travel THE SAGA OF S.A.G.A.
HOW ONESAN DIEGO-BASED SOCIAL GROUP FOR SKIERS AND SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS IS TURNING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTOA WINTER WONDERLAND
by ken knox
California may be called the “Sunshine State,” but that doesn’t mean its residents can’t take advantage of opportunities to enjoy the bounty of recreational activities held during winter. So, it’s a good thing that Southern Californian’s have their very own ski clubs around to guide snow bunnies in having fun on and off the slopes. Formed in the mid-1970s by a transplanted group of gay skiers who missed their winter ski
trips, SAGA (which stands for skiers and gay athletes) boasts chapters in Los Angeles (its origin locale), San Diego and Northern California, with a cross-membership that allows for members to join in on trips in other cities. “We have a very active membership who takes advantage of six to eight trips per year that regularly sell out,” says San Diego SAGA chapter’s President, Rick Phillips, adding that more than 700 fill the group’s mailing list, which touts a roster of events beyond those held on the slopes. “We keep our members active all year long with a host of activities, including summer pool parties, Halloween and holiday parties and outdoor movie showings under the stars.” Phillips says the events held by SAGA are more about bringing people together than about
what they are doing. “The purpose of the SAGA Ski Club is to provide opportunities for gay men and women to participate in recreational and social activities by planning events for ski and sports enthusiasts during the membership season,” he explains. “These events are held to help members enhance their personal value through club participation.” Although the club was formed back in the days of anti-gay initiatives and Anita Bryant, Phillips reports that “most of the lodges” that
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RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2016
| FEBRUARY 2016
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