Women In Cars Getting Coffee" -- It began as our host Karleigh Webb being interviewed for a documentary, it ended up being a cool conversation with MMA's Alana McLaughlin. "Inviting In: The Rest of the Story" -- It was a major piece of our host's year. A homegoing, a homecoming, and a lot of love. But it wasn't done alone. Karleigh bring back noted activist Kamora Herrington on being on the wing of a special mission-within-a-mission "Amy Schneider: Winning" -- As she was owning Jeopardy as a contestant and in its vaulted Tournament of Champions. Amy Schneider became a pop culture sleeper hit. Karleigh goes one-on-one with one of the personalities of the year on what she did, how she lifted us up, and what she's going to do next. Also this week: The Stocking Stuffers of TSR 2022 Griner's getting back in the game! Karleigh's Last Call: Apologies are due Thank you, Trans Sporter Room Nation! Thank you for listening, checking out our additional content and for the growing support. There's more to come in 2022! Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex gets a different perspective on the Respect for Marriage Act. He speaks with Ben Miller, one half of "Bad Gays," about how same-sex marriage isn't what it appears to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was a lot going on! Brittney Griner was released and had a warm homecoming. Professional Disc Golf made a major rule change because a transgender woman won on the tour (sound familiar?) Karleigh Webb was on special assignment watching inclusion lead the peloton at U.S. Cyclocross Nationals and the last call sends some special vibes on big week for one our favorite member of Trans Sporter Room Nation. Karleigh Headline News: You give us 37 minutes, we'll give you the world! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D.Gil shares the inspiring story of former walk-on University of Georgia football player turned Heisman finalist and Nation Champion Stetson Bennett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, a soon-to-be 30-year-old Alex bemoans the sad politicization of Brittney Griner, and is on the lookout for a certain troll who's been attacking him online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week we welcome back Full Queer co-producer and wrestler The Great Bambina! She and Brian Bell sit down for a candid conversation about the events between herself and Sterling last year, trying to find her place in wrestling all over again and how she came to be Marco Mayur's collaborator for Full Queer. All with a little sprinkle of Camus discussion under the parameters of pro wrestling. Happy QWI 200 eve, Lovelies! Follow Full Queer on Instagram: @fullqueer Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To some, pageants seem to be out of place with the tone and taste of changing times. Anachronisms. Archaic. Maybe backward. Certainly binary. To Miss America Connecticut hopeful Leah Juliett, taking her shot at a shimmery tiara represents a big leap forward. Imagine having "Miss" in the title, but your pronouns are they/them. To Miss America New Hampshire contender Brían Nguyen, it's a chance to show that regal, and royal need not be relegated to a narrow definition, and trans can be a part of the definition. This week Karleigh Webb sits down with two pioneers seeking the place in a special tradition, and moving it into into a diverse new age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex discusses Lamar Jackson's reaction to blowback he received after tweeting an anti-gay insult, and how the LGBTQ Group of Death is faring in the World Cup. Follow Alex on Twitter, @AlexReimer1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week's episode is bittersweet as we welcome Without A Cause Wrestling co-founder Max Zaleski to the show. WAC recently announced that its Dec. 4 event will be its last, ending a four-year run as one of the more beloved Pacific Northwest promotions and the rare one led by LGBTQ people. Max and Brian Bell discuss why WAC is closing, the struggles and triumphs over WAC's existence, what the company's legacy will be for both wrestlers and fans and much more. Follow Max Zaleski on Twitter: @MaxInThePNW Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whew! What a weekend! A stunner in Columbus, a slate of championship games ahead. The last month of the NFL season. Football is in the frenzy, so we beamed up our expert analyst team Chelsea Poe -- When she's not making sizzling films, she getting fired up about college football. She's also quite happy. Her Michigan Maize and Blue just may have a date with destiny. Shauna Adkison -- Our NFL analyst has her eyes on the Super Bowl LXVII, and who may make it there, even if it isn't the time for her Browns yet. Karleigh Webb -- The host has had a rough football season. How bad was it? If it wasn't for her CFL team, it would be really dismal. I'm just sayin' Also this week: Team USA moves to the knockout round Marriage Equality moves to the House Emily Bridges: Hero on hot wheels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D.Gil shares and discusses some of his favorite written articles from the past couple of weeks that you may have missed during the Thanksgiving holiday. These topics are so juicy you'll read them twice too. Isaac Humphries Jai Vidal Campbell Harrison One Love Ban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! It's a special Monday edition of the podcast as we sit down with IMPACT Wrestling's newest signee, Jai Vidal. He and Brian Bell chat his reaction to the contract offer, becoming the first out gay male wrestler ever signed by IMPACT, his partnership with Gisele Shaw and why being a source of representation holds special meaning for him. Follow Jai Vidal on Twitter: @TheJaiVidal Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week we welcome "The Weirdo Hero" Randy Myers to the show! He and Brian Bell discuss his emotions as he prepares for his in-ring return to Defy Wrestling on Nov. 26 after winning the Defy World title over two and a half years ago, using the pro wrestling stage to promote mental health awareness, building the wacky promotion BOOM! Pro Wrestling in Vancouver and his evolution over 20-plus years in the ring! Follow Randy Myers on Instagram: @theweirdohero Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! It's Thanksgiving, which means another chance to gorge ourselves on the best in off-the-wall pro wrestling! This year, Brian Bell and their spouse, KC, take in Max The Impaler's Tokyo Joshi Pro debut against Pom Harajuku. They unpack the moments of humor, menace and courage packed into the match, the personal connections they share with it and the spirit of "Ganbatte" within this battle! Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TRAGEDY -- Club Q. Colorado Springs, Colorado 11:53pm MST Saturday November 19, 2022. Hate and heroism. CONTROVERSY -- FIFA World Cup 2022. Qatar. Rainbows met resistance as soccer's world championship continues RESILIENCY -- Karleigh Webb sits down with noted policy researcher, media analyst and influencer Erin Reed (aka "Erin In The Morning) to look at the legislative outlook for trans rights, how the media has covered the issues including this weekend's shooting in Colorado, and her formidable work in the community. VICTORY -- You could say she was the "sleeper hit" of 2022. Karleigh's last call looks at how a trivia whiz won a lot of heart and was someone we were thankful for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex speaks with Dr. Nasser Mohammed, a native Qatari who broke barriers and publicly came out as gay earlier this year. Alex and Dr. Mohammed talk about being LGBTQ in Qatar, the World Cup sportswashing Qatar's dismal record on LGBTQ rights, and the Purple Maroons, the only LGBTQ Qatari soccer fan group. There will be no show next week due to Thanksgiving. The next episode of "The Sports Kiki" will be published on Saturday, Dec. 3! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week we welcome pro wrestler Joshua City to the show! He and Brian Bell discuss his 9 year journey back to the ring after being diagnosed with HIV in 2013, grappling with his diagnosis and now his desire to use pro wrestling as an avenue to educate the public and raise awareness of the realities of living with HIV. City also shares stories about training under Lance Archer, linking up with Full Queer and stepping into the ring again when he never thought he'd get the chance to do so again. Follow Joshua City on Instagram: @joshuacity91 Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December 2018, Patricio Manuel stepped into a boxing ring at a California casino for his first professional fight. He won in a decision. He also made a piece of sports history. The former amateur champion and Olympic Trials hopeful became the first transgender man to card a professional boxing win. The win was the end of a long road back to the ring, two years after he stepped away from something he loves to heal someone he loves -- himself. Throughout 2022, we've been fortunate to beam up trans titans in sport, and this week Karleigh Webb sits down with another one, and Manuel says he's far from done. He hasn't stopped training. He hasn't stopped preparing for next chance. He talks about the elation, the frustration, the pride, the hope, and about a special pair of gloves that carried him from dream to dream, and how those gloves will be a part of a special volume of a tome of transgender history. Also this week: I'm an anti-trans bill, yes I'm an anti-trans bill. Team USA to rock rainbow in Qatar 2022 U.S. Trans Survey: If you haven't taken it, YOU SHOULD! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Trans Awareness Week episode highlights the life of athlete Wren Pyle. Wren discusses with D.Gil her love for Skimo, her personal story of overcoming adversity, Everesting for the Trevor Project, and why trans athletes deserve to compete in athletic sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Saturday! On this week's show, Alex talks about how the election results show that Republican attempts to fear-monger about LGBTQ people failed. Alex also discusses Qatari officials not even hiding their disdain for gay people, and Brittney Griner getting transferred to a Russian penal colony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, Lovelies! This week we welcome pro wrestling's own "Starrfire," Ashton Starr, to the show! He and Brian Bell discuss Ashton opening up about the trials and peaks of his pro wrestling journey in the documentary "Starrfire," the full circle moment of facing Sonny Kiss in AEW, notching multiple firsts in pro wrestling history and helping to put the Southeast back on the independent wrestling map. Starr also opens up about his new tag team, The Re-Up, with Rico Gonzalez and why he takes so much joy in seeing those around him succeed! Follow Ashton Starr on Twitter: @AshtonIsAStarr Grab LGBT In The Ring merch on Brainbuster Tees Follow Brian Bell on Twitter: @WonderboyOTM Follow LGBT In The Ring on Twitter: @LGBTRingPod  The Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar is a product of Progress Initiative. Find out more at quasar.digital! Huge thanks to Sarah & The Safe Word for the show's theme, Formula 666 from the album Red, Hot and Holy. Find them on Twitter, @STSWBand, and check out their music on Spotify and Bandcamp. Check out IndependentWrestling.tv for the best in current and classic independent pro wrestling, including live events from top independent promotions worldwide. Use promo code “LGBTRingPod” or visit tinyurl.com/IWTVLGBT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During a hearing at the emergence of the national anti-trans legislation tsunami in 2021. A transgender woman in Montana stepped to a microphone at a hearing and told a story of person who loved a sport, grew to love themselves, and wanted that path open to another young person who was like themselves. The forces for exclusion had her angered and determined. That young woman decided to just raise her voice, but also to stand on the ballot. On the Trans Sporter Room in August 2021, Zooey Zephyr said she'd make a run for the state legislature in Montana. On Election Night 2022, she became Montana's first-ever openly trans lawmaker in a landslide, and she beamed up to tell Karleigh Webb all about it. Her victory was one of three in for openly trans people in races for a place in state legislatures in the country on what was a razor-thin vote nationwide. Also this week: Election 2022: The Big Picture Qatar and The Critics: Where both get it wrong Karleigh's Last Call: A thought while voting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Powerball is 1.9 billion and D.Gil shares what type of sports-related purchases would be made if he had the lucky winning numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris have become a force not just in women's soccer, but in the push for the inclusion of women and LGBT people across sports. Having come out publicly in 2019, the two wives now have two kids, two dogs and continue to compete at the highest levels of women's soccer. They talk with us this week about their recent endorsement of Align Woman's Dual Action Probiotic, and how the idea of them being publicly out and embraced by brands like Align just a few years ago seemed impossible. Plus they talk about how exactly they manage those two careers, two kids and two dogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices