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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 3, 2007)
WVSTi.mdUStpMt,« ■ ■ . i K > 5,M 5 ■•w rule was enforced in a game: “The first time I saw a team sports in the first place or silence them once they are in stripped down to their underwear, I was in awe. But the real a team environment. Historically, gender-specific team sports FOB moment came when the striker continued to shoot at the represent a bastion of homophobic anxiety. In such an inti goal. The keeper moved out of the way as the hall rolled in, and mate, homosocial setting, heterosexual ideals and boundaries the winning team had to play the rest of the game buck naked.” are compulsively policed. The original organizers deemed FOB as a “festival” rather Wilkie reflects on the sociopolitical implications of than a “tournament” to sidestep the rigidity that accompa a lesbian soccer festival: “It was about challenging homo nies official tournament status. The added flexibility of a phobia in sports and creating an environment for a soccer “festival” allowed for greater emphasis on community build tournament in which lesbians could be comfortable express ing as well as soccer: “[FOB| was mostly about having a soc ing themselves.” Whether it be playing an entire match in cer tournament that was less focused your skivvies or settling the score with on the rules and regulations and what a hearty makeout session, FOB un felt like the fuddy-duddyness of main doubtedly succeeds in its attacks against stream soccer and more on celebrating institutionalized inhibitions. the community aspect—especially for This spirit of revelry exists on and off women—of playing on a soccer team,” the field. In addition to organizing two remarks Alexa Wilkie, another found solid days of soccer, the FOB pack also ing member of the festival. plans parties held at the end of ail three Other FOB eccentricities.7 Running days of the festival at various venues. (No with beer in hand, kissing the ref at the games are played on the first day.) The end of the game, hugging the goalkeep social aspects of FOB—during games, on ers after a goal, spankings for bad behav the sidelines or at parties—create a unique ior and topless penalty kick shoutouts. environment in which queer women can While the initial tournament was connect. Countless lesbian love stories held in San Francisco, FOB has now began in the sweaty tangles of lightheart taken place in two different countries ed competition. When asked how FOB and four cities. The mobility of the has changed her life, White replies: “All of festival not only enables responsibilities my most important friendships have their roots in FOB.” © to be shared among a broad pcxil of — Millie Supple organizers, but it also allows each city to shape the tournament in its own, Portland hosts F estival OF THE BABES unique way. “Part of the evolution was to export [FOB] to oth Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at Femhill Park in Northeast Pirrtland. if you have a team that is interested in playing, download a form er cities, who ¡would add] their own stamp to the festival,” says and mail it in promptly along with the registration fee. FOB is White. This consistent fresh perspective, she believes, is one run entirely by volunteers and is always looking for extra help. of the reasons FOB is still thriving 17 years after its inception. For more information or to volunteer, visit With its colorful and often raucous antics, it is easy to www.festivalofthebabes.com. overlook the revolutionary nature of Festival of the Babes. It is not merely a huge lesbian party shrouded in the veil of irony and athleticism. In the world of contact sports, FOB M aria C allahan is a certified personal trainer and group represents a radical rebuttal to the patriarchal, homophobic fitness instructor who can be reached via uw. rnariacallahan. net. ideologies that either prevent lesbians from engaging in "With little more than word of mouth, it grew year by year into what it is now: almost w a Halloween, * 6 Gay Pride, Burning Woman, soccer event that now turns teams away." Mix a healthy bug “cocktail”! Detox your yard and garden and make it bird-friendly. Garden pests kill plants that store carbon dioxide. Mix this spray for healthy plants and safer environment: 3 tbsp, baking soda, 2 tbsp. 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