S4:E13 Midwest Pride: Chicago Rowing Union’s Michael Toutloff

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. 

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

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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

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To see photos of Michael, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

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