This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, Barb, EB5 Investors, and our Patrons.

PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL: PART 2
We visit Chicago Rowing Union (CRU), the Midwest's only LGBTQ+ rowing organization, and one of just a few such clubs in the world. CRU member and social media manager Michael Toutloff talks with us about the importance of safe spaces and being yourself, finding community and competition on the water, and proudly flying the flag at regattas. 

Chicago Rowing Union
chicagorowingunion.org

Facebook: /chicagorowingunion
IG: @chicagorowingunion
Twitter: @rowcru

Listen to Part 1 of our Pride month special – a chat with LGBTQ+ DC Strokes Rowing Club and the Melbourne Argonauts.

QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Podcast lead-in
01:37 - Rachel and Tara banter about Pride month
03:30 - Team Huddle: Michael’s bio in 45 seconds
04:14 - Tara’s out sick!
05:18 - The Hot Seat Q&A
09:35 - “Set the wayback machine” - learning to row at Indiana University with tulip blades and wooden shells
12:30 - Personal and professional changes led Michael back to rowing after many years off the water
17:33 - LGBTQ+ community in Chicago
20:10 - Partnering with other LGBTQ+ sports organizations for networking and club growth
21:00 - CRU – the only LGBTQ+ rowing club in the midwest – was established in
2006 for the Chicago Gay Games
22:43 - Comparing experiences at CRU with other rowing clubs, and CRU as a safe space where LGBTQ+ members can be themselves
26:07 - Flying the flag of inclusion, and acceptance of the local rowing community
30:25 - Supporting DC Strokes’ boycott of the 2022 USRowing Masters National Championship in Florida
34:48 - CRU is having a renaissance in 2023

This episode was made possible in part by: Breakwater Realty Group, Concept2, Live2Row, Barb, EB5 Investors, and our Patrons

EPISODE Mentions

CLUBS
Chicago Rowing Foundation
Chicago Rowing Union
DC Strokes Rowing Club 🎧
Greater Columbus Rowing Association 🎧Melbourne Argonauts 🎧

EVENTS
Stonewall Regatta
USRowing Masters Nationals

ORGANIZATIONS
Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association

UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Indiana University

This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.