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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."
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X*
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