Don’t miss the upcoming Sports-themed issue of HOTspots Magazine, hitting stands on Thursday, February 29. This special edition features a captivating feature from Cyd Zeigler, the esteemed founder and editor of Outsports. He is also a co-founder of the National Gay Flag Football League. Recognized for his contributions, Zeigler has been honored with induction into the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame. In collaboration with Hotspots Magazine, Zeigler highlights ten impactful stories that have shaped LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, beginning with Corey Johnson’s courageous coming out in high school football in 2000, the NFL’s ban on the word “gay” on jerseys in 2005, Brian Sims’ influential disclosure of his time as a gay college football captain in 2009, and Michael Sam’s historic journey out of the closet ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft. The feature also spotlights Dalton Maldonado’s experience as a gay basketball player facing harassment from opposing teams and Ryan O’Callaghan’s revelation of his struggles with homophobia in the NFL. The feature concludes with recent milestones, including the record-breaking number of out LGBTQ+ athletes at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 and Jacksonville Jaguars strength coach Kevin Maxen’s groundbreaking coming out in the NFL in 2023. The feature also talks about Canisius College runner Emily Scheck, whose disownment by her parents sparked widespread support and Outsports’ role in NHL to reverse its ban on Pride Tape, showcasing the impact of advocacy and media scrutiny in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional hockey. Grab a free copy of HOTspots Magazine to explore this compelling feature.
