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Move over women of Sports Illustrated. The members of the Amazon Dragon paddling club are going to take your title of having next year’s best athletic calendar. Plus, unlike your style of having little clothing coverage—yes body painting a bathing suit still counts as clothing—these Amazonian women are not afraid to bare it all. Demonstrating proudly the beauty of women in all their forms. “Our work shows you can be proud of who you are no matter any size because we are women, and proud of it especially those that are lesbian or bisexual,” states Ms. July Lori Ebeling. Ms. November Susan Hobble adds, “With the imagery in the calendar we show power, beauty but above all we are still like everyone else. There is joy in just being whoever you are and whatever you choose to do to express yourself.”
Amazon Dragon’s calendar is a fundraiser for the team selling for $15 each and available thru their website (http://www.amazondragons.org) Fans will track each day with these athletic women of Portland starting in January 2010 for the next 16 months. With each glossy page the power of unity which is essential to not only to the sport of paddling but for the lesbian culture anywhere is communicated. “Finesse, comfortability, and unity is what it takes to succeed. We have to gel to win,” shares Ms. January Glen Ford. Being the first sports related calendar for the Dragons let alone any athletic team in Portland the monies raised will be used for updating equipment, and being able to compete more often including some international meets.
Practices, competitions, travel, and now putting together the calendar has created strong bonds of friendship among the women of Amazon Dragons. “It was a truly unique experience as even though we are close by competing together to now get naked together was a little outside of the box—nudity was not a way we previously knew each other. It has brought the members more together as an expression of commitment to the team,” explains Ms. Hobble.
Unveiling of the calendar occurred at the last Hot Flash Dance (http://www.hotflashdances.com) at Barracuda night club on August 22, 2009. To a packed house of nearly 300 fans the “calendar girls” signed their respective months, did a runaway show, and danced the night away. Being the only man allowed experiencing the event, I might have felt like Jane Goodall but was amazed at the tribal energy of love I was surrounded in. Attendees also raved about the party and the launch of the Amazon’s calendar. “They are beautiful, strong, and great role models for lesbians in the community,” summarizes Debbie Casselston.