Students protest against Rene Portland
A documentary that looks at the homophobic athmosphere in Penn State women’s basketball during the 27-year tenure of Coach Rene Portland will be screened this Saturday in Philadelphia. The film, “Training Rules,” will show at 7 p.m. at the Ritz East Theater as part of Philadelphia Film Festival – CineFest 09. Writes Cathy Renna, a longtime friend of Outsports, in a release:
Training Rules chronicles a lawsuit filed in 2006 by student athlete Jennifer Harris against Penn State University and women’s basketball head coach Rene Portland. During her 27 years of coaching, Portland enforced three strict rules: no drinking, no drugs and no lesbians. The documentary examines how a wealthy athletic department, enabled by the silence of a complacent university, allowed talented athletes, thought to be gay, to be dismissed from their college team.
Academy Award nominated filmmaker Dee Mosbacher was already involved in directing a project about homophobia in sports when she heard about the case.
“Sensing that this lawsuit would be groundbreaking and might precipitate a much-needed change in women’s sports, I decided to switch gears and make a character driven, social issue documentary viewed through the lens of the lawsuit,” Mosbacher said.
We have long written about the homophobia of Portland, who flatly stated she wanted no lesbians on her team. She resigned in 2007 under pressure, more I suspect from two straight losing seasons than her homophobia that had long been tolerated at the university.
For additional information, a screener DVD, or for interview requests, contact Dee Mosbacher at dmosbacher@aol.com or call 415-307-2268.
It’s a pity this could not be shown in St. Louis this weekend, site of the women’s Final Four.
on Apr 3rd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Penn State – Rene Portland
This situation shows how little Penn State valued women’s sports in particular and building womens’ character in general. How about making “internalized misogyny” a term to fit here.
on Apr 7th, 2009 at 9:06 am
What an amazing film!!!! To see how one coach can destroy so many dreams, lives, of so many athletes, is appalling. Its a good thing this so called coach resigned because after everyone gets to see this film, my estimation would be there would be no girls basketball program because no girl in their right mind would want to play there….gay or straight!!! I applaud Jennifer Harris for bringing this to the attention of all of us and to my friends, Cindy Davies, Corinne Gulas, and Christine Gulas who along with Jennifer stood up against such an evil and destructive person. I love you my friends! Everyone who was involved with this film needs commended. You are all my heroes!!! If you haven’t had the pleasure to see this most inspiring and moving film….find it and go see it. I drove a mere 4 1/2 hours and after seeing it, I would fly to see it!!!!
on Apr 7th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I’m sorry I referred it to girls basketball (which I’m sure at that level the same exists) but to the women’s basketball. I’m old school. What can I say…the outcome is the same..the film is amazing!!!
on May 31st, 2009 at 11:11 am
I saw this movie last night at Portland’s QDOC film festival and director Dee Mosbacher was on hand for a Q&A session…the film is amazing and think it is a must see for everyone, gay or straight. Thanks to Jennifer Harris and everyone in the film for their courage in telling their stories.