FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact: Kelyn Clark
Phone: (424) 249-9336 E-mail: info@ngba.org |
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The NGBA stands in solidarity with Trans community, cancels national basketball tournament in Memphis, TN
Los Angeles, CA, April 8, 2021 The National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) cancels its national LGBTQ+ basketball tournament and other sanctioned events originally planned for June 18-21, 2021 as part of the Tri-State Black Pride’s slate of programming produced by The Cathedral Foundation. The cancellation comes as a result of the Tennessee State Legislature’s passage of SB228, an anti-transgender student athlete bill.
“We stand in solidarity with the Trans community, and refuse to financially reward a state government that supports exclusionary laws and antiquated practices with hard-earned tourism dollars,” says NGBA Founder and President Mark Chambers.
In 2007, Memphis hosted the second NGBA Fall Classic, welcoming 12 LGBTQ teams from across the United States. Since that Fall Classic, the NGBA has witnessed a large increase in event participation with tournaments now averaging more than 30 teams, stimulating the local economies of tournament hosting cities by an average of $110,000 over the three day event.
“Tri State Black Pride is disappointed by the cancellation but stands in full support of the decision to stand against inequalities of Trans athletes.” says Tri State Black Pride President Dr. Davin Clemons.
NGBA, in conjunction with the Cathedral Foundation’s Tri-State Black Pride celebration, was set to host more than 400 LGBTQ basketball players, family members and friends during this year’s June event. A sports league that offers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Heterosexual-identified basketball players a safe and welcoming environment to be who they are— as they play the game they love, NGBA’s mission supports an inclusive environment free of harassment and discrimination for all members and event attendees.
National Gay Basketball Association is a 501(c)(3) registered organization serving the LGBTQ basketball community.
