LAKEVIEW — After kicking off last fall, Lakeview's LGBTQ kickball league is back for a spring season, but in a new spot.
Chicago Stonewall Kickball registration opened Monday, and spaces are already filling up, said league co-founder Patrick Crosson. The league is doubling in size to 12 teams, and eight have already signed up. Great news: The funny team names — like this year's "Fifty Shades of Gay" — are back.
"There's been a lot more demand this year. People are seeing what we are doing and seeing everyone have fun, and we've had a lot more people reach out to us and ask if they can join," Crosson said.
Games will be on Sundays from April 12 to May 31. The venue is switching from Waveland Park Softball Fields to Gill Park, 825 W. Sheridan Road. Also new this year is a sponsorship from Svedka.
Returning in May is the drag queens vs. jocks game, which was "a huge hit last season. It was just hysterical," Crosson said. Progress Bar will also stick with the league this year and remain the post-game hang out.
Stonewall Kickball launched last September with a noble cause: raising money for Fred Says, a local nonprofit that helps HIV-positive teens. The league raised $3,000 for the organization and hopes to double that this spring.
"Our whole mission is to get people to gather to have fun on a Sunday, do something active and network with people, while at the same time, doing something good for the community," said Crosson, who was part of the original Stonewall league in Washington D.C.
Players must be 21 or older and can register individually or as a full 18-member team through March 25. Registration is $40 per person. For more information, email chicago@stonewallkickball.org.
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