Time once again for Outsports to stop the clock for an instant reply of the week that was. It’s my way of memorializing the glorious victories, the ignominious defeats, and the players and personalities who made them, lived them or just couldn’t avoid them.

I realize my roster may differ from yours, and I welcome your comments, contributions and critiques. I read them all! Details on how to reach me are below, after our look at the week’s winners, losers and hopefuls.

Winners: Gay Belgian rower launches Instagram campaign to aid acceptance of LGBTQ athletes

Simon Haerinck’s “Same Sport, Different Sexuality” takes social media by storm with photos emphasizing the bond between gay and straight rowers.

Loser: Rugby Australia reaches settlement with Israel Folau

Former rugby star Israel Folau, who said “hell awaits” gay people, settled with Rugby Australia for a confidential amount, according to a joint statement.

Winner: Bucs kicker Matt Gay says he was bullied because of his last name, will wear anti-bullying cleats

Matt Gay was mocked for his last name and will wear special cleats in Sunday’s ‘My Cause, My Cleats.’

Losers: Team USA loses American Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy to Great Britain

British-born American Olympic freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy told SkySports he’s formally signed with Great Britain in hopes of competing in the 2022 Winter Games.

Winner: Dwyane Wade has no time for anti-LGBT nonsense about his family Thanksgiving photo

Dywane Wade has the perfect response to ‘hate’ and ‘stupidity’ launched at his son with long fingernails.

Losers: Meet some trans athletes who work hard, train like mad and (almost) never win

We don’t really think they’re losers, but the truth is these four trans athletes work harder for slower results. Winning is rare, but they compete for the love of sports.

Winner: Karleigh Webb cracks the code of bias against transgender athletes

Our resident transgender athlete contributor takes a peek at the transphobe’s playbook.

Hopeful: Tom Bosworth on his Olympic engagement, and the defeat that led to suicide attempts

In one year Tom Bosworth went from proposing to his boyfriend at the Olympics to attempting to end his life.

Winner: 8 openly gay and bi college football players played season on their terms

For the eight openly gay or bi college football players, being out athletes enhanced their experiences.

Hopeful: Transgender golfer looking to make her mark on World Long Drive Tour

Jamie O’Neill tackles her next challenge.

Winner: Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe capped her incredible year by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin on Monday in Paris, presented annually now to the top player in women’s soccer.

Losers: Haters who made death threats against Dr. Rachel McKinnon after Donald Trump, Jr. targeted her on Twitter

Writing in The New York Times, transgender cyclist Dr. Rachel McKinnon revealed that she had faced abuse and death threats after Donald Trump Jr’s comments.

Winner: Out college football referee Steve Strimling

Gay referee Steve Strimling was tapped as the head referee for Friday night’s Pac-12 championship. The Oregon Ducks defeated the Utah Utes 37-15.

Winners: Tulane women’s basketball team celebrates 3rd annual Pride Night

From drag queens singing the national anthem to on-court entertainment and education, fans of the Green Waves enjoyed a special night in New Orleans.

Winner: Top English rugby referee Craig Maxwell-Keys comes out as gay

A top English rugby referee has used the Rainbow Laces campaign to come out as gay.

Winners: Gay esports rivals SonicFox and Dragon top 2019 Mortal Kombat Pro Kompetition standings

The participants in multiple “all gay” MK finals finish league play first and second, securing spots in the Final Kombat championship event in March 2020.

Winner: Non-binary esports athlete SonicFox named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 list

The 21-year-old fighting game champion and LGBTQ advocate wins even when they don’t have a controller in their hand.

Winner: NFL Films features Jeff Rohrer’s ‘modern family’ and Cowboys teammates in new special

Former Dallas Cowboys teammates express support for Rohrer, who came out as gay, and his husband and family.

Winner: Gay college hockey team manager finds perfect fit with ‘amazing group of guys’

After coming out to his University of Connecticut team, Gavin Parker finds the strength to be himself and be visible.

That’s all for this week! I’ll bring you a fresh list of winners and losers next Saturday. Got a name I missed, or want to challenge my choices? Comment here or on Facebook or Instagram, tweet at us, message me via any social media, or just plain email me at [email protected] Thanks!

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