diversity a victory for EAst Bay Regatta

ON THE WATER

Over 300 rowers from across California, as far away as Washington, D.C., compete in Boats Without Barriers to counter event in ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Florida

Ward Mason, left, talks about his experience after competing in the men’s masters novice 1x rowing race as his partner Marc Peters looks on during the inaugural Boats Without Barriers: Out in the Bay Regatta at the Oakland Estuary on Saturday. RAY CHAVEZ — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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By Ethan Varian

evarian@bayareanewsgroup.com

Ward Mason finished last in his race at the East Bay Rowing Club’s inaugural Boats Without Barriers Regatta, held in the Oakland Estuary on Saturday. But for him, entering the event had little to do with winning.

Mason, a trans man who began testosterone therapy a few years ago, said he likely could have placed better racing in the women’s division, rather than competing against men who benefit from having had higher testosterone levels for their entire lives.

“But it feels so affirming to row as a man with other men that it’s worth it,” he said. “I would rather be in last place and folks recognize me for who I am than have to pretend to be someone else.”

Mason was one of about 300 rowers from across California and as far away as Washington. D.C., who participated in the regatta Saturday. The race was created this year to as part of a boycott of the USRowing Masters National Championships, set for Florida later this month. Regatta organizers said attending that event in light of the state’s recent law banning classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by opponents — is at odds with the East Bay Rowing Club’s community-oriented goals.

“If we went (to Florida), it would be opposite to our mission to being a welcoming rowing club to anybody no matter how they identify,” said club director Caroline Cahill.

The event also comes amid a growing national atmosphere of threats and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. A drag queen reading at an East Bay library in June drew a disruptive protest from Proud Boys.

The regatta started Saturday morning under calm blue skies and with near-glassy water conditions. Rowers competing in about 30 races throughout the day completed the 1,000-meter course stretching from the starting line near the Alameda Coast Guard Island to the finish at the Jack London Aquatic Center in Oakland.

Kerry Kingdon, who uses a wheelchair, competed in the regatta’s adaptive race. She took up the sport about five years ago and said it’s helped her fight muscle weakness. Kingdon hopes that by racing in events like Boats without Borders, she can convince others who use wheelchairs to try rowing.

“We need to be out there,” she said. “Let’s show everyone what we can do and have them follow us in.”

Fiona Rosales, a high school senior who entered the regatta representing Oakland Tech’s rowing team, said she counts herself lucky for living in area that’s home to a diverse community of people.

“It’s a lot easier for us to understand everyone’s different sides of things,” Rosales said. “I think this race sends a good message to a lot of people.”

Mason, the trans rower, had some anxiety when he recently decided to start racing that his gender could be challenged at a competition. He said that’s why racing in Boats without Barriers held extra meaning for him.

“It feels so good to be in a place where I can be who I am,” he said.