LGBTQ+ legacy and sports history will be colliding this September 12th, as Ft. Lauderdale’s Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL), one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ institutions, prepares to honor South Florida’s Gay Amateur Athletic Association (SFGLAA) through an inspirational exhibit bridging identity, resilience, and camaraderie.
“It’s no secret that our community is under attack, with many LGBTQ+ organizations battling discrimination and bigotry directed at us by state and national figures,” said Robert Kesten, the Museum’s President and CEO. “This exhibit is a vibrant tribute to community members who used sports as a tool to engage and overcome historic obstacles foisted on us by the outside world. Sports has always been a great unifier in the United States, and it has helped build comradery between diverse groups of people that otherwise may have never met.”
Opening Friday, September 12th and running through Sunday, November 2nd, the ‘Bats Balls and Family: The History of the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association’ exhibit will recognize LGBTQ+ leaders who turned the softball field into a space for empowerment, belonging, and, most of all, pride across the Sunshine State. Founded in 1994 originally as the South Florida Softball League, the SFGLAA has welcomed more than 500 members over the course of 30+ years, providing an accepting space for athletes of all skill levels while building national and international relationships with numerous organizations (including International Pride Softball and United States of America Softball).
“The SFGLAA is proof that when our community comes together, amazing things happen,” added Kesten. “These athletes, many of whom felt unwelcome by mainstream sports, built a place where teamwork, visibility, friendship, and healthy competition were the priority, quickly becoming a lifeline. Their efforts transformed South Florida into what it is today. Now we celebrate their efforts and cheer on the future which is sure to be even more amazing.”
The Bats Balls and Family: The History of the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association Exhibit Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, September 12 at 6pm at the Hester and Ross Galleries, 1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. To RSVP, contact: Monique@stonewall-museum.org
Stonewall National Museum will also be welcoming star athlete Diana Nyad Wednesday, November 5th at 6pm ET for a special sports world announcement and intimate dinner.
To learn more about SNMAL, visit: https://stonewall-museum.org/.
