Celebrating LGBTQ+ Athletes: "Come Out and Play" Comic Series Explores Queer Sports Stories

Introduction to "Come Out and Play"

Last spring, the graphic novel "Out of Left Field" by Jonah Newman powerfully illustrated how comics can depict the intense struggles, inspiring victories, and emotional journeys of LGBTQ+ athletes. Building on this foundation, a new collection titled "Come Out and Play: The Queer Sports Project" is on the horizon, seeking to expand on these themes through a diverse anthology of sports comics. This project is currently raising funds via Kickstarter, aiming to bring these vibrant stories to life.

The Vision Behind the Project

The anthology "Come Out and Play" features a dynamic mix of athletes, artists, writers, and cartoonists, all collaborating to create a rich tapestry of stories. The project is co-edited by Megan Praz, an animator and storyboard artist, and Meghan Kemp-Gee, a poet and comic writer. Previously, the duo worked together on the Frisbee-themed webcomic "Uncontested," which successfully became a Kickstarter-funded graphic novel titled "One More Year."

According to an Instagram post by Praz, post-publication of "One More Year," the duo felt compelled to continue exploring sports comics, particularly focusing on the underrepresented queer narratives within this genre. This motivation led to the inception of "Come Out and Play."

A Diverse Collection of Stories

"Great sports comics leap off the page, capturing imaginations and celebrating physical movement like no other medium," Kemp-Gee stated in a message. "Our book is for comics fans, sports fans, and queer people and allies. We adore comics because, like sports, they highlight teamwork, inclusivity, and joy."

The co-editors emphasize the importance of providing a platform for LGBTQ+ voices in sports, especially in a political climate where transgender athletes and queer communities face significant challenges. They aim to shift the narrative from discussions about LGBTQ+ individuals to stories told from their own perspectives.

Jonah Newman returns to contribute to the anthology with a baseball-themed comic titled "How Jake Got His Groove Back," which centers on two brothers, highlighting one as a symbol of queer joy.

Another notable contribution is an illustrated poem by former NFL player RK Russell, which brings a unique perspective on football, emphasizing that queerness and athletics can coexist harmoniously.

Highlighting Personal Stories

The collection features personal stories such as "Offside," inspired by Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James, co-written with her son Michael. James, the first Black woman to captain Team Canada, faced the shock of being cut from the 1998 Olympic team, and her story serves as a powerful narrative within the anthology.

Additionally, the anthology supports the trans athlete community, with a comic by martial artist Scout Tran. This particular story follows a "stealth trans girl" participating in a jiujitsu tournament as a tribute to a late friend.

A Team Effort for Positive Change

Kemp-Gee summarizes the collection's ethos: "The message of our book is in the title: Come Out and Play! We showcase a range of sports and emotions, from curiosity to joy to righteous rage. Our contributors span generations, genders, backgrounds, and orientations, from four continents. Yet, we are all on this beautiful team together."

With over 30 contributors involved, Praz and Kemp-Gee are working towards a fundraising goal of $26,600 for "Come Out and Play." The deadline for the Kickstarter campaign is Thursday, April 3. They hope that, if funded, this publication will stand as a significant achievement in celebrating LGBTQ+ triumphs in sports.

For those interested in supporting the project or learning more about inspiring LGBTQ+ sports stories, subscribing to relevant newsletters is encouraged.