The Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
As a member of NAGAAA since its founding in 1977, the CGSL regularly particapted in the GSWS, which was held respectively in San Francisco, New York, Milwaukee and Los Angeles. In 1980, the leadership ambitiously compiled a bid to host the fifth annual GSWS in Toronto, forming an organizing committee, creating promotional materials, and a logo. The bid was successful and the tournament, better known as "Series V", was held between August 30th and September 5th 1981. Teams arrived from New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St Paul, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New England, and Atlanta. Despite the high profile of the event, then mayor Art Eggleton declined an invitation to throw out the opening pitch. The CGSL fonds contains extensive documentation of this event. The records include meeting minutes, correspondence, press releases, financial records, original artwork, promotional video, photographs, game results, and souvenir programs. Also included are press clippings in which league members promoted both the CGSL as a sports organization and a social collective proudly working to promote gay liberation in Canada.
This exhibit was created by L. Marchiori