“Team DC is the network for LGBTQ+ sports in the D.C. metropolitan area,” says Miguel Ayala, president of the nonprofit organization that has served as the umbrella organization for LGBTQ sports since 1990.
“We represent over 49 different teams and leagues, everything from large groups like kickball, football and volleyball to recreational and group activities that you might not think of as sports, like bird watching, rodeo and pool,” he says.
The organization serves as a resource for LGBTQ sports and recreation groups, assisting with the logistics of running the league, from establishing bylaws and governing boards to setting up websites and social media accounts to promote schedules and off-field events such as social mixers and fundraisers.
“We have been the financial agents of various sports since their inception,” he says. “So they’re tapping into our bank accounts to get things in place. And in the meantime, we’re advocating for our teams and leagues. We’re working very closely with the mayor’s office, including working with the Department of Parks and Recreation.”
To join Team DC, your league must be a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to provide athletic and recreational opportunities for LGBTQ people.
Team DC also hosts “Night Out” events, often informally referred to as “Pride Nights.” The event partners with D.C.’s men’s and women’s professional sports teams to sell tickets to designated game nights set aside to celebrate the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ sports fans and Team DC members pack the stadium and command attention.
“We’re the only area where every professional sports team has a night out,” he added. “So we’ve been working with the NFL, Major League Baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s basketball. We’re working with these teams and leagues to expand the content of Night OUT while allowing more people to attend and participate in these events.”
Ayala also noted that Team DC has established a scholarship program to recognize LGBTQ student-athletes who have demonstrated leadership in the classroom or on the field. Although the amount is modest, the scholarship can help cover some of the costs of your first year of college. This year, Team DC will award seven scholarships, which will be presented at the Night of Champions Gala on Saturday, April 18th at the Washington Marriott Georgetown.
“When we were first thinking about the scholarship program, we wanted to make sure we supported young people participating in high school sports,” Ayala explains. “While some participate at their own schools, others attend schools without strong athletic programs and instead compete in outside leagues and teams. But they are part of our community.
“These athletes are standing tall at such young ages that many of us could not have imagined 20 or 30 years ago,” he continues. “They often excel in their sport and serve as leaders, captains and coaches. These are young men who have made an impact just by being who they are, whether or not they pursue a sport in college.”
Team DC’s 2026 Night of Champions Gala will be held on Saturday, April 18th at the Georgetown Marriott (1221 22nd St. NW). Reception 6pm, Dinner 7pm Individual tickets are $200. visit TeamDC.org/Champions.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
