FROM THE COMISSIONER
Dear ASANA Community,
As we celebrate ASANA’s 16th year, I am excited about our progress in 2023 and the plans we have for 2024. This year, we welcomed three new directors— Katie Villalobos (Communication), Ashley Wiegele (Events), and Jessica Sica (Competition)—who bring fresh perspectives to our experienced Board. Our organization has grown significantly since its inception in 2008, consistently striving to be the best softball tournament for our members.
I am particularly excited about hosting this year’s World Series in Memphis, Tennessee. Our partnership with the Memphis Tourism Bureau began in 2021, and their enthusiasm for ASANA made Memphis an ideal destination. At our 2022 Winter Meeting, Brandon Benson's presentation led to a unanimous decision to host the 2024 World Series in Memphis.
ASANA and the Memphis Tourism Bureau are working together to highlight Memphis as a premier destination, networking with local LGBTQ+ organizations, and partnering with Bluff City Sports Association.
Memphis' rich historical significance offers a unique perspective to our players, and we are eager to showcase this amazing city.
Thank you for your continued support in making ASANA great!
Sincerely,
ANGELA “BUTTERBEAN” SMITH, SDL ASANA Commissioner
PUBLISHER/CEO
Eric Carlyle, SDLT | eric@competediversity.com
MEMBERSHIP
Trayer Martinez, SDLT | trayer@competediversity.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Connie Wardman, SDLT | connie@competediversity.com
B DIVISION
Crowns Legacy
HTP
Riders
Renegadez
SoHo's
E DIVISION
H-Town Cat-5
Krazy Pitches
Lavender Menace
SPARTAS
Tacos 'n Tequila
Tucson Inferno
Killer Monsoon
Up The Middle
B Division - No Member City
Knoxville - KTown Softball League
Atlanta - Hotlanta Softball League
B Division - No Member City
Alameda Women's Softball League
Houston Women's Softball League
Washington D. C. - Chesapeake & Potomac Softball
New York - Big Apple Softball League
Washington D. C. - Chesapeake & Potomac Softball
San Jose Women's Softball League
Tucson - Tucson Inferno Pride Softball
Portland - Rose City Softball Association
TEAMS
D DIVISION
76ers
Austin SWAT
Basic Pitches
Bougie
Captains
DC Swag
Divas on Dirt
Foolish Mortals
Footloose
Geckos
Gossip About Us
Hot Glove Summer
Hott Mess
KCAF
Lagerheads
Mayhem
Mockingjays
Multiple Scoregasms
No Mames
Norfolk Trouble
Not Done Yet
NYC Hustle
Orlando Thunder
Philly Storm
Pitches Be Crazy
Pretty Reckless
Score
Storm
Tucson Inferno
Blazzing Hot Peppers
Vixens
Chicago - Metropolitan Sports Association
Austin - Softball Austin
Los Angeles - GLASA Women's
San Diego - America's Finest City Softball League
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
Washington D. C. - Chesapeake & Potomac Softball
Atlanta - Hotlanta Softball League
Orlando - Central Florida Softball League
Long Beach/Orange County-Surf and Sun Softball
Orlando - Central Florida Softball League
San Diego - America's Finest City Softball League
Washington D. C. - Chesapeake & Potomac Softball
Knoxville - KTown Softball League
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
Norfolk - Women's United Softball Association
Orlando - Central Florida Softball League
Orlando - Central Florida Softball League
PNC - Oklahoma City
Las Vegas Gay Softball League
Norfolk - Women's United Softball Association
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
New York - Big Apple Softball League
Orlando - Central Florida Softball League
Philadelphia - City of Brotherly Love Softball
Philadelphia - City of Brotherly Love Softball
San Antonio Pride Softball League
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
Tucson - Tucson Inferno Pride Softball
San Francisco Gay Softball League
C DIVISION
Aftershock
Austin Angels
Causing Chaos
Fusion
Fuzion
Girl Crush
Good Vibes
Hungover Ninjas
I'd Hit That
Laid Back
Lipsmackers
Living Our Dash
One love
Queen Misfits
SD Baby Lazers
SF Soar
Silent Assassins
TEXAS FINEST
Dallas - North Texas Women's Softball Association
Austin - Softball Austin
Austin - Softball Austin
Long Beach/Orange County-Surf and Sun Softball
Knoxville - KTown Softball League
Long Beach/Orange County-Surf and Sun Softball
Long Beach/Orange County-Surf and Sun Softball
Philadelphia - City of Brotherly Love Softball
San Diego - America's Finest City Softball League
Atlanta - Hotlanta Softball League
San Diego - America's Finest City Softball League
Kansas City - Heart of America Softball League
Alameda Women's Softball League
Raleigh - Oak City Softball League
San Diego - America's Finest City Softball League
San Francisco Gay Softball League
New York - Big Apple Softball League
Dallas - North Texas Women's Softball Association
SOBER ASANA AND ME
SOBER ASANA - MY JOURNEY TO SOBRIETY
By Tori Jacobson ASANA DEI they/them
Sobriety. A word that brings meaning and hope to many in our league. It can mean being sober from drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping and more. Sobriety is a lifestyle, a daily choice for those who have walked a darker path, choosing instead a path of light, hope and growth. I have had the distinct honor of walking this path for exactly 462 days, from May 16, 2023, to the start of the World Series on August 20, 2024. But sobriety is more than just the number of days without alcohol; it is about the changes I've made to become a better version of myself.
When I chose to become sober, I also started my journey with ASANA, becoming Seattle’s Delegate and the DEI Co-Chair. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have found my way into these roles if I were still as self-destructive as I was before. I was unreliable and struggled with the desire to be a leader without the substance to back it up.
Alcohol was my outward way of dealing with issues, but I needed to work on myself internally. After one particularly bad night of drinking, I knew I had to make a change. I stopped drinking the next day and began taking tentative steps toward the brighter future I knew was waiting for me.
While attending the San Diego World Series, I found fellowship in the “Dial A Friend” program and the “Friends of Bill Meetings.” Previously feeling isolated, I discovered a larger community around me. I found friendships and support that I continue to rely on through the ups and downs of my journey. I have found people who champion me, even when I feel like it's a losing battle.
What does being sober in ASANA mean to me? It means community, friendship, and bringing the lessons others have taught me into my world. It means embracing the Sober ASANA experience to become a better version of myself, so that one day, I can be a champion for another ASANA player.
For those looking for fellowship, friendship, support, or just a listening ear, I will be attending the ASANA Series this year in Memphis, and will be located at the DEI Depo table during the week. If I am not located there, please find any of the ASANA Board, or anyone wearing a “Volunteer” t-shirt and they will be able to locate me. I look forward to seeing all of you at Memphis!
Philip Austin
Doubletree Memphis Downtown
Brandon Benson and Kimberly Wells
Memphis Tourism
Tonya Shropshire and Brad McKinney
Bluff City Softball Association
Vanessa Rodley President Mid-South Pride
Lieutenant Natalie Hillman
Jessica and Sara Sica
Dirty Feet Trail Races
Memphis Redbirds
Wiseacre Brewing
DID I JUST MISGENDER SOMEONE?
By Jess Calvert, ASANA DEI they/them
TIPS AND ADVICE FOR ADAPTING YOUR LANGUAGE TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE.
When coming to the ASANA World Series, all community members should be prepared to use appropriate language when referring to others. For many of us, this can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Read on for advice on adapting to new pronouns and how to recover if a slip-up happens.
• When meeting new people, introduce yourself with your name and pronouns. Do this even if your gender presentation matches your pronouns. To you, your pronouns may be very obvious, but including that information with your name signals to the folks you are meeting that pronouns matter to you! They will be more likely to share their name and pronouns with you in response.
• If someone doesn’t share their pronouns, just ask them to let you know what their pronouns are, or simply use the non-gendered they/them pronouns until they tell you otherwise.
• Avoid using gendered language when referring to gameplay and players on opposing teams. Phrases such as “Strike her out!” or “Good game ladies!” should not be used. Instead, consider phrases such as “Strike 'em out!” or “Good game folks!”
• Consider what language you are using on social media posts as well. If posting a team photo online, double check with your teammates about captions such as “love playing ball with this group of women!” This is especially true when playing with pickup players or folks you haven’t known for very long.
Phrases such as “Strike her out!” or “Good game ladies!” should not be used. Instead, consider phrases such as “Strike 'em out!” or “Good game folks!”.
Once you learn a new acquaintance’s pronouns, accept that you will likely get it wrong at some point. This is important because expectations of perfection can have a harder impact when those expectations aren’t met. Preparing for the eventual slip-up will give you the skills needed to recover gracefully and reduce the social harm for all people. Keep in mind that misgendering someone can be harmful to both people. The person misgendered can feel hurt among other things, and the person who used the wrong language may feel very embarrassed by their mistake and possible callouts that follow.
• Repeat the entire sentence with the correct language; this allows practice and will help you reduce slip-ups in the future. The more you repeat/practice saying it correctly, the easier it will be!
• Repeating it will also be very reassuring to the person who was misgendered. Most people will understand that adapting your language is a challenge. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.
• Give people permission to remind you. Some folks may not feel comfortable with calling you out on the mistake. If you know this is an area that you are struggling with, go ahead and let them know you would like support and feedback in the moment so you can overcome this challenge with their help.
• Accept that folks will likely correct your language even if you have not asked for help. This should not be seen as a negative thing and there is no reason to be defensive or try to explain yourself. Do not respond by saying, “Oh well I knew them when they were still a girl” or “I’ll just never get it right, I’m just horrible at this.” Try not to center yourself in your response to be corrected; instead you should just restate your response with the correct pronouns and quickly move on. You can also thank the person who let you know about the slip-up.
• Don’t apologize; it’s not helpful or necessary. An apology is a prompt from others to reassure you that “it’s OK” when it’s actually not.
Thanks for taking the time to review these tips for being more inclusive! Small words can go a long way in making people feel welcome; we all have the capacity to learn and grow.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: SOUTHERN EXPRESSIONS AND CULTURE
By Jonah Berry he/him
Memphis, Tennessee is rich in Southern culture, with its own unique blend of expressions and words influenced by its history, geography and diverse population. Here are some key aspects:
GENERAL LGBTQIA+ TERMS WITH A SOUTHERN TWIST
• Y'all Means All: A phrase emphasizing inclusivity within the Southern community, often used in LGBTQIA+ contexts to promote acceptance and unity.
• Chosen Family: Commonly used in the LGBTQIA+ community, referring to the supportive network of friends who are like family, especially significant in areas where traditional family support may be lacking.
• Sweetheart: A term of endearment that can be used inclusively in LGBTQIA+ circles.
• Partner: A gender-neutral term used to refer to one's significant other, often used to ensure inclusivity and respect for all relationships.
• Bless your heart: Often used to express sympathy or pity, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm.
• Fixin' to: Meaning "about to" or "getting ready to."
• Over yonder: Refers to a distant place, similar to "over there."
• Howdy: A friendly greeting, short for "how do you do?"
MEMPHIS-SPECIFIC LGBTQIA+ CULTURE
• Mid-South Pride: The annual LGBTQIA+ Pride festival and parade in Memphis that celebrates the community with various events, performances and activities.
• OutMemphis: An LGBTQIA+ community center that provides resources, support and advocacy for the Memphis LGBTQIA+ community.
• Dru's Place: A popular LGBTQIA+ bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse crowd.
INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
• The Pumping Station: Another well-known gay bar in Memphis, offering a lively social scene and events.
• Club Spectrum: A nightclub that hosts drag shows, dance nights and other
DRAG AND PERFORMANCE CULTURE
Drag Shows: Drag culture is vibrant in Memphis, with performances that celebrate gender expression and performance art. Venues like Atomic Rose regularly host drag shows featuring local and visiting performers.
Ball Culture: While more prominent in larger cities, Memphis has its own ball culture scene where members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially people of color, participate in voguing and runway competitions.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL REFERENCES
Lorraine Motel: While primarily known as the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and now the National Civil Rights Museum, it also represents intersectional history important to both the civil rights and LGBTQIA+ movements.
Huckabee's LGBTQ+ Archives: Collections that might exist at local universities or libraries, preserving the history and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community in Memphis.
MEMPHIS-SPECIFIC TERMS
• Grind City: A nickname for Memphis, derived from the hard-working, gritty reputation of its people and culture.
• Bluff City: Another nickname, referring to the city's location on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
• Barbecue: In Memphis, barbecue refers to a style of cooking pork, usually ribs or pulled pork, often served with a tangy tomato-based sauce.
• 901: The area code for Memphis, often used to show local pride.
• King: Refers to Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, who made Memphis his home.
• Beale Street: A historic street in downtown Memphis known for its vibrant music scene, particularly blues.
• Stax: Refers to Stax Records, a famous soul music label founded in Memphis.
• Sun Studio: A recording studio opened by Sam Phillips where many famous artists, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, started their careers.
• The Pyramid: A landmark building on the Mississippi riverfront, originally a sports arena and now a Bass Pro Shops megastore.
FOOD-RELATED TERMS
• Goo Goo Cluster: A Southern confection, though more associated with Nashville, it's still popular in Memphis.
• Sweet Tea: Iced tea sweetened with sugar, a staple in Southern dining.
• Hot Chicken: Though it's more of a Nashville specialty, spicy fried chicken is also popular in Memphis.
• Catfish: Often fried and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
