PRIDE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
Q: What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
A: My hope is that the world gets a chance to see us as human beings and not the “characters” that the media sometimes makes us out to be. We are just like you and everyone else: people. And in our case, people who love to play tennis and Red Ball.
Q: How has the tennis community played a role in helping you feel seen, supported, or connected?
A: I came to tennis through the Laney Tennis Association, a USTA CTA in Oakland, California, and through Henry Chang, then president of Laney. I moved to the East Bay more than 20 years ago. I didn’t know anyone, so I reached out to Henry and said I was looking for other gay players. He said he couldn’t guarantee there would be other gay players, but that everyone was welcome at Laney.
And sure enough, I met all kinds of amazing people. To this day, I play not only with GLTF, but also with Laney players.
Q: Why is visibility and belonging so important, especially for young people?
A: I am a middle school science teacher, and I see it even in the early years, where people are bullied and ridiculed for their size, height, ethnicity, and more. Having a tennis community that doesn’t care about anything other than creating tennis and Red Ball activities, connection, and community is incredibly important.
Q: What does meaningful allyship look like to you in everyday life?
A: As a school teacher, president of GLTF, and board member of the Laney Tennis Association, I am fortunate to work with and support people who face disadvantages, exclusion, and discrimination in many forms.
Q: Is there a moment, person, or experience that shaped how you think about inclusion and community?
A: I have always known who I am, but when I moved to the Bay Area, I felt lost without a community. A friend of mine took me to an event, and I assumed it would be a gay event. It was, but it was also about raising money for breast cancer awareness. There were people from all walks of life at this event for one reason: breast cancer.
It was at that moment that I realized we are all bigger than ourselves. No matter who you are, we are all part of this earth, and we need to accept and respect everyone.
Q: What gives you hope when you think about the next generation? How can tennis help them?
I see acceptance of individuality in younger people. But I also feel many are too interested in videos, gaming, and things that don’t get them outside or interacting with other people. Tennis, and Red Ball as a starting point, allows them to have fun, interact with others, build teamwork, and develop their own confidence.
Q: What message would you share with anyone looking for a space where they feel accepted, valued, and able to be themselves?
A:Come and check out GLTF at www.gltf.org to learn more. We are just tennis players, and we enjoy anyone who loves the sport. Red Ball and tennis bring people together, so feel free to seek out any local CTA. I hope to see you on the courts!
