What has been
the most encouraging NGFFL advancement since you came out to play?
This one is easy since I live in Denver, and that's the
inclusion of women in the growth and competition of the NGFFL. I was
lucky enough to play a role in adding a Women's Division to Gay Bowl back in
2012, and it's one of the most important things I've ever supported. At
the time, it was met with mixed feelings nationally because let's face it, the
men and women of the broader LGBT community don't often intermingle or support
each other the way we should. But here in Denver, things are different, and I
like to think that the founding of the DGLFFL as a fully co-ed league from the
very beginning is a big reason why. Now I see women's teams forming and growing
in so many NGFFL cities, and I'm hopeful that this growth means that players in
other cities are getting to enjoy the benefits, personally and on the field, of
getting to play with their badass ladies like we do every weekend.
Do you have any
advice for new players?
My biggest piece of advice is around volunteering their time
and energy. You don't have to be a superstar player, know everyone, or
have been a leader before to contribute to the success and growth of your local
league, and/or the NGFFL. None of this exists without the energy and
ideas of volunteers, and I promise that you will get more back than you put in.
So please, if you love playing this game and meeting great people, step up and
do your part. Be a positive addition to your flag football community, not a
negative drain that complains without working for change. One of the
coolest things is when you see someone new join up that has never thrown a
football before, or maybe has always been too afraid to compete in team sports,
but then they come play and find their place in our community, and it feels
good knowing you helped make that possible. So show up, help out, and
let's share the sport we love.
Team Swift,
Team Perry or Queen Bey – and why?
Totally Team Kelly (Clarkson)! She gives
everything she has to her music and her life, she embraces her imperfections,
and she is always laughing and smiling. Despite her success, she's normal and
could join me and my best friends for a night out and we wouldn't miss a beat.
Love me some Kelly!
Joe, your time has come for which I'm thrilled. It has been an honor to watch your leadership role evolve over the years, which given the backdrop is pretty remarkable. I'm glad you're one of the lucky few who are able to receive their honors in front of the folks whose lives you impacted. Be emotional, it's worth the experience. Stay in the present and fully embrace what it means.
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