PRIDE CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION BRINGING
“HEELS OVER HEAD”
FUN
BY DIRK SMITH, SDL For those of you who have attended a Gay Games, you have definitely seen the representatives of the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA). The fabulous cheerleaders, who represent cities across the U.S. and the rest of the globe have become a staple at large LGBTQ sports events. And for those who have attended the Sin City Classic (SCC) the past couple years, you might have even noticed a few cheerleaders sneaking around the mix to spread their spirit-boosting and fundraising message. This year, however, the PCA joins in the SCC’s competitive fun, bringing with them a “Heels-Over-Head” good time. The organization is, according to PCA secretary Sara Toogood an affiliation of adult LGBTQsupportive charitable cheerleading teams with each member affiliate having the main goal of fundraising for local LGBTQ charities and organizations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, member teams host events within their own cities to raise funds for local causes. And when teams travel, they raise money for causes in the cities in which they’re performing. For this year’s SCC, the PCA “VolunCheerleaders” from multiple member teams will descend on Las Vegas not only for the opportunity to compete (the competition is actually optional for the group) but also for the opportunity to raise spirits, awareness and funds for a grassroots Las Vegas-based LGBTQ charity, Golden Rainbow (www.goldenrainbow.org). Golden Rainbow provides housing, education and direct financial assistance to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Founded in 1987 at the height of the national fear and stigma of AIDS, it was members of the Las Vegas entertainment industry who saw Photos by Mathias Casado Castro
