Look inward, speak outward

Did you catch any of the “Looking inward and speaking outward” posts this month? With guidance and encouragement from the Equity and Inclusion Committee, PCA social media has made a concerted effort to deepen the authenticity of its public posts by spotlighting not just members of the E&I Committee, but now any of our PCA Member Team cheerleaders from the communities that are being celebrated. Several PCA cheerleaders volunteered to share their stories this month for Indigenous People’s Day (October 11), Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), Filipino American History Month (October), and “Ace Week” (last week of October). 

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LGBTQ+ History Month

October is LGBTQ+ History Month. We believe that the emergence of Charitable Cheerleading is an important part of LGBTQ+ history. We could retell the story, but wouldn’t do it justice. It begins in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Guy Andrade and the Hayward Raw-Rahs. And for the rest, you’ll have to watch this incredible video: Commonwealth Club, Special Shelter-In-Place Edition from Dec 17, 2020, with Michelle Meow interviewing a panel of CHEER San Francisco volunteers, past and present.

Meet A PCA Team: Chicago Spirit Brigade

Hey, Chicago Spirit Brigade! The @CSBstars were positively glowing at Pride Fest Chicago, Andersonville Homecoming, and Market Days! How did it feel to return to public performances? 

The members who returned for the partial season this year said they were excited to be representing CSB again and were even more excited to help raise funds for multiple local nonprofits in the Chicago Land area! Even though we've returned to a very different style routine and to events being much later than normal, it gave us a sense of normalcy. This year, the Brigade had many changes in addition to COVID restrictions - from coaching staff to completely changing the routine format - but with the challenges, there was much more rewarding satisfaction. Enjoy snippets on CSB’s Facebook and TikTok.

Chicago Spirit Brigade was one of the first - and continues to be one of the few - PCA Teams to boast not only a Cheer team but also Dance and Drill. What are the differences and how do you make it all work?

On CSB we have 3 different squads with an additional dance routine known as the Pom Routine. When joining CSB, you must choose between Cheer and Dance. This creates the two teams that ultimately make one Brigade. They practice 3 separate routines on their respective squads before putting them all together to create what is known as the Mega Routine. The Brigade also has a Drill team which is made up of members from each squad (Cheer and Dance). These members must have a year of experience on the Brigade, or prior drill experience. Drill focuses on 3 different types: short single flag, short double flag and tall flag. In previous years, Drill has been its own squad. But, due to dwindling numbers, we’ve opened it up to everyone! Each part of Drill practices once a week to train and form a routine to incorporate into the Mega Routine. Our Pom Routine is open to every member, Cheer or Dance, on a tryout basis. The Pom Routine is hand selected by our Choreographer, Elle. After months of teaching, training and forming routines, the Brigade goes to camp where we put together our Mega Routine to perform at events in the summer. This camp helps each team bond together and see what the squads have been working on. Even though we may seem like separate squads we really are one giant squad!

This question comes from PCA’s Equity & Inclusion Committee: “As we all strive to be more inclusive organizations, what advice can Chicago Spirit Brigade give to other teams?”

CSB believes that we are all united by exploring and learning the difference from every member. We believe that someone with no experience is just as useful as someone with all the experience in the world. This also stands true to each member’s personal background. We let members take part in choosing the beneficiaries for each performance. We learn much through our members and who they nominate to raise funds for. CSB strives to learn about each member's background, culture, heritage, orientation, and personal life preferences.

Gay Games: What's Next?

Last month we learned that Gay Games 11 Hong Kong, originally scheduled for November 2022, is postponed to November 2023. PCA is grateful, as this not only brings added certainty that Gay Games 11 will be THE BEST GAMES EVER, but it gives our leaders more time to plan, and it gives our participants more time to train and more time to save up!

So, what’s next? Watch the latest Webinar for updates from the FGG Co-Presidents, GGHK Co-Chairs, and more! Pre-Registration for GGHK 2023 is still open! And next month is a big milestone for Site Selection for 2026 Gay Games XII. The FGG votes in early November to decide which of the top three bidding cities, Guadalajara, Munich, or Valencia, is selected to host Gay Games 2026!

Sin City Classic 2022

It’s comeback time! ​​PCA returns to Las Vegas for the Sin City Classic Sports Festival January 14-16, 2022 with new and improved opportunities to volunCHEER at sports, perform cheers & stunt routines, compete for medals, fundraise for charity, and bond with your PCA FAMILY! Join us Friday for the Welcome Party, Saturday for volunCHEERing at sports, and/or Sunday for the PCA Charitable Cheerleading Competition (now on separate days by popular demand)! Registration will all be available SOON at PrideCheerleading.org. Get thirsty.

"Sports Psych 'n Stuff"

PCA was featured in the first episode of “Sport Psych n’ Stuff” by Stonewall Performance, created and produced by our friend Dirk Smith, whom we’ve gotten to know through Compete Sports Diversity. In the episode, Dirk draws on his sports psychology background to discuss motivation, energization, determination, and drive, using PCA as a positive example! We work hard every day to exemplify these important facets of sport! We are so grateful to be featured on the forefront!

New PCA Merch!

Did you order your new seasonal items? Fanny packs, neck gaiters, sporty scarves, and zip up hoodies with THUMBHOLES! 👍👍  (Don’t worry! The summer line is still available and always HOT!) Head to the PCA ProShop by FSP Designs. 10% gets donated to PCA with every order!

Palm Springs Pride!

Need some cheer before the end of the year? Palm Springs Pride (Nov 6-7) is that last stop on our #PCAPrideTour for 2021. We will be hosted by Cheer Los Angeles for high-flying, awe-inspiring performances and raising money for Sanctuary Palm Springs. It’s your LAST CHANCE to get that rainbow glow-up on your Facebook photo, too. Click on your Facebook profile photo and select “Add Frame.” Search for “PCA Happy Pride 2021” by @PrideCheerleadingAssociation.