Outsports and Q.Digital are proud to present “Ballin’ Out,” an online video series telling the stories of out LGBTQ athletes on the USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.
The series focuses on their journey in 2023, as the team aimed for a gold medal at the World Championships in Dubai. The city-state of Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, which outlaws homosexuality and same-sex relationships.
How will these out LGBTQ athletes and coaches navigate the laws of Dubai as they aim for a medal? Each of them has a different approach, some quieting who they are to avoid any issues.
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The series was produced by Scout Productions and directed by Michiel Thomas. The director Thomas has created other powerful documentaries, including the groundbreaking Game Face, which featured a trans and a gay athlete, as well as Gemmel & Tim, highlighting the lives of two Black men who were victims of a wealthy West Hollywood gay man.
“Our goal was to create excitement about adaptive sports and to celebrate these women for who they are, not despite who they are,” Thomas said. “I’m super stoked to release this series in the wake of the 2024 Paralympics and hope this project will spark viewers to root for Team USA’s quest for gold in Paris!”
The series features several out LGBTQ athletes on the team, including 2024 Paralympians Courtney Ryan, Kaitlyn Eaton and Josie Aslakson. Also part of the series, as well as coaching the USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team at the Paris Paralympics, is Desiree Miller.
Out wheelchair basketball legend Stephanie Wheeler, as well as athlete Mandy Willmore, are also part of the series.
Wheeler is famous for winning Paralympic gold medals as both a player and a coach. She is in multiple Halls of Fame.
You’ll be able to find the full “Ballin’ Out” series on our YouTube playlist.
