Rutger published: A Baseball Fan's LGBTQ Road Trip Adventure: Discovering 'Love, Simon'

lgbtq road trip: a baseball fan's journey

Welcome, fellow baseball fans, and say hello from "Talk ‘n' Gaysball"—the community that loves every fan story, except maybe those who start waving at games. Every summer, like clockwork, I embark on a road trip that's all about baseball and discovering a new major league city. I've got two goals in mind: tick off another MLB ballpark from my bucket list and dodge Florida's allure just a bit longer.

from behind-the-scenes buzz

Our weekly newsletter? It's a treasure troving from locker room gossip and hot LGBTQ sports topics. Dive in and join our lively community—subscribe now! Not too long ago, my travels took me straight toward accomplishing both goals with a trip down south. Two nights at Truist Park watching Braves pitchers do their thing was all I needed as a reminder that Florida could wait. What do I love most about these trips? Finding a quirky little side adventure that gives me a break from being just another tourist. This time, in Atlanta, I had a plan ready—a mini-adventure I'd been dying a long time.

the magic behind "love, simon"

Atlanta, where "Love, Simon" was filmed—it holds a special place in my heart. Have you ever watched a movie that just hits you? From minute one, it gives you goosebumps? For me, that movie's "Love, Simon." My first experience watching it? Spring 2018, in a theater with my straight buddy. He liked it, but little did he know, this middle-aged gay man beside him was having an emotional breakdown over a teen love story. To this day, if I need a good old emotional reset, I rewatch that Ferris wheel scene and let those happy tears roll. "Love, Simon" affects me deeply, much like how I felt during those last moments in 2016's World Series. Being in Atlanta, I planned a double play: a visit in broad daylight at Simon's house, followed by an evening at a Braves game. Perfect, right?

embarking on an unusual quest

This kind's itinerary isn't what you'd typically find in a Ballpark Bucket List travel guide, but that's precisely why it's special. Despite its decent box office run, "Love, Simon" wasn't a smash hit, so finding Simon's house required a deep Google drilling. My mission? An adventure filled with train rides, buses, a mile trek, and countless Peachtree Streets. But there I was, standing before that iconic two-story grey Spier house, channeling my inner Becky Albertalli narration moment and forgetting how breathing works. Sure, it looked like any house in an upscale neighborhood. But imagining scenes from such a life-touching film unfolding there? Incredible. Who knew a single LGBTQ film setting could influence me so profoundly? The grin on my face stuck with me all day. Having this experience before heading off watching balls fly was ideal—largely personal with a touch big on queer. From now on, I aim every baseball trip includes an LGBTQ side adventure. So, Florida, be warned—I'm coming your turn.

the ultimate braves fan experience

As a die-hard baseball fan, I know not every LGBTQ person shares my excitement over each pitch. Some could use a little distraction during those long three-hour games. That brings us Matthew Kaminski, Braves organist maestro. He elevates games with his clever musical game—spot which tune aligns with each opposing batter. Take Brett Baty from those Mets, whose entrance music featured "Dueling Banjos." It had me thinking, "That's from ‘Deliverance' with Burt Reynolds and Ned Beatty. How ingenious!" Kaminski's tunes add a fun brain teaser while keeping fans entertained each at-bats. Indeed, anything preventing Braves fans from pondering, “Weren't they good once?” might be their venue best feature.

notable MLB summer moments

Among this summer's growing Red Sox prospects, newcomer outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia dazzles—not just because his name's a spell checker nightmare but those iconic Johnny Damon-like hair. During his minor-league stint, Garcia smashed 20 homers. I'm honestly left wondering—how many resulted from fielders simply gazing at those luscious locks as he rounded bases? For updates on your beloved out athletes and heartwarming LGBTQ sports sagas, sign up now!

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Rutger

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