About this episode

The episode features an interview with Bernie Stark discussing the history and impact of the Mary Vazquez Women's Softball League and trans inclusion in sports.

The Mary Vazquez Women's Softball League was founded in 1976 in Northampton, Massachusetts. A collection of lesbian feminists (Eileen Stewart, Jean Grossholtz, Susan Tracy, and Maryann Jennings) formed the league around their values of equity, inclusion, and community. Today, Sarah sits down with long-time player, and former league commissioner, Bernie Stark to discuss: -The league's history and origin story -Unique traditions, rules, and culture -The impact of Title IX on different generations of players -How the league decided to define "women's" softball and include trans athletes -Growing up in a traditional home as a girl in sports Explore the leagues website! Follow the league on Instagram! Thank you for listening to Cruising Podcast! -Reviews help other listeners find Cruising! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! -For more Cruising adventures, follow us @cruisingpod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cruising's Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for deep dives and companion pieces to our episodes! -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Preorder our book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, THE…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Gabrielli

Guest: Bernie Stark

Topics covered

• women's softball
• Title IX
• trans inclusion
• lesbian feminism
• sports history

Keywords

• women's softball
• Title IX
• trans athletes
• lesbian feminists
• sports culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mary Vazquez Women's Softball League, Title IX

Places: Northampton, Massachusetts

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