Register HERE at Regatta Central
Every
summer, rowers and spectators from around the greater Washington DC
area, nation, and globe gather in Washington, DC for the Stonewall
Regatta, hosted by the DC Strokes Rowing Club (DCSRC). Stonewall is the
only regatta in North America hosted by a Gay & Lesbian rowing
team.
Stonewall
Regatta began in 1994 during preparations for Gay Games IV in New York
City. About a year before the games, DCSRC discovered there was no event
for gay and lesbian rowers. DCSRC quickly organized a regatta at the
Orchard Beach Race Course in Pelham Bay State Park, site of the 1964
Olympic Rowing Trials. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall
Uprising in Greenwich Village in 1969, considered the start of the gay
civil rights movement, this event was named "Stonewall Regatta." The
event was such a success that DCSRC decided to bring it home to
Washington, D.C., where it has since been held every June. Since 2004,
the regatta has been held on the Anacostia River out of the Anacostia
Community Boathouse. The event typically coincides with DC Pride
festivities.
Stonewall
Regatta follows the commitment of DCSRC to bridging gaps between
communities by building an inclusive environment and educating the
public not only about rowing, but also the contributions by the GLBT
community and DCSRC. The event promotes true sportsmanship in an open
and inclusive environment, created not only by the participants
themselves, but also by the event sponsors and volunteers.
Stonewall
does not just highlight and promote rowing in the GLBT community. The
regatta also kicks off the circuit of adult sprint race competitions in
the mid-Atlantic region and draws serious rowers of all stripes from
throughout the area. This year the Regatta expects to welcome roughly
500 rowers. In the past rowers have come from the DC area as well as
from Pittsburgh, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Los Angeles, New
York, San Francisco, Canada, and The Netherlands). Join us as the
tradition of Stonewall continues this year with our nineteenth regatta.