GLAF

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Day	Beginning Time	Duration	Event
Sat, Mar 27, 2004	7:00 PM 9:00 PM	2 hours	Speech: "Facing the Fear ... Being Out in NCAA Division I Athletics"
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NCLR is a national, lesbian, feminist, non-profit law firm. Our mission is to create a world in which every lesbian can live fully, free from discrimination. For the past 27 years, through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, public education and free legal services, we have advanced the legal and human rights of lesbians, gay men and bisexual and transgender individuals across the United States. NCLR is confronting institutionalized homophobia in professional, collegiate and high school athletics through a nationwide campaign with its newest Homophobia in Sport Project.

Facing the Fear ... Being Out in NCAA Division I Athletics

Andrea Zimbardi, former University of Florida NCAA Division 1 softball co-captain, will address obstacles keeping LGBT student-athletes in the closet. Andrea's journey in being removed from the U. OF Fla's softball team her senior year forced her to face the fear of being 'out' on the team. She will speak of the need for more sports people-athletes-to take a stand ensuring fairness for ALL athletes. Andrea's story exemplifies what freedoms and opportunities await the 'out' athlete and how they may materialize in ways never imagined.

Andrea is Four-time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll and former senior co-captain of the University of Florida's softball team. A popular and talented athlete who overcame two knee surgeries to earn a starting position, Andrea hoped to play a key role in the Gator's drive to an NCAA Championship during her senior year. Instead, she was forced to watch from the sidelines as her allegations of discrimination due to sexual orientation were deemed as disrupting team cohesiveness.

In Jan. of 2004 the University of Fla. settled a legal action with Andrea represented by the National Center of Lesbian Rights in which both parties agreed that further training of the U of F coaches, staff and student-athletes concerning the rights of LGBT sports personnel and student-athletes would better serve the University in reaching the true potential of all athletes. Andrea now speaks nationwide on the necessity for fairness and equal opportunity for all athletes on and off the playing field.