The Fling in Indy: Interview with Jody Sims

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Following is an exclusive interview with longtime women's advocate Jody Sims. Jody is the creator/administrator of HerFanz.com "the ultimate fan club of women's sports" and she serves as Chief Advancement Officer for Girl Scouts San Diego. WomenTalkSports is an official supporter of The Fling, an event held in Indianapolis during the Final Four. Jody has a great story - check it out.

1) What is The Fling, and how/when did it start?

The idea came to me at the women's final four in St. Louis in 2009 when I was walking around wondering why there were no events that I wanted to attend. The first Fling was in 2010 in San Antonio. I decided it would serve two purposes: 1. A way to network with lesbian sports fans who travel to the Women's Final Four from all over the country. 2. Having experienced the sting of homophobia from a fan's perspective, and after viewing the film Training Rules, I felt it was time to raise more awareness to homophobia in women's sports.

2) Why is the event important for women's basketball?

There is only one "out" coach in NCAA basketball, even though there is a high percentage of gay coaches in women's college basketball. I think this is scandalous. I don't blame the coaches for being in the closet because they are victims of homophobia. Their sexuality is often used against them in recruiting, fundraising, etc. But when will it change? Somehow we have to draw attention to this. We need to "out" the homophobes!!! And help some of these closeted coaches find the courage to stand up and be free to be themselves. What great role models they would be. There's a story on my website about a coach that "ran" from me! www.herfanzfling.com/About.html

3) Who are some of your keynotes, and why?

We don't have keynotes, but two of our special guests are Helen Carroll, the Director of the NCLR Sports Project as well as a national championship coach and Lin Dunn, the legendary head coach of the Indiana Fever. We also have a great Honorary Committee, many of them will be at the Fling. These are all women who understand the devastating impact of homophobia in sports and they are very supportive of the Fling.

4) How does the WNBA's participation elevate your brand, and why do they make good partners?

The WNBA is a great partner of the Fling. They market to all fans of women's basketball and do not discriminate against any group. The WNBA recognizes that lesbians make up a sizable percentage of their fan base and they want to support those who support them. It's the 21st century! Times have changed! Gay people are getting married and have families. The WNBA gets it!

6) How can people participate who aren't going to the Final Four?

They can support the NCLR sports project by going to their website. They can also send a message to our Facebook page to get a conversation going or become a member of HerFanz.com which is a social networking site for women fans of women's sports. Or they can come to the HerFanz Fling Denver in 2012!

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• Discrimination/Title IX
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• Cause/Charity
• W College Hoops
• Business
• LGBT

This post is related to an ongoing story:

• Homophobia and Women's Basketball

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